Roaring students were gathered at Bucks on Wednesday, Feb. 16, for a pep rally to cheer for the unveiling of the college’s first-ever live mascot, the Centurion, performed by Doug Weinreich.
The afternoon was a big success. The Gallagher Room was filled with students, staff and press to witness the mascot’s unveiling.
Lunch, free t-shirts, a performance by the Dance Team, contests and prizes run by Radio Bux were included.
The afternoon evolved in to a photoshoot as students did not miss a beat in taking selfies with their Centurion.
“I felt ecstatic, a moment I will never forget,” says Weinreich.
The idea was proposed by the Student Life Office in the fall and was approved by Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt.
Student Government Association President Matt Kelly, a 20-year-old business studies major from Southampton, said, “we are getting into a time where it’s important for school spirit because sports are now flourishing, and the mascot is really the catalyst for this.”
Shanblatt said that on “Nov. 2, 1965, students of Bucks were provided the chance to choose a mascot; in the end selecting the Centurion.”
The Centurion is known for being, “vigilant, self-restrained, active, and ready to execute orders,” and was chosen because it “reflects the qualities most desirable in Bucks students.”
Director of Student Life Matt Cipriano said: “Student Life raised approximately $8,000 in five days to help pave the way for the professionally made costume,” which was produced by Keystone Mascots.
“Money was raised in donations from students, faculty and the community through Go Fund Me and collection jars.”
Student Life also held a coin war, where four teams competed to see who could raise the most pennies.
Pennies were positive points and silver coins were negative points. “Silver coins were placed in competing jars to try and throw off the curve, but in the end Business Studies and Art won,” said Kelly.
The mascot will not just represent Bucks at sports events, but will also “represent at community special events, and at future signing agreements,” says Cipriano.
But who is the mascot?
Assistant Athletics Director Justin Burroughs says, “the mascot will be not just one person, but a couple of people, and students can apply for the opportunity (to be the mascot) through Student Life.”
As Weinreich explained, “The costume was a bit tight, I’m 6 foot 5, so I’m sure whoever is the next mascot will fit into it better.”
Burroughs also says he is “very excited for this moment, because athletics are continuing to grow; a live mascot will give the school more exposure in the community and help spread good things.”
Dance team member Melissa Arrendell, a 21-year-old physical therapy major from Levitown, believes that a mascot makes the school better because “it brings more energy and life to the school.”
Members of the men’s basketball team, including sports management major Brett Wolf from Quakertown, 20, and pre-allied health major Rober Williams from Philadelphia, 20, agreed that “having a mascot is really exciting because now there is so much more school spirit.”
Now that our mascot is home, what is the next step? A mascot must have a name. Students will now vote for one and the winner will be presented in the coming weeks.