St. Bonaventure University unveiled its new mascot at the second annual Fan Jam on Oct. 24.
The mascot cost $9,500, according to Seth Johnson, director of athletics marketing and promotions.
“A substantial portion of that cost was covered by donations from alumni,” said Johnson. Johnson did not provide an exact amount.
The old mascot costume debuted in 1998, said Johnson.
“The costume itself was showing wear and tear, both outside and inside,” he said, explaining that the old outfit was beginning to smell “horrible” and that its teeth were falling out.
Students offered mixed reactions to the new mascot costume.
“Personally, I like the new mascot,” said Colleen Corrado, freshman biology major. “The look of the new mascot is fierce and represents our teams better than the old mascot did. By bringing in a new mascot, Bonas has prompted students to get pumped for games before the season starts.”
Freshman biology major Geoffrey Broadbent agreed with Corrado.
“It’s alright,” said Broadbent, “but its eyes are a little much… but overall, it seems more ‘mascot’ in the sense it’s not so friendly [as the old uniform].”
Sophomore marketing major Colleen Corey said overall she liked the new mascot. However, she was less convinced about the mascot’s new number.
“I don’t understand why they changed the jersey number,” Corey said. “It used to be Andrew Nicholson’s number, 44,” she explained, “which made sense, as Nicholson is our most successful recent player.”
Andrew Nicholson was a 2012 graduate of Bonaventure. He was drafted to the Orlando Magic as a power-forward post-graduation, where he remains.
The new mascot wore the number 15 at its unveiling on Oct. 24, the number of former forward/center, Chris Dees.
mcelfrdh14@bonaventure.edu
