by Mat George |
Kearney’s is the Bull Dog, Staley’s is the Falcon and ours is the Blue Jay. The mascot shows up to home games, assemblies and other high school events in order to get the students riled up. Instead of there being just one person in the blue jay outfit, there are a team of people who take turns. The group of students who wear the mascot uniform are known as “Team Blue Jay.”
“This is the first year for the concept of Team Blue Jay,” assistant principal Penny Holm said. “Interested students had to fill out an application and get a sports physical to meet MSHSSA requirements,” she said.
Although this is the first time for some of the members, being the mascot is a familiar thing for some people.”
“I did it junior year. It was fun and we got to pump people up before games, at assemblies and at tailgates,” senior Staci Gann said. “I do it because it’s fun and brings excitement to the game. It’s definitely a plus to be able to say that you’re an excitement factor.”
There were many ways that Holm tried to get the word out about tryouts for the mascot team.
“I found out by the fliers. I figured there’d be a huge crowd so I turned my paper and physical in early,” junior Kyle Gabrielson said. “I was the first person to officially sign up.”
There are a couple of downfalls to wearing the suit.
“It gets really hot in the outfit. If I were to rate it on a scale of one to ten it would probably be at an eleven,” Gann said. “We’re not allowed to wear it when it’s raining because it would ruin it and it’s very expensive to replace. It’s hard to see out of so you have to have someone escort you everywhere you go.”
In some students’ opinions, Team Blue Jay is a great way to get the rest of the crowd cheering.
“I think the blue jay mascots are an inspirational tool for the community of Liberty High School,” senior Hannah Knapp said. “It’s a great way to build school spirit.”
Team Blue Jay mascots have their favorite parts about being on the team.
“My favorite activities to be at are the assemblies because everyone is so engaged and excited so you can run around like an idiot,” Gann said.
