2008 Woodie Awards
Cocky-doodle-do
Toni Shippey
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Features
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There is another person who proudly represents JSU as Cocky, sophomore Teyana Benson. This is Teyana's first year as Cocky.
Whenever Cocky is seen around campus the only thing most people really notice is how energetic or goofy he acts. It is not only an act though; it is a lot of work.
The suit is not the most comfortable thing to walk around in; I had to adopt a different type of waddle to keep from tripping over the feet, which still happened quite a bit.
I also had to stare out of a mesh covering in the mouth to see, so I was constantly looking down while trying to see up.
Last, but not least, is the fact that inside the suit it gets very HOT! Marcus tried to warn me as he helped me prepare, but I shrugged it off.
Contrary to what most people would assume, the weather does not have much to with that. I think no matter what the weather is, the person inside is going to sweat quite a bit. We had a good laugh over how drenched I was at the end when all I had done was walk around campus living it up. Just imagine what it is like for them when they are running around doing their antics during the various sports games.
"I enjoy bothering and attacking people, that is the fun part of the job," said Shepherd. "The worst part is when I am in front of a lot of people and can't find a place to remove the head to get some air or take a drink."
Laughing about it now, Shepherd remembers a time when he was in a parade and had to ride the whole way without a break and afterwards had to stay around to meet and greet.
"There are some tough times but when you enjoy it, you enjoy both the good and the bad," he said about the experience.
I learned many interesting things both about being Cocky and the real work that goes into it. There is some tuition assistance involved, though not as much as I had originally thought. Only 25% of tuition is covered. They are looking into increasing that in the future, though.
When the cheerleaders go to camp there is also a camp held for mascots. It is a three-day camp where they work on the different aspects of being a college mascot.
Many different schools send their mascots there. Marcus got to meet mascots from schools like Auburn, Michigan State and LSU. They prepared a skit to perform for the cheerleaders at the end of camp.
Camp isn't all fun. They have to stay in their suits for eight hours a day. They also go over the rules and regulations that mascots have to follow. These are things like, if opposing mascots are going to play fight it has to be discussed beforehand and agreed upon, or the fact that mascots may not be human at any time. They also have to keep moving at all times. The next time you see Cocky out, watch him; no matter who is in the suit, they never stop moving.
Besides being the most well known person on campus, being a college mascot can help advance a person into that type of profession. A former Cocky, LaSandra Nash, is currently doing her internship at Walt Disney World in Florida. They came to JSU for her tryout and may be coming back in the spring for Marcus to tryout. He is unsure of his plans, but is seriously considering it.
Cocky tryouts are held annually, but not too many people have made it out lately to them. The tryout consists of a minute to a minute and a half themed skit put to music. If anyone is interested in learning more about this you can contact Michelle Alford at 782-8345. After my experience as Cocky, I told Marcus not to be surprised if I just show up next year for the tryout! I had a great time!