New CLC mascot draws thumbs-up as goodwill ambassador

For the first time ever, the College of Lake County has a live mascot. Appearing at events ranging from open houses to basketball games, the new Lancer knight mascot has been making the rounds, high-fiving kids, engaging adults and drawing smiles from everyone.

Although the mascot doesn't have an official name yet, the big-helmeted knight in soft, fabric "armor" is the result of six months of planning, design and concept testing.

The mascot's public debut, at a CLC Open House on Nov. 12, was an instant hit, eliciting smiles and selfies, according to Nic Scandrett, director of Athletics and Physical Activity. The same reaction occurred days later at a basketball double-header featuring the men's and women's teams. "Hip-hop music was playing over the loudspeaker, and as the mascot was doing a dance-off on the side of the main court, a huge circle of students surrounded him," Scandrett said. "All kinds of students were taking selfies. He also interacted playfully with little kids, and they just ate it up."

Scandrett spearheaded a staff committee, which set goals and later hired an Ontario-based firm that specializes in mascots. The company's creations have ranged from university mascots to the M&M's characters. "Our committee reviewed several design concepts, and after getting feedback from student groups, we eventually achieved consensus on the look and feel," he said.

CLC purchased two costumes, one for athletic events and the other for non-athletic functions. "This investment will have a great payoff for the college," he said. "We wanted something big, attention-grabbing and extraordinary, not lame or cheesy. The design reflects the college's new brand, and the costume's craftsmanship and technology are off the charts. For example, the costume uses frozen ice packs to keep the wearer cool. The knight's helmet has a cooling fan, and an exhaust vent allows the operator to breathe easily."

The staff committee is writing rules for the mascot's behavior, including a no-speaking mandate. "When a costumed character speaks, it takes away the cartoon element of it," Scandrett said. "The character is expected to do a lot of exaggerated gestures that add hilarity. In addition, the mascot is not to be disruptive during the national anthem. And he's not allowed to take off his helmet in public. His identity is to be kept secret."

In September, the college hired a CLC student experienced in performing as a mascot in high school and at Six Flags Great America. "This is not a job that anybody can do," Scandrett said. "The mascot needs to have a combination of athleticism and acting skills, plus an ability to follow rules of behavior while also being spontaneous."

The student playing the new Lancer considers the mascot to be an ambassadorial role. "People have been loving the experience, and I've been loving it right back," said the student, a business major who hopes to go into sports marketing. "This is really helping boost CLC's school spirit."

One student who has seen the new mascot perform in dance-offs with students and children is sophomore Nicole Livengood. "He's funny and gets everyone excited," she said. "It makes CLC stand out among other colleges."

Lancer athletes are noticing the new enthusiasm, too. "The crowds have been feeding off the new mascot, and it makes me want to play a lot harder to keep the crowd happy," said Oronde Fleming, a forward on the Lancer men's basketball team. "It's really cool."

"Besides sporting events, we envision the mascot appearing at non-athletic functions such as STEM for Girls, which introduces middle-school students to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Dr. Patrick Peyer, dean of Enrollment Services, who was involved in the mascot's development. "If kids and their adult chaperones take pictures with the mascot and have an overall fun experience at an event, that creates a lasting impression."