Hi! I’m Manny and I’m the new Manchester University mascot! Being a mascot is typically a family business. If your father was a mascot, you’re likely to follow in his footsteps. At least, that’s what happened in my family. I am about to start my dream job and to think that it all started with my grandmother…
My grandmother (you all probably know her as Sami) started out at Manchester College as a cheerleader. She enjoyed cheering, but she never really fit in. She felt like her place was somewhere else. At one of the away football games, she saw our rival’s mascot and began to wonder why Manchester didn’t have one. It was then and there that she became determined to become Manchester’s mascot! She had such incredible school spirit and MC pride that she knew she would be perfect for the job! It took a little while to finally get everyone on board with the idea, but she was so dedicated to the cause that she didn’t care what setbacks she encountered.
After she graduated, she stayed in North Manchester and continued to be the MC mascot. She had so much school spirit, that she named her only son Spartacus. Growing up, he hated the name and went by Steve, but by the time he graduated high school, he had almost as much school spirit as his mother had. He decided to stay in North Manchester and attend Manchester College. Spartacus wanted to take over his mother’s job as the mascot, but she was so attached to her role that she did not want to give it up.
One day, at the last basketball game of the season, Sami was so focused on getting the fans excited that she wasn’t paying attention to the game. A ball came flying at her and hit her so hard it knocked her over. She wasn’t hurt too badly, but she was so embarrassed that she was finally ready to retire and let her son take over as the Manchester mascot. Spartacus was so excited! He was an incredible mascot! He loved his job and everyone loved him! He became so popular that he also decided to stay in North Manchester and continue to be the mascot after he graduated.
As you’ve probably already guessed, Spartacus is my father. I thought that having a mascot for a dad was the coolest thing ever as a child. Then, like any teenager, I thought it was the most embarrassing thing on the planet. Now that I am beginning college at Manchester University, I realize how important a mascot truly is. When people see my dad, they get so excited. You can feel the energy rise when he walks into a room. People cheer and clap and want to take pictures with him. Everyone loves him and all that he represents as the Manchester mascot. I began to feel that same sense of pride that my family has felt for generations. I could not wait for my dad to retire and let me carry on the family legacy!
Unfortunately for my dad, my wish came true much sooner than expected. In June, he was at one of summer orientation days for first year students. He got caught up in the moment and began to jump up and down in his excitement! Then, in an unfortunate turn of events, he came down and landed on his foot wrong. He was rushed to the hospital where he heard the devastating news that he had a broken ankle and had to rest for at least 8 weeks. He was crushed! He didn’t want to miss the homecoming football game!
This is where I come in. I told him that I was ready and could take over for him. I knew I had some pretty huge shoes to fill, but I felt like I was ready. He reluctantly agreed and I began my mascot training. I had no idea how much was involved in being a mascot! Personally, I think that being a mascot should be a major available here at MU. But after a while I got the hang of it. Now, my training is almost complete. I’m so excited to meet you all and to carry on the family tradition!
