Meet the Mascots

Mascots at SUNY carry a heavy responsibility of lifting our schools' identities and spreading cheer among students, staff, and community all across New York State. We're lucky to have some of the best in the business, but now they're ready to compete against each other once again in the 2023 edition of SUNY Mascot Madness to find out who is the best of the best. Learn what makes them each unique and worthy of carrying the title of the New York's favorite and SUNY Mascot Ambassador.

2023 SUNY Mascot Madness Participants:

Ram-bo - Farmingdale

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am the one and only Ram-bo the Ram, Farmingdale State College’s mascot, brn and raised in the center of Long Island! Green is my favorite color, by the way, and at FSC there is green everywhere! I’m proud to be a first-generation college mascot.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I have been the Farmingdale mascot for as long as I can remember. Before that I was working on the campaign to replace sheep with flamingoes in the counting-to-fall-asleep gig and butting heads with their people.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Lifting – lots of lifting, and eating anchovy and dandelion pizzas, burritos, foot-long clover subs, family-size Almond Joys, and puny mascots. Planking is so over-rated.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Criminalistics in the Criminal Science Department. I love following clues at a crime scene and using my cunning intellect and animal instincts to figure out who done it!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? That’s easy! Madison Square Garden, where all the champs play. That’s where the FSC Rams belong. Plus, I love the french fries there.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? I’d say actor Rushi Kota ’09. He’s almost as incredibly good-looking and funny as I am and we’re frequently mistaken for each other. And he rocks a wool suit.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Ramblin’ Man—although I might tinker with the lyrics. It reflects my hoof-loose and fancy-free philosophy.

Tiberius - Monroe CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Tiberius the Tribune, the mascot for Monroe Community College. I was born and raised here in Rochester, New York, the same city where my school is located.
2.  How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I have been the official mascot for Monroe Community College for my whole life, and it's been an incredible experience. I love getting out there and hyping up the crowd at our sporting events and school functions.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? In the offseason, I stay in shape by practicing my dance moves in our dance studio and doing some strength training at our gym. I also work on improving my performance skills and studying up on new cheers and chants to bring to our games.
4.  What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? There are so many great courses to take at Monroe Community College. As a mascot, I'm always looking for ways to promote the performing arts, and my favorite unique course at MCC is our Broadway Musicals class. It's a great way to learn about the history and artistry of Broadway shows, from classic musicals to contemporary hits. Plus, it's always fun to practice my dance moves and show tunes - who knows, maybe I'll even audition for a local production one day! Overall, this course has helped me appreciate the power of music and performance in bringing people together and creating a sense of community.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? I would love to see our school's next big game hosted at the picturesque Erie Canal. The historic waterway is a symbol of the industrious spirit that built our great state, and its serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for an exciting game day atmosphere. Plus, being near the canal would give our fans easy access to all the great local restaurants and shops in the area.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? I think the best sidekick for my mascot duties would have to be former Monroe Community College student and legendary musician Lou Gramm of Foreigner. Not only is he a talented musician, but he's also a true inspiration to our students. I would be honored to have him by my side during games and events.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? When it's time to make my grand entrance, there's one song by Lou Gramm that always gets the crowd going - "Juke Box Hero"! The upbeat rock and roll sound and inspiring lyrics always get everyone on their feet and ready to cheer on our teams.

Red - Oneonta

1. Who are you and where are you from?  I’m Red, a fierce but friendly dragon, and I’m from SUNY Oneonta, located in the beautiful “City of the Hills” – Oneonta, NY.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  Ever since I can remember. Very proud to say I was crowned Mascot Madness champion in 2021! I love getting a crowd fired up, whether that’s at an athletic event, new student orientation or campus traditions like Red Day and Pass Through the Pillars! But my favorite is just walking around campus, posing for selfies with students and giving high-fives and hugs.
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  Working out at Alumni Field House, starring in TikToks, practicing my fire breathing and mastering some new dance moves.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  COMP 3037: Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction. I’m working on the next great fantasy series, inspired by the amazing J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Paolini.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  Howe Caverns would be right up my alley. But the National Baseball Hall of Fame in nearby Cooperstown would probably be more fitting.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  That’s easy. ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, from the Class of 1977! He would be the best.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons! They’re my favorite band (for obvious reasons), and this song just gets in your head and makes you feel good.

Big Blue - Alfred State

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Big Blue I am from Alfred State. I represent Pioneer Pride, Purpose, and Promise!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Orvis the Pioneer was the mascot for the Pioneers before me. Orvis retired from Alfred State in 2018. It’s been five years since I became the school’s mascot.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Offseason?? I’m never in offseason, with our 17 sports in Alfred State and three on the way, I never stop working!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Nutrition would have to be my all-time favorite course. Shout out to Professor Shaloo!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Letchworth State Park! We could definitely stick some sort of field in there.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Dylan Perlino, a track and field athlete, has overcome so much in his time here at Alfred State and in life! When he leaves, he will always be welcomed back to escort me around!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? 300 Violin Orchestra this song pumps me up before every game it motivates me to get the best out of myself and the confidence to help our teams win games.

Coby T Tiger - Cobleskill

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Coby the Tiger from SUNY Cobleskill!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I have been the SUNY Cobleskill mascot since the 1970’s, so over 50 years!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? My offseason training consists of going for my daily run around campus where I get to see the livestock, they look pretty tasty...
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? My favorite unique course to take here is the Cannabis Harvest and Analysis class where we harvest hemp and see how we can improve our management techniques for the next growing season!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? I would love to see Madison Square Garden host out next big game. Since live upstate, I've only heard about how exceptional NYC pizza and bagels are but haven't been able to try them for myself, this would be a perfect opportunity!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?
7. The best alumni to be my sidekick would be Kelsey DeZalia because she was a wildlife management major and will know how keep me focused on school spirit instead of being distracted by the livestock...
8. One song to make an entrance to. - what is it and why? My preferred song to make and entrance to is We’re All in this Together – High School Musical, because supporting SUNY Cobleskill and our sports teams is my favorite mascot duty!

Tripp Thunderwolf - Niagara CCC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m Tripp Thunderwolf from Niagara County Community College, named after the roaring Niagara Falls.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? This year marks our 60th anniversary!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? There is no offseason when you’re winning championships!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  I’ve taken a bunch of cannabis courses at NCCC. It’s fun to be a part of this new, growing industry.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  It’s a tie between showing our high batting average at Coca-Cola Field, or taking a slapshot on the ice at Canalside in Buffalo.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? It would be an honor to have Joshua Vacanti ’14 sing the national anthem at our sporting events. He made it to the semifinals on season 21 of NBC’s The Voice.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  Thunderstruck by AC/DC.

Damien - University at Albany

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m Damien the Great Dane and I’m from the University at Albany.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? The Great Dane has been UAlbany’s mascot since 1965, but I had a glow up in 2020. I’m now     refreshed and ready to win.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Offseason? There’s no offseason for me. In the summer when other mascots are resting, I’m hanging out with our incoming students getting them amped to be a Great Dane. I train all year long.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? A MUS 226. Also known as Hip Hop Music and Culture.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Our UAlbany eSports team is insanely talented. The digital screens at Times Square should show all our games. Overwatch, League of Legends, Fortnite, Madden (the list goes on). Actually, all UAlbany sporting events in general should be on the digital screens at Times Square. Oh, and the new arena at UAlbany is going to be totally paw-some. It’s going to be a landmark you won’t want to miss. You can catch our Men’s and Women’s Division 1 basketball teams playing here next season.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? While we have a lot of amazing “human” alumni, my best side kick is always going to be my pal and mascot alum Pedwin the Penguin, the original mascot at UAlbany. Pedwin+Damien 4LYFE!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Who Let the Dogs Out is way too basic. Woof. Shame on any other dog mascot who picks that. I’m walking out to Purple Haze. I bleed purple (and gold). Oh, and Pedwin requests anything from the Happy Feet soundtrack

Hugo Hawk - New Paltz

1. Who are you and where are you from? My name is Hugo the Hawk, and I’m from New Paltz, New York, where we have an incredible village, beautiful mountain ranges and some of the best students in all of SUNY!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Since I was a baby Hawk. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve come along way!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? At a place like New Paltz, there is no offseason! I stay busy all year round getting to know students, showing love to our 16 varsity teams, and being a supportive ally for all my friends on campus.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? There are so many to choose from, but one of my top choices is our class in digital design and 3D printing. New Paltz has the biggest 3D printing lab at any university on the east coast! I’m hoping the professors there will help me make the nest of my dreams.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  I’ve always dreamed about playing under the bright lights at Citi Field. The New Paltz Orange & Blue jerseys would look perfect in the home of the Mets!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Oh, this is so hard! New Paltz has more than 70,000 alumni doing cool things in the world, so choosing just one feels wrong. But I recently made friends with Robert Kyncl ’95, the new CEO of Warner Music Group! He used to be the COO at YouTube, and I know he has the connections to help me get my showbiz career up off the ground!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  AC/DC – Thunderstruck • You might think that a Hawk would be afraid of the thunder and lightning, but it actually gets me super motivated to bring the energy on campus each and every day!

Blaze -  Cortland  

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Blaze, Red Dragon defender of the mighty SUNY Cortland realm and lord of all intelligent, mythical reptiles. Feel free to tremble.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Since 1933. If you’ve seen me move on the sidelines or cavort about campus, it’s probably hard to believe that I’m 90 years old. Guess that’s what happens when you live on one of the nation’s healthiest and most active campuses!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? I do it all. Weights, swimming, yoga, rock wall, you name it. And SUNY Cortland has amazing facilities for whatever training I want. I mean, have you seen the Student Life Center? So many activities!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? The Psychology of Pseudoscience. It’s intended to teach critical thinking by examining why people believe in things like Bigfoot, ghosts and the Loch Ness Monster. I love to watch those posers get put in their place. Everyone knows I’m the only supernatural entity worth believing in!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Wow, that’s tough. Once you play the Cortaca Jug football game in Metlife Stadium and Yankee Stadium, you kinda feel like you’ve done it all. Maybe we’ll stay local until the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium opens.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain “Funkmaster” Sterling ’12. He was a two-time All American wrestler for Cortland and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Talk about moves!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? “We are the Champions” by Queen. I think it’s self-explanatory.

Blue - Empire State

1. Who are you and where are you from? Blue from SUNY Empire State (soon to be Empire State University)
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? 3 years and 3 months.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? There is no offseason, I am at full-tilt 24/7, 365 days a year.
4.  What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Human Psychology. Always trying to improve my understanding of humans.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? As SUNY’s online institution, our games are played online, and our landmark would be the World Wide Web.
6.  Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Our military and veteran alumni. Some fly, some dress in blue, and they all have an affiliation with my cousin, the bald eagle.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? A Decade in Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eiffel 65. It’s all about being blue! “Yo, listen up here's a story - About a little guy bird that lives in a blue world.”

Reggie Raider

1. Who are you and where are you from?  Reggie The Raider from Fulton Montgomery Community College
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  Since 2014! 9 years
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  Shooting hoops in the Raiders Den and keeping our three, 2022-23 Region 3 Title plaques clean.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  Computerized Accounting.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  Madison Square Garden
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  Greg Ruddy - A standout baseball player that transferred to SUNY Brockport...Once a Raider, Always a Raider!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Song

Viking - Hudson Valley CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Victor the Viking! After jumping ship on a North American voyage hundreds of years ago, I froze in an iceberg that traveled up the Hudson River to Troy, New York. I proudly represent Hudson Valley Community College, the Capital Region's largest community college.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Hudson Valley was founded in 1953, and the student body voted me in as our official mascot shortly thereafter! It’s hard to believe that I have proudly represented the college for nearly 70 years now!!! Go Vikings!!!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? I like to stay active by taking some of the fitness courses at Hudson Valley. Some of my favorites include Body Conditioning, HI-LO Impact Aerobics and Zumba. What a workout!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Hudson Valley offers an exceptional Welding and Fabrication program, and the unique curriculum includes courses in areas like CAD, metrology and metallurgy. Those are some of my favorites. Plus, students have the opportunity to use new virtual reality welding simulators in the labs. Pretty cool!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Well, if not at home at the Joe Bruno Stadium at campus, I think it’d be awesome to have a game at MVP Arena in Albany, New York, right here in the Capital Region and around the corner from SUNY. The arena is well-known for hosting a wide range of fantastic events and shows and can hold up to 15,500 fans for sporting events. Now that would be a big crowd!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? It’s hard to pick from so many amazing alums, but I would have to go with John Gray ’83. He is an evening news anchor for News Channel 10 and a terrific writer and journalist. During his time at the Hudson Valley, John was the editor of the college’s newspaper, and over the last several years, he has collaborated with the college for many events. John would be a great sidekick because his writing and public speaking skills could really help me prepare for upcoming games! And, well, maybe I could meet his amazing dogs too!
7. One song to make an entrance to —what is it (and why)? I think “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project would be a cool song to make an entrance to. This instrumental piece has become especially popular at sporting events and is a notable song played at Chicago Bulls home games. The song’s upbeat tone would totally get the players, the Viking fans and myself ready for any big game!

Perseus - Purchase

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m Perseus the Panther— from the beautiful Purchase, NY in Westchester County… a true New Yorker through and through!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Since January 2007. The campus gave me my name, Perseus, honoring the Greek mythology figure of the same name.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Lots and lots of pickleball!!! I also enjoy running on the campus’ cross country trail and swimming laps in the pool.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Circus Class. Purchase offers a ton of unique courses though so it’s hard to choose a favorite!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Highmark Stadium. Go Bills!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Our Athletic Facilities Manager and Sports Information Director…they are both Purchase Alumni!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? “You Only Live Twice” by Drake feat. Rick Ross & Lil Wayne…Drake performed at Purchase during his first college tour in 2009. That performance was his second of the tour and first in New York!

Pawz - Corning CC

1. Who are you, and where are you from?  My name is Pawz, and I’m the official mascot of SUNY Corning Community College. Being a bear, I’m a symbol of strength and courage for our students. I was born and raised in the Spencer Crest Nature Center; the nature preserve on our campus!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  I was adopted as a cub in 2016, and I quickly became an essential part of the campus community. I came from humble beginnings as a “concept” for the school's sports teams to my current status as a beloved symbol of CCC's pride and spirit. I must admit, I’ve had a lasting impact on our campus and students.
3. What is your off-season training composed of?  During the off-season, it’s my job to help CCC student-athletes reach their full potential. I promote our training programs to ensure athletes stay in shape and improve their skills during the off-season. On occasion, I join the athletes at our fitness facility, where I continue to motivate them! I focus on helping student-athletes thrive during the offseason and prepare for success on the field.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  I love everything STEM-related. One unique program that I love, and that is new at SUNY CCC, is Mechatronics. Mechatronics involves mechanical, electronic, computer, robotic, and control systems. It’s a growing field with so many incredible job opportunities for our graduates!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school's next big game?  Did you know that Bear Mountain in Upstate New York is great for hosting a big game? I know, you are probably thinking I’m biased since I’m a bear myself, but hear me out - the stunning views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities provide an ideal backdrop for large-scale events! I truly believe hosting a big game in Bear Mountain would be "a bear-tastic event!"
6. Which of your school's alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  Colonel Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a U.S. space shuttle, is an inspiring example of how having an exceptional sidekick can help us reach CCC’s mission of “Empowering Students and Elevating Our Community.”  Col. Collins is a role model for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and has actively advocated for STEM. With Collins’ accomplishments and my driven nature, we would make the perfect duo to help students succeed!
7. One song to make an entrance to- what is it and why?  “Jump Around” by the House of Pain! My answer is simple: the song captures and excites the audience! “Jump Around” is catchy enough to stay in their memory long after the show, especially with my dancing skillz.

Benji the Bengal -  Buffalo State

1. Who are you and where are you from?  I’m Benji the Bengal from Buffalo State University!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  I have been the mascot since I was born!
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  I like to bench lacrosse goals and eat chicken wings to keep me in tip-top shape.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  My favorite class is cat studies. I always show up early so I can get a front row seat.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  Niagara Falls would be an amazing location to host our next big game! Maybe against Fredonia for extra bragging rights.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  Mayor Byron Brown is one of my best friends! I think he would be the perfect partner for me!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  Eye of the Tiger is my favorite song. Do I really need to explain?!

Mo the Mustang - Morrisville

1. Who are you and where are you from?  I am Mo the Mustang Mascot from SUNY Morrisville. I am saddled with happiness to be competing in Mascot Madness again. #MustangProud
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  It’s been a stable career since 2020.
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  I rein in a lot of hours at our new student recreation center, playing basketball, pickleball and archery tag with students. You can also find me at our equine rehabilitation center, walking and getting conditioned in our underwater treadmill.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  MOssage Therapy
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  The Coliseum at the Great New York State Fair. It is also where our Belgian Hitch competes.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  Sharp Humor, who competed in the Kentucky Derby! Our students trained him during a portion of his career.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen because it follows the mission and the energy of the college. Mustangs have a lot of spirit, you know! And they are known to withstand!

Wolfie Seawolf - Stony Brook

1. Who are you and where are you from? Hi, my name is Wolfie and I am the mascot for Stony Brook University. I represent the pride and school spirit of all of our Seawolves. I am also the Mascot Madness reigning champion!
2.  How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I’ve been a mascot since 1995, when Stony Brook University finally became a Division 1 school. That’s all the way back when The Babysitters Club came out. It’s been a fun journey being Stony Brook’s mascot for the last 28 years, and I’ve had the opportunity to change and grow a lot!
3.  What is your offseason training composed of? During the offseason, I like to make sure that my training is varied. I am a Marine Biology and Cheerleading double major, so I really like to stay active near the water. I am an avid rower, which is an amazing full-body workout; I like to finish off my sessions with some yoga on the beach to wind my body down! I am also an avid dancer, though when the campus is shut down I usually have to resort to Dance Dance Revolution. Last summer I also picked up hiking! After winning Mascot Madness 2022 I wanted to explore the rest of New York State, so I decided to hike all of our state's beautiful fire towers! After hiking all 44 of them, I feel like I got a much better understanding of how amazing our entire state is (And some super strong calves)! I am still partial to the beaches of Long Island though!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? My favorite course at Stony Brook University has to be AST 248 - The Search for Life in the Universe. I really enjoyed getting to look deep into the universe, but even with all that looking, I can’t find any mascots as good as me! Guess I really am the best mascot in the universe!
5.  What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? It would be so much fun to win a game at the Sands Point Preserve. That beautiful area was part of what inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write The Great Gatsby! The preserve has beautiful ocean views, three castles, and plenty of hiking trails with wildlife.
6.  Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Douglas Vakoch Ph.D ‘96! He’s the President and founder of METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and is a researcher for SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). With him by my side, I may finally be able to locate another mascot that is on my level somewhere in the universe!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? falcoWolves - Big Sean ft. Post Malone: This song talks about how my pack and I (the Seawolves) are close and loyal to each other, like a real wolf pack. It says, “Go against the pack, that's risking your life,” which should act as a message to all of my competitors.

Walter Wildcat - SUNY Polytechnic Institute

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Walter E. Wildcat, Wildcat extraordinaire from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Since the late 1960’s when I was prowling around “The Mills” in downtown Utica.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Catnaps, Utica Greens, and catching a few shows at The Egg in Albany, NY.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Com 429: Profession Game Production. I’m currently working on SUNY Poly’s newest video game featuring yours truly.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Our SUNY Poly Women’s basketball team will take the floor at Madison Square Garden and show the Knicks how we do it in Upstate New York.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Mike Aiello 17’ G’19 - He’s the cat’s meow!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? If you ask some of my competitors, they will say “Smelly Cat.” I don’t know why, but I feel I give off the scent of victory.

Falco - Dutchess CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m Falco and I’m from Poughkeepsie!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I’ve been representing Dutchess Community College for well over 60 years.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? I like to stay in peak form throughout the offseason. When it’s too cold or windy to fly, I hope into the Redbird flight simulator in our Aviation Education Center and get some flight hours.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Aviation Law by far.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Bannerman’s Island. A big game played in the ruins of an old castle? That would be awesome!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? I would have to pick Keith Daly. He played basketball with us and now is the CEO of Footlocker! It’s hard to find shoes in my size and I bet he could hook me up.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters. It’s so inspiring! Plus it’s got learning mixed in there and we’re all about learning at DCC.

Leo the Lion - Nassau CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am the one and only "Leo" the Lion and I represent the best community college in the entire United States of America, SUNY Nasau Community College. #GoLions
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I have been Leo for 9mths, but it feels like I was always meant to be The Lion, not just for NCC but for the world!
3. What is your offseason training composed of? My off-season training is the fun combination of working out an hour a day, but most importantly learning the latest and greatest dance moves. You must give the crowd what they ask for!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? One of my favorite unique courses to take a NCC would most definitely be Macroeconomics with Professor Rosemary DeRiso. Big Big Big Lion Roar to her! That class will make you want to learn about the world economies, but Professor DeRiso’s personal stories will definitely make you feel like you are sitting in an impromptu mic session. There is never a dull moment in her class. 
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? I would want Rockefeller Center to be the hot of Nassau’s next big game, and all of the students to swarm over the field to cheer!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? There would be no one better than Nsikak Ekong to be a sidekick to the mascot. He lights up any room he walks into, and his laugh is contagious as it comes. Love you NC!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  Leo loves to make an entrance to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black-Eyed Peas because every night the Nassau Lions have a game that is turned into a “Good Night” because we are all winners at NCC! #GoLions

Ellsworth Eagle - Brockport

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Ellsworth Eagle and I’m from the best land of all: Brockport, NY.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? 67 proud years
3. What is your offseason training composed of? There is no offseason when you’re as much of a fan favorite as I am
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Sports Nutrition. Gotta always be in the best shape to do my important job.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? I personally like to think that SUNY Brockport’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium is the best NY landmark there is. It is the largest DIII football stadium in the state, afterall.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Bill Fichtner
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Fly Eagles Fly – for obvious reasons.

Blaze - Onondaga CC

1. Who are you and where are you from?  I’m Blaze from OCC in Syracuse, NY!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  I’ve been a mascot for 7 years now.
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  Cold brews and s’mores cookies from the Starbucks in Gordon Student Center.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  I have a hard time picking between Drone Assembly & Repair or Fire Protection Technology (FPT): Fire Dynamics.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  We love to visit our neighbors and compete in The Dome.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  There’s so many amazing people to choose from! I loved meeting famous author Laurie Halse Anderson at graduation last year when she received an honorary SUNY degree to go along with her associate’s.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Thunder by Imagine Dragons. Like they say in the song, I’m a young gun who wants to let loose. Besides, when I arrive in a blaze of lightning, thunder comes right after

Roody - Canton

1. Who are you and where are you from? I am Roody Roo from Canton!
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? SUNY Canton adopted me in 2007.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Hopping around and emulating Rocky Balboa’s training routine.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Any of the classes in the Veterinary Technology program.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? The Lake Placid Olympic Arena is the logical choice!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Former standout basketball player Andrew Fitch was from Australia.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Jump by Van Halen makes me want to pull on my spandex and do what I was born to do.

Blaze the Bronco - Delhi

1. Who are you and where are you from?  I am Blaze the Bronco! I am from SUNY Delhi, one of the most scenic campuses in all of SUNY with rolling mountains as far as the eyes can see.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  I was born this way!
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  I cross-train by utilizing all the best spots on campus – swimming in the college pool, teeing off at the golf course, sprinting in our athletic dome, shooting hoops and playing ball games on the various courts around campus, or lifting weights at the gym!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  Since I’m wild about sports and making physical activity accessible to everyone, I love our “Recreation for Special Populations” course where we learn how to plan and host recreational activities to persons with disabilities and special needs!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? The Saratoga Horse Racing Track is an official Path Through History NY site. I would love to see my fellow Broncos galloping – I mean competing at that venue while I cheer them on (and perhaps take a quick nap in the stables during halftime)!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Mr. Neil Riddell is a ’62 alum and was the lead donor for the construction of SUNY Delhi’s brand new athletic turf field. He’s 80 years old and still officiates soccer and basketball games. I have a feeling he has some secret dance moves that would surprise and delight our spectators!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  “Hall of Fame” by The Script seems appropriate because so many Broncos over the years have made their mark on our campus with amazing athletic accomplishments.

Oakie the Acorn - ESF

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m Oakie Acorn from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, but my roots go back to the Major Oak in England’s Sherwood Forest.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I’ve been rockin’ the mascot gig since 2010, and I’m hoping 13 will be a lucky number for this acorn!
3. What is your off-season training composed of? I have several ways to stay in shape and active. I like to help our Forest Properties staff during maple syrup time in February and March. Snowshoeing through the woods to tap the trees is quite the workout! I also enjoy helping our researchers tend to the American Chestnut tree plantings as they work to restore this wonderful tree to the American landscape — there's room for more than one nut on this planet! And of course, welcoming students – prospective and current! – to campus keeps my High Five hand in tip-top shape!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Dendrology, obviously! While I do consider myself a bit of an expert on the topic of trees, I am always excited to learn more about the natural history of the important forest trees of North America!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? With our almost 25,000 acres of campus in the Adirondacks, I’d love to see our sports teams play some games in and around the Olympic Complex in Lake Placid. If it’s good enough for athletes from across the world, it’s good enough for the Mighty Oaks! Our Woodsman Teams - We have two! One at our Syracuse campus and another at the Ranger School in Wanakena - would be right at home in the heart of the Adirondacks! Our cross-country team won their first national titles in Lake Placid in 2011 and 2012, so it would be awesome to bring our 2022 national champs back for another go!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer! Not only is she an alumna, but she’s also a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at ESF! Maybe you read her book, Braiding Sweetgrass? She’s an amazing advocate for the environment and teaches people about the vital connection between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science. She’s so good at connecting with people and bringing ESF’s mission to the masses, I would be honored for her to be my sidekick. Honestly,I think I would be HER sidekick.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Unstoppable by Sia is my current jam. It gets this acorn psyched and ready to take on the world! When she sings about not needing batteries to play – well, you can’t get more sustainable than that!

Victor E. Bull - University at Buffalo

1. Who are you and where are you from? Victor E. Buffalo – University at Buffalo
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? 25 years
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Watching tape and eating wings
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? Appreciating Dance
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? Niagara Falls
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Wolf Blitzer
7.  One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Bulls on Parade – Rage Against the Machine.

Stitch - FIT

1. Who are you and where are you from? Stitch from FIT
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  Since 2012
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  Training in the offseason? Not for me…. I head back to the jungle to relax for the summer.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  Knitting! I’m a big Tiger on the outside, but on the inside I’m still a little cat at heart!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? MSG
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Michael Kors
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  Eye of the Tiger - Go Stitch!!

JJ Jayhawk - Jamestown CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? I’m JJ Jayhawk. First name JJ, last name Jayhawk. I’m originally from Hawk Mountain, but I moved to Jamestown when I was a little hawk. I’m a hawk from the J family, unique to my species.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? I built my nest near JCC in 1950, the year Jamestown Community College was founded. I was passionate about JCC from the get go and worked towards being the mascot for 62 years, but I only officially received the job 11 years ago. I know… they are tough but I like them.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? Over the summer, I fly and go on bike rides to stay in shape. Also, my friends from the basketball teams gave me this routine so I can workout in the gym and be in shape like them. Unlike my fellow bird friends, I don’t fly south, they get very lazy during winter. I stay and support the nest and drink some hot chocolate.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? I have aeronautical physics. It is a class that is just open for me.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? We would love to have our next basketball game at the Empire State Building. It’s kind of tall for shooting hoops, but I have my team's back and will fly that ball where it needs to go.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? The rockstar Natalie Merchant, no doubt. Would you imagine my entrance with her? pffft… no words. But I’ll be happy to have any of the school’s alumni with me.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd because I fly like a free bird, and my entrance would take 9 minutes.

Colt - Orange County CC

1. Who are you and where are you from? My name is Colt with a C. I was bred and born in Orange County in the picturesque Hudson Valley.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Since the beginning. SUNY Orange opened in the 1950’s and I’ve been a part of it every step of the way. I have aged very well, if I do have to say so for myself. Still working on that degree though, maybe this year I’ll get it.
3. What is your offseason training composed of? I do a lot of interval training at local farms. I also pull wagons, plow fields for resistance training. I race sometimes at the Historic Trotter’s Track in Goshen NY. The oldest trotter’s course in the country.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school? I enjoyed taking Digital Media Production and video editing as part of our New Media Program. I’d almost rather have a phone on a selfie-stick than a carrot on a string.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game? There are so many to choose from in Orange County. We have the US Military Academy, the National Purple Heart Museum, and the beautiful Hudson River. The place where I’d most like to see our next big event is Washington’s Revolutionary War Headquarters in beautifully historic Newburgh.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties? Any grad from our horticulture program. They seem to love scooping my droppings up right away to use in their gardens.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)? Some horses think turnabout is fair play. In that spirit, I’m a big fan of Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.

Eddie Rondack - Adirondack CC

1. Who are you and where are you from?  Hi! I’m Eddy Rondack, SUNY Adirondack’s resident timber wolf. I was born in a cave at the base of the Adirondack Mountains in the real upstate New York.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?  I’ve been howling for the Timberwolves since 1995, but we were "Adirondack Community College" Timberwolves back then.
3. What is your offseason training composed of?  Rain or shine, snow or sleet, I run with my pack. Dashing through the woods keeps this wolf in shape!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?  As an Adirondacker, I love any Outdoor Education course. We zipline, snowboard, canoe, rock climb, and train to teach future timberwolves about the Adirondack Park and the adventure nature provides.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?  Our new, state-of-the-art turf field! It has my face in the middle, so it’s a no-brainer.
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?  Drew Schiavi, for sure. He’s a former Timberwolf and is now a director at ESPN. I’m very proud of him!
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?  “Howlin’ For You” by The Black Keys — AHH-WOOOOOOO

Finn - Suffolk County CC

1. Who are you and where are you from?I am Fineas, aka Finn and I represent Suffolk County Community College, the largest and best community college in the SUNY system.
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing?I made my debut on August 27, 2015. It’s been the best seven plus years of my life. #sharklife
3. What is your offseason training composed of?WHAT OFF SEASON??!!
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?MUS103: The History of Rock and Roll Music is my life!
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?Our baseball team would look great playing at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. With all our students,faculty, alumni and families in attendance, we could rock that stadium!
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?The award-winning Nina Pernal was the originator, she set the bar high for everything Finn. She knows all the ins and outs of being a college mascot. We wouldn’t be where we are without her.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?At my debut, I broke through a rip-away banner at the peak of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica . There will never be a better entrance song than that one

Victor E Knight - Geneseo

1. Who are you and where are you from?Victor E. Knight, the SUNY Geneseo Mascot and #KNIGHTNATION; however, the location is not as important as the fact that I bleed BLUE and WHITE. 
2. How long have you been doing this mascot thing? Long enough to know that it has been a long time.  It feels like centuries.
3. What is your offseason training composed of?By sparring with dragons, bears, tigers, etc. I also arm wrestle and take ice baths.
4. What is your favorite unique course to take at your school?Medieval Studies-Because I am expert in Poetry and Cosmology in the Middle Ages.
5. What New York landmark would you love to see be the host of your school’s next big game?Madison Square Garden
6. Which of your school’s alumni would be the best sidekick to your mascot duties?Each alumni can offer a unique talent or skill that would make for an amazing partnership.
7. One song to make an entrance to – what is it (and why)?'A Hard Day's (K)Night' by The Beatles because it is catchy and fun.