Leaving the doghouse
Erin McCarthy
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: News
The Western Illinois University Department of Athletics is currently searching for energetic and school-spirited students to participate in Rocky Idol, a try-out process to determine who will be the next Rocky mascot.
According to Rocky, the bulldog mascot had his start in 1958 when a live four-legged English bulldog, purchased by the student government, was marched throughout the football stadium during home games. He was named "Colonel Rock" in honor of Western's legendary athletic director and coach Ray "Rock" Hanson, a Marine colonel.
The current Rocky has held the position for over two years and is now graduating. Students who are interested in representing Western at university and community events should consider trying out to take over.
"During the two years I represented WIU, it has been more fun than I could have ever imagined," Rocky said. "Not only did I get access to the football field and basketball court, but when I am Rocky, I am the face of Western."
Students must be enrolled at Western, in good academic standing and enjoy being the center of attention. If you meet these criteria, you are encouraged to fill out an application. After an interview, participants will move forward to the tryout process, Rocky Idol.
The winner of Rocky Idol will be the mascot for the 2009-10 school year and will receive a tuition waiver for his or her time as the mascot.
Rocky says that his time here has been spent performing at all home football, men's and women's basketball games, as well as making special appearances at community service events, grand openings, Western promotions, parades, homecoming shows and much more.
According to Rocky's blog, he spends his free time in the doghouse pumping iron to "Eye of the Tiger," hanging out with other mascots at professional sporting events and making cameo appearances in commercials.
Of course, the person inside the Rocky suit has done a fairly thorough job of protecting his anonymity, but upon deciding the new Rocky, his identity will finally be revealed to the public. Rocky also says that the secret identity exists because as far as everyone knows, Rocky is a dog; not a Western Illinois student in a costume.
"Seeing the joy I was able to provide to the athletes, students, faculty and fans is something I will never forget," Rocky said. "Representing my school as Rocky was one of the most fun things I have ever been able to do and would not change it for anything."
If you are interested in trying out for Rocky, e-mail Ledith Whitehall at LA-Whitehall@wiu.edu for an application.
According to Rocky, the bulldog mascot had his start in 1958 when a live four-legged English bulldog, purchased by the student government, was marched throughout the football stadium during home games. He was named "Colonel Rock" in honor of Western's legendary athletic director and coach Ray "Rock" Hanson, a Marine colonel.
The current Rocky has held the position for over two years and is now graduating. Students who are interested in representing Western at university and community events should consider trying out to take over.
"During the two years I represented WIU, it has been more fun than I could have ever imagined," Rocky said. "Not only did I get access to the football field and basketball court, but when I am Rocky, I am the face of Western."
Students must be enrolled at Western, in good academic standing and enjoy being the center of attention. If you meet these criteria, you are encouraged to fill out an application. After an interview, participants will move forward to the tryout process, Rocky Idol.
The winner of Rocky Idol will be the mascot for the 2009-10 school year and will receive a tuition waiver for his or her time as the mascot.
Rocky says that his time here has been spent performing at all home football, men's and women's basketball games, as well as making special appearances at community service events, grand openings, Western promotions, parades, homecoming shows and much more.
According to Rocky's blog, he spends his free time in the doghouse pumping iron to "Eye of the Tiger," hanging out with other mascots at professional sporting events and making cameo appearances in commercials.
Of course, the person inside the Rocky suit has done a fairly thorough job of protecting his anonymity, but upon deciding the new Rocky, his identity will finally be revealed to the public. Rocky also says that the secret identity exists because as far as everyone knows, Rocky is a dog; not a Western Illinois student in a costume.
"Seeing the joy I was able to provide to the athletes, students, faculty and fans is something I will never forget," Rocky said. "Representing my school as Rocky was one of the most fun things I have ever been able to do and would not change it for anything."
If you are interested in trying out for Rocky, e-mail Ledith Whitehall at LA-Whitehall@wiu.edu for an application.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Paul Petrilli
posted 4/22/09 @ 9:08 PM CST
My, how things have changed. I was "Rocky the Bulldog" during the 1976 (or was it 1977)football season when I was a sophmore. Back then they really had no formal interview procedure. (Continued…)
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