Feature photo by Peace organization of student involvement
By William Woodson
Late last year, an updated version of Phantom, William Peace University’s equine mascot, was announced and unveiled to the public.
For students eager to step into the new costume, tryouts were held on campus Feb. 11. There was no horsing around, as interested students first completed an interest form on Instagram before heading to the Hermann Athletic Center for a chance to become WPU’s next mascot.
The mascot program at William Peace University is coordinated by the Office of Marketing and Communications, with oversight from Karen Dunston, assistant vice president for marketing and communications, who brings extensive experience to the role.
“Having worked in higher education for over 20 years, and in sports marketing for a year and a half, I have experience hiring professional mascots and interacting with student mascots,” Dunston said. “We are also fortunate to have a consultant who is a professional mascot and a former collegiate mascot.”
During tryouts, Dunston said participants were asked to demonstrate their abilities in a variety of ways.
“During the tryout process, each student was interviewed by a panel of judges and then asked to perform movements, scenarios and dances in the mascot suit,” Dunston said.
As for the responsibilities of the role, Dunston explained that the mascot will serve as a representative of the university both on and off campus.
“The mascot will interact with members of the Peace community as well as the broader Raleigh community,” she said.
Under the mentorship of a former professional mascot, selected students will be trained to stay in character. They will also always be accompanied by a handler to ensure their safety and provide support if needed.
When speaking with Kristin Koch, director of student involvement, she provided additional insight into the selection process.
When asked what qualities they were looking for in candidates, Koch emphasized a willingness to learn.
“Someone who is willing to learn,” Koch said. “Being a mascot is its own art and sport, so it’s important that we find students who are willing to grow.”
She also noted the importance of maintaining anonymity, as the identity of Phantom is meant to remain a secret.
Koch added that candidates must be able to fully embody the character.
“While there’s no speaking in the suit, we want someone who can embody the spirit of Phantom,” she said. “They have to be able to check their own mannerisms and personality at the door and channel Phantom while they are in the suit.”
Koch also provided more detail about the audition process.
“The tryout process started with an interview where we got to know the candidates, hear about their interest and determine if they might be a good fit for the role,” she said. “The second part of the process was an active audition. The candidates put on the Phantom suit and went through a series of role-playing scenarios and learned how to move in the suit.”
While Phantom is a unique figure on campus, mascots have a long and meaningful history in sports and entertainment.
In an article written by Jeff Marzick for TheCultureCrush.com, he explains that mascots “provide this essential conduit between the team and their fans because team mascots, much like their most diehard fans, are in it for the long run.”
Unlike players, who may transfer teams or retire, mascots remain constant symbols of school spirit and enthusiasm.
“You can’t trade a mascot, and they don’t go home when the going gets tough,” Marzick writes.
Marzick also traces the history of mascots, noting that early mascots were often real people. One notable example is Max Patkin, known as the “Clown Prince of Baseball.” Originally a player, Patkin began entertaining crowds at games in 1946 and continued performing until his retirement in 1995.
Later, live animals became mascots, including Yale University’s “Handsome Dan,” one of the earliest examples.
By the mid-1960s, many teams began adopting costumed mascots. Examples include Mr. Met of the New York Mets, Brutus Buckeye of The Ohio State University and the San Diego Chicken of the San Diego Padres.
As students at William Peace University await the results of the Phantom tryouts, they can take pride in knowing they are part of a long-standing tradition. Across North Carolina and the nation, mascots play a vital role in building community spirit and energizing fans, helping teams push toward the finish line.