Students bring lions to life

The two Texas A&M University-Commerce mascots have become an indispensable part of football games with their dances and sideline antics. However, there is more to the mascots than just a costume and dancing.

Lucy the Lion, who was just brought back this year, is personated byLauren Kuhn. Kuhn graduated from Terrell High School and is a freshman majoring in music education. Her plans for the future include becoming an elementary music teacher, and she is not a newcomer to being a mascot.

"I was mascot for the past four years at my high school and I received numerous awards at NCA (National Cheer Association) Cheer Camps," Kuhn said.

It was a natural course of events for Kuhn to attempt a shot at portraying Lucky the Lion at Commerce.

"Once I officially picked Commerce as my college, I immediately e-mailed the cheer sponsor here, Coach Kelly Daily, about the opportunity of being Lucky the Lion," Kuhn said.

It was at this point after tryouts when they decided to bring Lucy the Lion back, whereas before there was only Lucky, Kuhn said.

Kuhn's interests within A&M-Commerce include color guard and band.

"I am in Symphonic band at this time, and I play the oboe," Kuhn said. "I'm also a part of the FLC (First-Year Leadership Class) program here at Commerce."

Outside of school, Kuhn's priorities top off with her family, who she said she makes time for no matter what is going on in her life.

On the other hand Jerrod Williams, who personates Lucky the Lion, is new to the mascot business.

"This is my first time being a mascot," Williams said. "I did try out in high school, but wasn't chosen."

Williams is a sophomore music major who transferred from Paris Junior College. Outside of being Lucky, Williams participates in NAACP, RHA and the New Beginnings Multi-Cultural Gospel Choir.

Williams said his lack of experience in no way hinders his ability as a mascot.

"What I think makes me a good mascot is that I'm very outgoing and I enjoy making people smile, which I believe are the foundations that someone who aspires to be a mascot should have," he said. "All the rest can be learned!"

Kuhn said he values other attributes in a mascot.

"The qualities that I think a good mascot should possess would first and foremost be good pantomime skills," Kuhn said. "To stay within the character you are not supposed to talk, which means that you are forced to portray your emotions and thoughts through your motions, which have to be big to be seen and understood."

Other skills to possess are not being afraid to take risks and being able to handle people laughing and looking at you.

"You have to know when to attract attention and when to focus it elsewhere," Kuhn said.

Of all the many aspects Williams and Kuhn value and appreciate the most, they each have a favorite part.

"My favorite part of being mascot is just being able to act silly at all times while I'm in the suit!" Williams said. "It's the only time I get to completely 'wild out' if I want."