You may have seen me around before. While my name isn’t listed on the roster, I start every game.
I am Buff the Bison, the official mascot for Harding University. To properly introduce myself, I think it’s necessary to tell you a little about my background. I have always loved being a mascot. It’s serious business too — we’re talking awards; National awards. Three years in a row.
This is all very impressive I know, but before I continue to “wow” you with my skills, I think it’s important for you to know why I do what I do. What would persuade a furry, lovable being such as myself to face the multitudes with such enthusiasm and excitement? The truth is I do it just because I love it.
I love to make people laugh. I have wanted to be a mascot since I was seven years old, and it turns out making people smile is a job requirement I have yet to get tired of. I’ve watched Harding fans come and go, some young, some old. I once witnessed a baby take its first steps during Parents’ Weekend. Cherish the irony.
But it’s not always easy. Sometimes it’s pretty rough. Being covered in my lush bison fur on any given afternoon makes me about 40 degrees hotter than whatever environment I’m in at the time. I know what you’re thinking — but I’m actually just talking about the temperature. Due to the heat, I have to start hydrating the day before. I also have to be very careful about what I eat before game days. No one wants to see a nauseated mascot cheering everyone on.
Fitness is also key; I have a personal trainer that keeps me on my toes, or hooves, in my case. Those push-ups I do every touch down aren’t easy — especially when we’ve had a winning streak. I don’t even want to bring up the one-handed push-ups I do for basketball games. They don’t call me “buff” for no reason. In any case, you don’t have sweet dance moves like I do without hard work. I try to keep up with the times and perform recognizable dance moves; there are definitely a few crowd favorites as you might imagine.
Really though — I love interacting with everyone at the games. I love making the kids laugh, making sure the cheerleaders have their time to shine, and I love playing with the band.
Now, the moment you have all been waiting for — I’ll talk about my personal life just briefly. You might assume I’m fighting off the ladies, but let me tell you, it’s not easy trying to ask out a “bisonette” without speaking. I must rely on my charm and dashing good looks.
But back to business — my job is to keep the crowds cheering. Win or lose — Buff is Buff no matter what. I walk with coach Ronnie Huckeba in the Walk of Brothers before each game because I want them to know that team spirit is with them in the beginning and will carry through the game no matter what the outcome. The team doesn’t ever quit, and neither do I.
