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You've seen him in crowds at football and basketball games. His stunts have made you laugh. He's a hit among the student body, faculty and staff, and little kids. Even rival teams seem to love his acts.
Mexico High School's mascot, known to all as Spike, plays a very important role on the cheerleading squad, helping promote team spirit. Though he never speaks a word, he's far from shy and is actually quite comical at times.
His suit is gray and furry. The head is large and bulky and his face has a snarl, showing two very large teeth. And, like a genuine bulldog, his tail is short and curly, just right for pulling.
Mexico High School got its first official mascot in full uniform about three or four years ago, with the influence of cheerleading coach Susan Gheens-Magnus, who with the financial support of former classes, the student council, the Booster Club, and Mexico Public Safety, was able to bring some new flavor to the cheering team. Before that, the school had a few people periodically don a homemade version of the suit at various events.
Now, Spike makes appearances at all sporting events, if requested, parades and class reunions. But the basketball and football seasons are when he's seen most. The first mascots to don the Spike costume were Andrew Wortmann and Michael Cox. The duo split duties during basketball season. Some of their most memorable Spike moments include Spike chasing the Fulton Hornet with a fly swatter at a rival game last year; and in retaliation, the Hornet stung Spike from behind. Or two years ago, when Spike had a dance-off with the Macon Tiger during the annual Macon tournament.
"Good, fun interaction, unity and team spirit. That's what we want to promote," Gheens-Magnus said of her mascot and cheerleaders. "And those two were perfect choices; so outgoing. Just the right people to be Spike."
MHS now has a new mascot, whose identity to most is still a secret. His first debut was the second to last football game last season. He's a junior, very likable and brings a very distinct dancing ability to the team. A few of his favorite calisthenics include spinouts, running in circles, pumping his fist to rouse the crowd and crossing his arms with attitude. He's also been known to sit on a lap or two, flirting along the way, and like most mascots, he likes hugging the little kids, as well. There's only one drawback to that, he said. "They just can't resist pulling my tail."
Spike's favorite chant is "MEX-ICO." It gets the crowd motivated every time, he said.
Our mystery man said "it's fun being Spike." He got his start after a teacher spotted his natural ability to make people laugh.
"Mrs. [Rhonda] Vitale told me she thought I had the spunk and energy to be the mascot, and asked me if I wanted to do it. I thought it sounded fun, so I said yes," Spike said.
Now, when he can, he practices two times a week, two to three hours each day. He's challenged to learn the cheers, and pace himself during his stunts, so he doesn't become winded. There are vent holes in his suit and a place to put ice packs during the hot seasons, but it still gets pretty warm inside his suit, after a few maneuvers.
"Honestly, I never thought being a mascot could be so fun. Being a spirit leader is lots of fun. Fans like it when I act crazy and when I break out in one of my dance moves. Other teams even like it when I do something. There's something about people cheering your name that makes you feel good."
At this point, Spike isn't sure if he will be the full-time mascot next year. He's thinking about playing football instead. But, he said he would like to return for basketball season.
"Having Spike has added a lot to the school's athletic events. A lot of people, when he's not here, miss him. They like the interaction," Gheens-Magnus said. "And, it always amazes me how the small children flock to him."
MHS currently has 18 cheerleaders, counting Spike. The squad plans to perform during the Winter Warming on Feb. 3, where Spike will be included. The team is also gearing up for the Gary Filbert Basketball Classic this weekend, in the Sports Complex. Spike will make appearances throughout the day, welcoming visiting cheerleaders and entertaining the crowd.
You've seen him in crowds at football and basketball games. His stunts have made you laugh. He's a hit among the student body, faculty and staff, and little kids. Even rival teams seem to love his acts.
Mexico High School's mascot, known to all as Spike, plays a very important role on the cheerleading squad, helping promote team spirit. Though he never speaks a word, he's far from shy and is actually quite comical at times.
His suit is gray and furry. The head is large and bulky and his face has a snarl, showing two very large teeth. And, like a genuine bulldog, his tail is short and curly, just right for pulling.
Mexico High School got its first official mascot in full uniform about three or four years ago, with the influence of cheerleading coach Susan Gheens-Magnus, who with the financial support of former classes, the student council, the Booster Club, and Mexico Public Safety, was able to bring some new flavor to the cheering team. Before that, the school had a few people periodically don a homemade version of the suit at various events.
Now, Spike makes appearances at all sporting events, if requested, parades and class reunions. But the basketball and football seasons are when he's seen most. The first mascots to don the Spike costume were Andrew Wortmann and Michael Cox. The duo split duties during basketball season. Some of their most memorable Spike moments include Spike chasing the Fulton Hornet with a fly swatter at a rival game last year; and in retaliation, the Hornet stung Spike from behind. Or two years ago, when Spike had a dance-off with the Macon Tiger during the annual Macon tournament.
"Good, fun interaction, unity and team spirit. That's what we want to promote," Gheens-Magnus said of her mascot and cheerleaders. "And those two were perfect choices; so outgoing. Just the right people to be Spike."
MHS now has a new mascot, whose identity to most is still a secret. His first debut was the second to last football game last season. He's a junior, very likable and brings a very distinct dancing ability to the team. A few of his favorite calisthenics include spinouts, running in circles, pumping his fist to rouse the crowd and crossing his arms with attitude. He's also been known to sit on a lap or two, flirting along the way, and like most mascots, he likes hugging the little kids, as well. There's only one drawback to that, he said. "They just can't resist pulling my tail."
Spike's favorite chant is "MEX-ICO." It gets the crowd motivated every time, he said.
Our mystery man said "it's fun being Spike." He got his start after a teacher spotted his natural ability to make people laugh.
"Mrs. [Rhonda] Vitale told me she thought I had the spunk and energy to be the mascot, and asked me if I wanted to do it. I thought it sounded fun, so I said yes," Spike said.
Now, when he can, he practices two times a week, two to three hours each day. He's challenged to learn the cheers, and pace himself during his stunts, so he doesn't become winded. There are vent holes in his suit and a place to put ice packs during the hot seasons, but it still gets pretty warm inside his suit, after a few maneuvers.
"Honestly, I never thought being a mascot could be so fun. Being a spirit leader is lots of fun. Fans like it when I act crazy and when I break out in one of my dance moves. Other teams even like it when I do something. There's something about people cheering your name that makes you feel good."
At this point, Spike isn't sure if he will be the full-time mascot next year. He's thinking about playing football instead. But, he said he would like to return for basketball season.
"Having Spike has added a lot to the school's athletic events. A lot of people, when he's not here, miss him. They like the interaction," Gheens-Magnus said. "And, it always amazes me how the small children flock to him."
MHS currently has 18 cheerleaders, counting Spike. The squad plans to perform during the Winter Warming on Feb. 3, where Spike will be included. The team is also gearing up for the Gary Filbert Basketball Classic this weekend, in the Sports Complex. Spike will make appearances throughout the day, welcoming visiting cheerleaders and entertaining the crowd.
