By: KENDALL ASBELL
Staff Writer
@kendallasbell
Spirit Week and “Boo to You” were hugely successful events last week, according to Director of the Office of Student Life, Scott Strittmatter. Students and community members alike showed up for a week of fun activities and to get their Halloween and school spirit on.
Perhaps the most important event of the week, however, was the unveiling of the new Titan mascot.
Strittmatter said they’ve been wanting to change the mascot image for the last three to four years. However, it takes time to negotiate with all parties of the school, and then even more time to design and make the costume. The main goal in mind was to make the mascot similar to the Titan Logo—a much more chiseled man than the old bobble-head design depicted.
The new mascot now embodies the true nature of what a Titan is: a sword-wielding; ass-kicking; tall, dark and handsome ultimate warrior. The new Titan is a towering athletic figure that can truly be feared by our enemies.
The original Titan mascot, a bobble-headed cartoon caricature of what a fierce fighting machine might be, was never embraced by the community. The new mascot hopes to change that.
The current man behind the mascot is former student Chadstein Bella. He graduated in 2015 and is now an assistant golf professional. When Strittmatter asked if he could help to unveil the new Titan Mascot design, Bella readily agreed.
Bella definitely brings more heat to the table than our old bobble-headed friend, but it’s not just all his muscle and bronze that are eye-catching; his enthusiasm for Titan spirit is fierce and competitive. He is a perfect example of an athletic physique and is a force to be reckoned with.
The consensus at the rally was that IUSB has majorly upgraded their mascot game from the pudgy little angry-faced cartoon Titan.
Bella’s position is only temporary, as Strittmatter is preparing to hire a current student to take on the position of the mascot. This position is open to all students, male or female. Anyone who has the spirit is welcome to audition for the role as our new Titan.
Strittmatter has not yet finalized the employment qualifications needed for the mascot, but it will be decided and posted soon. Any spirited young people out there who want to make some extra cash, keep a look out in the job postings.
