A True Tiger Inside and Out
November 19, 2009 • written by Brittney Gossett
“It may be hot and heavy but it’s fun,” senior Heather Huante said about being Mansfield’s mascot for the past two years.
Full of Tiger pride, Heather has always displayed her school spirit and offered her help in any way; whether it be joining the Student Government class, being senior class secretary, or showing up in over-the-top outfits for dress-up days.
Over the past two years, the Tiger costume has become like a baby to Heather.
“His name is Roary.” Heather said, after she and her father contemplated a list of names. Roary stays at her house and Heather even washes him in the bathtub.
When asked about any tricks or pranks she’s pulled while wearing the costume, Heather giggled and responded with a few stories.
The first time she brought Roary home with her, she decided to put the Tiger costume on and take her dog for a walk around the block. Despite the number of stares and honks she received, it was a bit of practice of what was to come. Roary is kept in the back of her car in a black bag and to the unknowing eye it looks like there a body bag in the back of her car.
The view from inside the mask is a bit unusual.
“It feels like you’re watching through a TV” Heather explained.
The only thing she gets tired of when wearing the costume is the number of people who jump on her and don’t realize that she can’t see them coming.
November not only marked the end of football season and pep rallies, but also the end of Heather’s reign as Roary the Tiger.
“It was sad to know it was the last pep rally but it was definitely fun being lifted up by the football team.”
Heather’s favorite part of being the Tiger was a weekly visitor who followed her around at the football games. This little girl, who is related to Couch Stout, chased Heather down, screaming her name, calling her on an imaginary cell phone, and giving hugs.
When asked if Heather would like to continue to be a mascot throughout college, she yelled “No, no more!”
She chooses to remain a true Tiger, inside and out.
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