What Woodgrove football fan has twenty claws and a tail? No, it’s not Dr. Shipp, it’s Walter! Always there to cheer on the team, Walter Wolverine, the school mascot, brings school spirit and life to every home football game.
There are a multitude of people who assist the mascot in its duties, from the SCA to the trusted friends of Walter. However, the keeper of Walter, Mr. Thomas Scott, takes on the majority of responsibilities regarding the mascot and what it does. Along with Walter, Scott believes in keeping Walter’s real identity a secret, and claims that he is happy to do so because of the intrigue it adds to the mascot. “I love the secrecy behind it,” said Scott, “I think that it adds a certain amount of allure to the school culture…There’s a code of silence in terms of Walter’s identity that I’ve inherited, which I am more than happy to maintain, as I think that it makes it kind of fun.”
One of the most essential parts of the mascot is the costume, a furry replication of a wolverine made for a student to wear. It is covered head to paw with fur, and, as expected, gets quite hot and stuffy when worn. Even though the suit gets aired out and brushed after every use, it still does not get taken to the dry cleaners every time. “You get used to the smell after a while,” commented Walter. “The suit itself isn’t too uncomfortable. It’s how sweaty and hot you get in the suit that makes it uncomfortable.”
Football games are a weekly event that many students look forward to, and Walter’s contribution to the school spirit at each of them is very impactful. From high fives to selfies, Walter’s appearance always hypes up the school and brings an extra level of enthusiasm to the games. “I love how people enjoy seeing Walter, and it is kind of funny how it can sometimes scare and freak out people when they see the mascot appear in the hallway giving out high fives. I enjoy what it contributes to school spirit and how it can just liven the mood at a football game,” Mr. Scott said.
Rain or shine, Walter Wolverine is always there to cheer on the team at every home football game. Be on the lookout for him at the next one, and be sure to give him a high five!
