Dec. 4, 2013
By Bethe Croy
Willie the Warhawk is most often seen giving high-fives, dancing around and getting students pumped up at a variety of athletic events, parades and various fundraising events on campus.
On many occasions, Willie’s friendly and outgoing attitude can leave some star-struck students cheering and excitedly exclaiming things like, “Willie, take a picture with me!” and “Oh my gosh! Willie just high-fived me!”
To many Whitewater students, Willie is more than a mascot – he is a superstar. So what does it take to be Willie Warhawk?
Anonymity for starters. Aside from close friends and family, it is the students’ job to make sure their identity is kept a secret, so that when they put on the costume, nobody knows who is underneath; they become Willie.
Therese Kennedy, associate director of Recreation and Sports, said she looks for someone who has “wonderful Warhawk spirit” during the hiring process.
“Willie is UW-Whitewater,” Kennedy said. “Willie is a great ambassador for the university. People want to see Willie, and they enjoy seeing [him] at the different events.”
This year, five students take on the task of becoming UW-Whitewater’s mascot, Kennedy said. Students usually hold the position for about two or three years depending on when they first become involved.
“I think once you’re a Willie, you’re always a Willie,” Kennedy said. “You have it in your blood.”
Two of the five students involved this year discussed the pros and cons of being Willie the Warhawk.
“Willie is a celebrity here,” Student No.1 said. “Everybody stops, and they want their picture with you, they want a high-five, they want a hug, they just want to be up close.”
Student No.1 said they became involved when they saw a flier looking for someone to be Willie. They were the only people interested at the time, so they became involved quickly and have loved it ever since.
Student No.2 said when they put on the costume, they don’t think of themselves as wearing a costume, but rather feel themselves becoming Willie.
“When you are Willie, you are Willie,” Student No.2 said. “You’re not someone else. You’re Willie the Warhawk.”
While it is a fun and exciting experience, being a mascot certainly has its challenges, both students said.
“Running and Willie do not always mix,” Student No.1 said. Willie’s shoes are so large, they make stairs, running and even walking a challenging task, they said.
Student No.2 said they thought one of the biggest challenges is being around small children, because they will surprise them with hugs when they cannot see. Even though this presents a challenge for them, they still enjoy attending elementary schools and playing with the kids.
“Not knowing your surroundings is a hard part, but it makes it a more fun experience,” Student No.2 said.
One of the biggest struggles that comes along with the position is not being able to tell everyone, the students said. Student No.1 said they want to tell everyone because they are so excited about it, but they have to keep the secret. Student No.2 agreed and said sometimes it’s hard to not run out and greet their friends in the stands during a football game.
The “Willie’s helpers” are some of the few that know who is behind the mask. Willie’s helpers assist the students in getting dressed in the bulky costume and occasionally informing Willie about objects he may not be able to see, such as small children and street curbs.
Kennedy, also the adviser to the Spirit Program (which includes cheerleaders, dance team and Willie Warhawk), said even though Willie appears at most athletic home events, he also is requested to go to many places outside of the university, such as elementary schools within the area, local parks and recreational areas, parades (such as the Fourth of July parade and Homecoming) and some fundraising events.
Because of the time commitment and energy required, there are few applicants each year, Kennedy said.
But for some students, the requirements and challenges are more than worth it to make the transformation into the well-known Warhawk on campus.
