Meet Big Blue
Utah Statesman: Why did you want to be the character of Big Blue?
Big Blue: Wow. A new adventure and to make people smile.
US: What is the hardest thing about being USU’s mascot?
BB: I would say being creative and energetic. Being creative by just thinking of ways to think people are enjoying that character and having a good time. Also, the hardest is the anonymity because when you see the same kids at games, you get to know them and it would be fun for them to know me back.
US: What is the best thing about being Big Blue?
BB: Best thing is the kids. I get to interact with them and they think you’re the greatest thing. There are a lot of kids at all the games, and sometimes the parents go to games just to see Big Blue. You feel like their hero. I love watching the kids stand in awe. They love it. I feel like I am serving people without them knowing that I am doing it. I feel like I get the crowd excited about the school, give them something to smile about, laugh about, and I enjoy making their life a little more cheerful. I can joke around with people, too, you know, be social. That’s the fun aspect of the job is that nobody knows who I am when I do those things.
US: How much practice does Big Blue need to be able to perform in the Big Blue suit?
BB: It takes a lot of time to get acclimated to the suit. For one, the vision is blurred, and it’s hotter than Hades in there. Any rigorous activity I do, I start sweating. I also have a hard time breathing in there sometimes.
US: How intense are practices or games? How do you feel at the end of games?
BB: Games are extremely intense. Whenever I have my suit on, I can lose five to 10 pounds by sweating it off. It’s not uncommon to sweat that much off, so it’s pretty rigorous. A lot of hours go into games to practice skits or half-time shows. I practice for two to three weeks prior, and I can practice about four to five days per week, so it takes a lot of time and effort. I played football and wrestled in high school, along with other sports, and I’ve never had anything that kills your body and wears you to more than this. Every muscle is sore, my body is dizzy and tired, sweat and wet. You feel like you could close your eyes and fall asleep standing.
US: When the time comes to end being Big Blue, what will you miss the most?
BB: I will miss being a part of something bigger than myself. This is something that allows me to be involved. I’m a representative of USU, a contributor. I will miss making a difference in individual things like Big Blue does. You can make a kid smile on a down day, get a crowd excited, make a kid’s day at a hospital. Sometimes we go do pep rallies or sign autographs for kids at Shriners Hospital at University of Utah. Some of these kids are terminally ill, have spinal disorders which put them out for years, so it is fun to see their faces light up.
US: What can a game crowd do to help you out the most?
BB: The bigger the crowd is, the easier it is. You feed off of that. It gives you the energy you need to do your job.
US: What else would you like to tell the USU student body?
BB: Live life every minute as if everybody was watching and nobody knew who you were. Be confident. Don’t care what people think about you.-brittny.jo@aggiemail.usu.edu