A new member joined our community this past Friday on Ramer Field. You probably haven’t seen a big green lightning bolt in any of your classes or at FLIK, so let me introduce you. Meet Stryker.

A Town Meeting announcement four weeks ago left students eager to see their new mascot in action. As the week progressed, more and more were left wondering what the mascot would look like, but no one had answers. Its appearance remained a mystery.

Friday night came about and the home crowd arrived. A half of football went by, leaving the crowd anxious to meet their new mascot. After appearing from behind the bleachers, Stryker was greeted with a roaring applause while a flood of students ran on the field to get a closer look. It was clear from the start that the mascot was going to be a huge success. It’s no coincidence our football team won by almost 30 points after its debut.

Athletic director Megan Cid and assistant Catie Chase and have worked diligently over the past year to make the mascot a reality. They’re “hoping it has a big impact,” and that it “branches out for other events, not just athletics.” They believe the mascot will “inspire people and encourage people to be more spirited.”

Sophomore CoChair Eliza Feffer voiced her appreciation for their work. “We wouldn’t have a mascot without the help of Coach Chase and Coach Cid,” she said. StuCo will continue working with the Athletics Dept. to bring Stryker to special events.

The mascot will certainly have a lasting impact on our community, but will retain a layer of mystery and spontaneity. “You’ll never know when or where the mascot will be. We’re trying to make the mascot a little mysterious,” Cid said.

So who’s under the costume? Well, put simply, no one knows. One sophomore, Charlotte Zovighian, even went as far as asking if it was “real.” Maybe Charlotte, maybe.

Come support your school to catch your own glimpse of the mascot! “It will be electrifying!” said sophomore Grant Sheen.