A Day in the Life of the Crusader

You’ve seen the purple on his helmet, his flowing cape and spirited shield. He cheers with the crowd, supports from the sidelines, and truly exudes all that Sader Nation means to Holy Cross students. He is the Crusader — and he’s more than just your average mascot.

Long before fans arrive for big games at the Hart Center, the Crusader is there to prep for his favorite time of day. When people begin to trickle through the doors he is there to greet students and fans of all ages.

The Hart Center lobby presents him with his first order of business. He shakes hands, poses for pictures and greets familiar faces. His youngest fans ask for hugs and even autographs. Though these tasks may seem simple, it requires much more energy when you have to do them in several pounds of armor!

His next task is to lure the mingling crowd into the gym and get them excited for the game. With the help of some of his best friends, the cheerleaders and the Holy Cross band, he interacts with fans and even dances when necessary to get Holy Cross supporters energized. Though the Crusader doesn’t exactly sing along with the Alma Mater or fight song, his actions speak louder than words when it comes to expressing purple pride.

“I love seeing the Crusader on the sidelines before our games,” says basketball player Alexis Nicholas ’13. “When the crowd is excited to be there and pumped up for the game, we always play better. The Crusader really knows how to inspire them and help us out.”

When games are over and fans have left, the Crusader’s job is not done. Many students have seen him grabbing a bite in Kimball Dining Hall the night before a big game and reminding them to walk up to the basketball court the next evening. Beyond the gates of Mount St. James, the Crusader also makes several community appearances.

One of his most recent adventures down the hill was to Friendly’s restaurant in Worcester. There he met several adoring fans and even got a chance to spend time with Twister, the official mascot of the Worcester Tornadoes baseball team who also play on Holy Cross grounds.

Being the official mascot of a team is no doubt a tiring job. The wrong person might find it hard, but our dear Crusader finds it rewarding. The smiles and laughter he brings to men and women, both old and young, are enough to keep him happy.

So after a long day of meeting and greeting or cheering and dancing, where does this armored mascot make his rest? In the Hart Center, of course, just waiting for the next big school event to occur so that he can bring joy and inspiration to all he encounters.

By Mary Moczula ’11

Related Information:

• Holy Cross Athletics

February 16, 2010|nm