West Virginia University students will soon have the opportunity to trade in their jeans and T-shirts for buckskins as they battle each other for the title of Mountaineer mascot. Applications are now available for 2007-08.
One of the most recognizable mascots in the nation, the Mountaineer cheers at WVU athletic events and energizes fans, while serving as an ambassador for the University and the state.
Jenny Margolin, Mountaineer Selection Committee chair, said the mascots chief responsibilities include attending all home football and basketball games as well as any away games determined by the athletics department.
He or she is also encouraged to participate in alumni and other University events, visit WVU Childrens Hospital and West Virginia schools and get involved in community activities.
Mascot applications may be picked up at the Elizabeth Moore Hall, Mountainlair and Evansdale Residential Complex front desksor downloaded athttp://www.wvu.edu/documents/mountaineerapplication07.pdfthrough Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Completed materials must be returned to the E. Moore Hall front desk or e-mailed to wvjenny@aol.com by Monday, Jan. 29, at noon to be considered.
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average.
The selection process includes an essay and a half-hour interview, with the top four applicants competing in a cheer-off competition at the Feb. 17 WVU -Seton Hall mens basketball game.
For the tryouts, finalists will don buckskins and be evaluated on performance and interaction with the crowd, Margolin said. The new Mountaineer will be announced at the March 3 WVU -Cincinnati mens basketball game.
The selection committee is made up of two co-chairs and nine membersfive current Mountain Honorary students, two athletic officials and two faculty/staff members. The co-chairs come from the ranks of Mountain, WVU s prestigious service organization for student leaders.
For more information, contact Margolin, 304-550-1983 or wvjenny@aol.com , or co-chair Lindsay Darling, 724-734-1410 or lindsay.darling@mail.wvu.edu