Backflips aren’t necessary, but a willingness to display the Blugold spirit is, for those looking to don the new Blu mascot suit.

The mascot committee is
holding auditions for students interested in being involved in a new chapter of Blugold history.

Committee member and Senate Public Relations Commission Director Erica Rasmussen said being a Blugold needs to be more than just the spirit, as it traditionally has been before.

“There’s some controversy with alumni that want to keep it the Blugold spirit, but I think in today’s day in age it is important to be able to point to something and say that’s what I am,”   Rasmussen said.

Senator Jake Stendahl has been the man behind the oversized mask, playing the part of Blu during homecoming festivities such as the parade and football game.

Stendahl started his mascot career in high school when he played the part of a donkey. Student Body Vice President, Jason Rector said Stendahl has been really enthusiastic about the mascot process and Blu has been well received at such events. Demand for the bird is picking up.

Rector said the committee opened the application process because they have received requests from different organizations wanting to have Blu at their events. And the different senators who had been stepping up and acting as Blu weren’t always all available.

The demand for energetic, outgoing students who are interested in
position grew.

“As far as the application process, it’s not going to be anything too strenuous,” Rector said. “It’s not going to be do 50 pushups or give me a backflip right now. More like have you done it before? Can you show us what a
mascot should walk like?”

Rector said the committee hopes Blu can eventually rise “to                      Bucky status.”

Where the mascot is seen as a  photo opportunity for students and something for them to identify with, that sense of identity is something Rasmussen said she sees as important for UW- Eau Claire.

“As a student I think it is important because it gives the students something to unify around and be able to have an identity,” Rasmussen said. “Having a physical representation of that is really good for the students it gives them something to point at and say I’m a Blugold.”

Rasmussen is not alone. Sophomore Jacob Yaeger said he thinks Blu has an vital role to play at                                                 sporting events.

“I think it’s important to get the student section riled up to give more reasons for people to come, get involved in sports,” Yaeger said.

Yaeger said the ideal candidate to fill the Blu suit would be energetic, happy and tall.

Committee members have been working with Athletic Director Scott Kilgallon to see which sporting events Blu could attend.

As the committee, which is open to all students, moves forward, Rector said he hopes increased spirit continues after a successful first attempt at homecoming festivities.

“No one is trying to define what a Blugold is, but it’s trying to build school spirit,” he said.

The process of making Blu a known face of the university has been a slow and gradual process, Rector said, but having people available that are interested in being Blu is the next step.