Be a Tiger, Somewhat More Literally
My inbox is fairly uneventful. It's not too often that official-looking University email addresses pose questions to me in the form of caps-locked, declarative statements, so this afternoon's missive was worthy of a double-take. "DO YOU WANT TO BE THE PRINCETON TIGER!" read the subject line. I didn't, but I was also curious. Fortunately the email revealed more, including a brief job description and portrait:
Princeton University Students, do you want to support your Tigers and head to the NCAA Tournament with the Women's basketball team, well now is your chance. We are looking for an outgoing and fun PU Student to be the Princeton Tiger mascot during next week's NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, site TBD. If you want to learn more please email Scott at sjurgens@princeton.edu
We did email Scott, who happens to be Director of Athletic Marketing Scott Jurgens. He informed us that the usual mascot will be traveling with his family over spring break and can't accompany the team to the Big Dance. He's looking for more eager candidates for the rest of this year and is also looking ahead to next year. These are big paws to fill, however, and according to Jurgens, it takes "enthusiasm, school spirit, personality, agility." (Which of these is unlike the others?) The prospective tiger must be thick-skinned, able to handle teasing from the opposition. He or she must also assume the sacred vow of mascot silence. He or she must also not do this.Jurgens speaks from experience. He donned the stripes this time last year, at the first round of the women's tournament vs. St. John's. That game took place at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and although this year's location has yet to be determined, that might be a significant factor in the mascot's general happiness/dampness: he noted that the suit takes a little getting used to, because it's old and can get hot. He was sure to emphasize the perks, though: the mascot gets to tag along for huge games, like this tournament, or when's men's lax faced Syracuse at Giants Stadium a few seasons ago (see photographic evidence at right). All enthusiastic/social/agile students looking to complete their Tiger/tiger metamorphosis are encouraged to contact Scott at the above email address.(Lauren Zumbach '13 contributed reporting)