Not only did NDNU change the logo of the school this past summer, but they also had a few additions to their personnel, mainly in the Motivation Department.

As the crowds pile in to most NDNU athletic events, most students have at least wondered: “Does this school have a mascot?” Chances are you did not know one even existed.

For returning students, the existence of a mascot could have been easily overlooked due to the lack of appearances. The only indication of a mascot on campus is a single banner showing him on a light pole heading up the hill.

In fact, that old mascot uniform had to be placed in storage due to significant fabric depletion. Well, out with the old, in with the new.

So far this year, Argo mascot version 2.0 has only made one appearance at a home game, volleyball. His threads do not resemble any animated character you have ever seen before. The costume is much more human and life like, as in we can actually see some real, human skin.

Supervisor for the Programming Board, Emily Alvelo, was recently asked about the mascot upgrade.

“Josh Doody liked the logo that the Athletic Department designed so we went with that one. The new school image is an Argonaut wielding a sword,” she said. “The old costume was outdated and in need of major repairs. It would have cost a lot to fix the old costume, so instead we came up with a new one.”

So where does the school exactly find this newer, lifelike mascot? Well, it turns out that anyone could have applied.

Earlier this month, on the lawn in front of the library, all those who wanted to compete for the spot as the NDNU mascot showed up. In total, five contestants duked it out for the honor of representing the school.

It all came down to the judges’ decision. Their requirements were simple: which applicant showed the most energy and which person could get the loudest applause at the end of their audition?

There were more than a few individuals ready to take on the challenge, but only one could be crowned the new NDNU mascot.

Well, sort of.  You see, underneath that suit of armor is a student, so grades still have to come first. The school decided there was a need to have alternates and backups just in case “the chosen one” became “the lazy one” in the classroom.

Along with being a student, some of these mascots also participate in a sport for NDNU. By having multiple men behind the swords, scheduling conflicts could be resolved quite quickly, and the Argonaut could be at as many sporting events as possible.

One of the men chosen to represent the school as its’ new mascot was Bryan Zavala-Lombera, a freshman.  The Argonant newspaper set out to see what really made him tick, what gets him excited and even if he knew how to start a “wave.”

He responded looking like a deer, in the middle of the street, staring down oncoming traffic. “Hot yet, but I should learn,” he said. “I do know how to start a slow clap though. Hopefully we can start the game winning celebrations with that one.”

He was more confident in the number of push-ups he could do, “Fifty-one,” he said. And how will he inspire and pump up the NDNU crowds?

“Flips and cartwheels. I would like to learn aerials (cartwheel with no hands), if anyone could help me that would be awesome.” He responded. “So, the more we score, the more the crowd cheers, the crazier the show gets!”

Sadly, Zavala-Lomera’s first job was certainly not as cool as his current one. In fact, it downright sucked.

“I worked for Kirby Vacuums,” he said. “And they only offered commission.”

So get out to the home games and show your spirit and support for student athletes. With Zavala-Lomera and all the alternates it seems like NDNU games should be full of both energy and excitement.