2008 Woodie Awards
Behind the musket
A revealing look at UMass's biggest fan
Sarah Albert
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: The Minute
You've all seen him. I mean, how could you not? Whether it's a YouTube video, a sporting event, a Relay For Life race or a cheerleading competition, he's been there, big head and all.
That's right, we're talking about the University of Massachusetts mascot Sam the Minuteman, and just like Visa, he is everywhere you want to be.
As the most devoted UMass fan in history and one of the top mascots in America, this guy truly defines school spirit and pride. Long before you dedicated readers were even born, Sam was reppin' the Maroon and White day and night, and not just on campus.
He's traveled to games all across the country, and supported professional teams such as the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, and the Connecticut Sun. He's rocked out in venues with kids of all ages, has made guest appearances at Mohegan Sun, Madison Square Garden and the TD Banknorth Garden.
Don't worry though, he saves his best work for the Minutemen and women, and his loyalty to UMass never ceases to fail. Sam works hard on the court, ice, field, sideline, bedroom and wherever else a real super fan is needed.
Sam has only been the official mascot of UMass Athletics since 1972. The University had been known as the Aggies and the Statesmen in previous years, and later the Redmen. In the spring of 1972, a group of Native Americans from New York wrote a letter to the UMass administration asking if it was aware of the defamatory connotations of the word "Redmen," and if it could be curtailed. The student senate, through a poll of the student body, came up with several options for a new nickname, including "The Minutemen," and Sam was born.
He has accomplished much in his career. In 2005, he was the runner-up in the Capital One All-American Mascot Challenge, behind Nebraska's Herbie the Husker, he also receiver the honor of Playboy's Mascot of the Month in October of that year. Sam is also the star of the highly successful ESPN "This is Sportscenter" commercials with tennis pro Andy Roddick.
He may be in his mid-thirties, but that doesn't stop him from acting just as wild as UMass's official fan club, the Maroon Platoon. Sam braves the long hours and even the feisty fans so he can cheer on his teams.
Collegian: So, Sam, how is life as the most recognizable man on campus?
Sam: It's great! I spend a lot of my time practicing routines with the cheerleading squad, traveling with the sports teams and going to almost every home game UMass has. You've probably seen me dancing with Lil' Dude or out on the football field with our famous band, but my duties don't just end there. I work for UMass year round, not just during hockey season.
C: That sounds like quite the job…
S: It is a big commitment - I even drove out to upstate New York for the men's basketball game this season. I love supporting the teams and watching my school win, especially during close games like UMass versus Syracuse. Orange is a strong team, and when they had that 22-point lead we all got a little nervous, but our boys didn't fail us. They came back for the win, and it was one of the most exciting games this year! I had to rush back to Amherst so I could watch the softball girls play the next day, but even though I only got 4 hours of sleep, the game was totally worth it!
C: It's more than just cheering, isn't it?
S: Oh yea, I have to use different skills at each event I attend. I may be asked to skate during the puck throws, take a lap around the turf, do stunts with the cheerleaders, or run the flag before the game any given day. And a couple times a year I compete against other mascots to show my pride for UMass.
C: What is a mascot competition like?
S: Well, there are two types: the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Universal Cheerleaders Association. In the NCAA, all the Division 1 mascots compete against each other, but the UCA is open to everyone. We get the crowd going, make some good-hearted jokes against each other, and perform like champions to try and prove we are the best. Last year, I was ranked 6th among all competitors, and placed 2nd in the Capital One Mascot Challenge.
C: Are those your favorite kind of events?
S: I like showing off for the camera, but I have the most fun participating with other UMass athletes, either with the cheerleaders or any of the other varsity teams. The fans get a little rowdy during an intense hockey or football game, and I've been grabbed a few times - by the ladies AND the gents - but I guess it proves how much I'm loved. That's why I'm nationally ranked as one of the mascots who attends the most number of events. It's all for the fans and the players, baby.
C: What is your favorite sport?
S: Hmm, that's a tough one. I definitely like to go to big events so I can hang out with the larger crowds, but I really love all athletics and chances I get to be with fans. It totally pumps me up to run around with the students and do routines with the cheerleaders.
C: Have you always been this active?
S: Actually, I've made a lot of progress since the swingin' 1970s. Like most UMass fans, I had a beer gut and was known for wildly running around campus, but now I'm more focused. I've had a little lipo, some wardrobe reconstruction, and a lot of experience, so now I really can do it in a minute. But seriously, I'm a dedicated fan and super happy with my career. My head might be big, but that didn't stop me from doing the Thriller dance in the Mullins Center, now, did it? GO U!
Sarah Albert can be reached at salbert@student.umass.edu
That's right, we're talking about the University of Massachusetts mascot Sam the Minuteman, and just like Visa, he is everywhere you want to be.
As the most devoted UMass fan in history and one of the top mascots in America, this guy truly defines school spirit and pride. Long before you dedicated readers were even born, Sam was reppin' the Maroon and White day and night, and not just on campus.
He's traveled to games all across the country, and supported professional teams such as the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, and the Connecticut Sun. He's rocked out in venues with kids of all ages, has made guest appearances at Mohegan Sun, Madison Square Garden and the TD Banknorth Garden.
Don't worry though, he saves his best work for the Minutemen and women, and his loyalty to UMass never ceases to fail. Sam works hard on the court, ice, field, sideline, bedroom and wherever else a real super fan is needed.
Sam has only been the official mascot of UMass Athletics since 1972. The University had been known as the Aggies and the Statesmen in previous years, and later the Redmen. In the spring of 1972, a group of Native Americans from New York wrote a letter to the UMass administration asking if it was aware of the defamatory connotations of the word "Redmen," and if it could be curtailed. The student senate, through a poll of the student body, came up with several options for a new nickname, including "The Minutemen," and Sam was born.
He has accomplished much in his career. In 2005, he was the runner-up in the Capital One All-American Mascot Challenge, behind Nebraska's Herbie the Husker, he also receiver the honor of Playboy's Mascot of the Month in October of that year. Sam is also the star of the highly successful ESPN "This is Sportscenter" commercials with tennis pro Andy Roddick.
He may be in his mid-thirties, but that doesn't stop him from acting just as wild as UMass's official fan club, the Maroon Platoon. Sam braves the long hours and even the feisty fans so he can cheer on his teams.
Collegian: So, Sam, how is life as the most recognizable man on campus?
Sam: It's great! I spend a lot of my time practicing routines with the cheerleading squad, traveling with the sports teams and going to almost every home game UMass has. You've probably seen me dancing with Lil' Dude or out on the football field with our famous band, but my duties don't just end there. I work for UMass year round, not just during hockey season.
C: That sounds like quite the job…
S: It is a big commitment - I even drove out to upstate New York for the men's basketball game this season. I love supporting the teams and watching my school win, especially during close games like UMass versus Syracuse. Orange is a strong team, and when they had that 22-point lead we all got a little nervous, but our boys didn't fail us. They came back for the win, and it was one of the most exciting games this year! I had to rush back to Amherst so I could watch the softball girls play the next day, but even though I only got 4 hours of sleep, the game was totally worth it!
C: It's more than just cheering, isn't it?
S: Oh yea, I have to use different skills at each event I attend. I may be asked to skate during the puck throws, take a lap around the turf, do stunts with the cheerleaders, or run the flag before the game any given day. And a couple times a year I compete against other mascots to show my pride for UMass.
C: What is a mascot competition like?
S: Well, there are two types: the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Universal Cheerleaders Association. In the NCAA, all the Division 1 mascots compete against each other, but the UCA is open to everyone. We get the crowd going, make some good-hearted jokes against each other, and perform like champions to try and prove we are the best. Last year, I was ranked 6th among all competitors, and placed 2nd in the Capital One Mascot Challenge.
C: Are those your favorite kind of events?
S: I like showing off for the camera, but I have the most fun participating with other UMass athletes, either with the cheerleaders or any of the other varsity teams. The fans get a little rowdy during an intense hockey or football game, and I've been grabbed a few times - by the ladies AND the gents - but I guess it proves how much I'm loved. That's why I'm nationally ranked as one of the mascots who attends the most number of events. It's all for the fans and the players, baby.
C: What is your favorite sport?
S: Hmm, that's a tough one. I definitely like to go to big events so I can hang out with the larger crowds, but I really love all athletics and chances I get to be with fans. It totally pumps me up to run around with the students and do routines with the cheerleaders.
C: Have you always been this active?
S: Actually, I've made a lot of progress since the swingin' 1970s. Like most UMass fans, I had a beer gut and was known for wildly running around campus, but now I'm more focused. I've had a little lipo, some wardrobe reconstruction, and a lot of experience, so now I really can do it in a minute. But seriously, I'm a dedicated fan and super happy with my career. My head might be big, but that didn't stop me from doing the Thriller dance in the Mullins Center, now, did it? GO U!
Sarah Albert can be reached at salbert@student.umass.edu
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