Grace Winton is currently the CHS mascot, the Bison.  She shared some secrets and insight into what helps her become the Bison.

How long have you been the Bison?

GW: I have been the Bison for the past two football seasons. During these seasons I have participated in every football game, cheerleading camps, and many community events such as Special Olympics.

What made you tryout to be the bison?

GW: I actually did not have to try out to be the bison; rather, I was recruited, for lack of a better word. The previous JV Cheer coach asked me to be a cheerleader, but my schedule conflicted with the practice times, so she offered me the position as the Bison because it was a brand new costume. I am the first person in several years who routinely has been the Bison, so it was a learning experience for most of us. I originally jokingly agreed to the position, but she held me to it, which I am thankful for because now I am so thankful for the opportunity and I have a lot of fun while mascoting.

How hot does it get in the suit?

GW: It gets REALLY hot in the suit. It is comparable to wearing a fur coat and twenty pound mask… while exercising… in 90 degree weather. During the first few games when it warmer, I tended to get really sweaty and gross. [During] the first game I ever wore the costume, it was about 93 degrees out, and I ended up losing 6 pounds because of sweat. Surprisingly, though, it also can get really cold in the suit. The head does a good job at trapping whatever comes in, so when it is windy and cold, I have been known to tape hand warmers in the head to keep me warm.

Do you work out to prepare for the games?

GW: I don’t work out specifically for the game. It does take a lot of endurance and strength to dance and run with a restricting costume and heavy head on, though. I dance a lot, so that tends to help my ability to perform as the mascot.

How early before a game do you have to be ready?

GW: I begin warming up when the cheerleaders do, so I get there around 5:30. I warm up by stretching, and then I do a few things with the cheerleaders that I am a part of, and I talk to the coach about what she wants me to do for the game. I try to avoid being in the costume for as long as I can, so I do not put it on until about 15 minutes before the game starts.

Are you allowed to talk while you are wearing the suit?

GW: I’m not exactly sure. I try my best not to talk when I am walking around and meeting kids or adults just because that scares a lot of people. I do talk to my cheerleader friends while I am in it though because it can get really boring if I don’t do something. I think it’s against mascot code to talk to most people while you are in the costume, though, so I stray away from it in most cases.

Do you get to take breaks during the game?

GW: The cheerleading coach is really awesome about understanding my needs and limits in the costume, so she lets me take it off whenever I feel necessary; however, I try my best to keep it on as long as possible. My first season I took it off frequently mostly for water breaks, but this season I had a Camelbak backpack so I could get water whenever I wished, which kept me cooled off. I only took it off during half time this season, which I am very proud of.

Are there certain things you are told to do during the game or do you get to make it up?

GW: I get to make a lot of stuff up myself, but I also do a lot of things with the cheerleaders. I have learned all the sideline chants, so when one is called I join in. I have learned all the band dances, which are tons of fun to be a part of, and I am in some of their stunts. Other times I like to walk around and take pictures with fans or just cheer on the team as best I can. I have a lot of liberty because I am not really a cheerleader, which is fun. Sometimes you can catch me spinning my tail around or dancing like a crazy person; I have a lot of fun.

Do you plan on being the mascot next year?

GW: I do! I’ve had tons of fun being the mascot these past two seasons, and I have also made a lot of friends through this experience. I actually almost decided not to do it this year, but then other people started saying they wanted to do it, and I realized I don’t want anyone else doing it because it is my spot! It would sadden me to see my spot taken by someone else.