Classroom Publication

Issue date: 3/8/06 Section: Men's basketball

Media Credit: Kerry Vegliando Austin Elliot pumped up for the win

Picture this: a night out to watch UAlbany mens' basketball take home another victory. The score is close, but a win is inevitable. The crowd is going wild with the help of the school's Great Dane mascot. Then it hits you - who's the guy behind the Great Dane get-up?

His name is Austin Elliott, and surprisingly, he's not even a UAlbany student. He is a senior at Guilderland Central High School, with hopes of getting into UAlbany for next year. A shortage of male cheerleaders on the Ualbany squad prompted a few of Austin's friends to ask him to join. Shortly after, their head coach Patty Palmer promoted him to mascot. The squad was in need of someone to be the Great Dane on a regular basis, and thought Austin's enthusiastic nature would be perfect for the job. Because he's still in high school, there are occasions when other people fill in, but he tries to make all of the home games. Austin is especially excited about cheering on the basketball team at the America East Tournament.

There is no training to be a mascot. Austin merely recieved the Great Dane suit, which he lovingly refers to as a sauna. His purpose is simply to pump up the UAlbany fans, and really make the game fun for everyone. "Being behind the suit and knowing that no one knows who you are just adds to the craziness." he says.

"Being behind the suit and knowing that no one knows who you are just adds to the craziness." ~ Austin Elliot

One of Austin's favorite parts about being the Great Dane is when people come up to get their picture taken with him, and give him a high five. Make sure the next time you're at a basketball game cheering on Ualbany you stop for a high five with Austin Elliot!

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