Oklahoma Christian University first officially introduced Ike the Eagle in 1952 and has been recognized as the face of Oklahoma Christian since February 1999.
Now, as the Events Office is seeking more workers to become Ike the mascot, The Talon asked three students their take on auditioning for Ike. Students were asked what they viewed as most important in becoming the eagle.
Gavin Kuykendall, a sophomore business major, explains what becoming a mascot and demonstrating Oklahoma Christian would mean to him.
“I love my school and school pride,” Kuykendall said.
If selected, Kuykendall said he would use the opportunity to use his own energy around campus.
“I would fly around campus and celebrate the pride of being a true eagle,” Kuykendall said.
Briley Bonniman, a sophomore nursing major, describes what it would mean to her to try out for Ike.
Taking a dip into the fountain is the true inspiration behind becoming Ike for Bonniman.
“If I were Ike, the first thing I would do is go swim in the fountain,” Bonniman said.
Bonniman offers her version of an eagle call.
“Cah cahhh,” Bonniman said.
When asked what she would do when an opposing team tried to manipulate Ike’s Eagle nest, Bonniman had a plan ready.
“First I would say to them, ‘Stop, get some help.’ Then I would proceed to fly them up to the Bible building tower and bonk their head on the bell, specifically at noon,” Bonniman said.
Ike’s approach to online dating would be anything but subtle, according to Bonniman.
“I think that Ike would express his best qualities,” Bonniman said.
Bonniman expresses that Ike’s dating profile would focus on his appearance and spirit.
“His beautiful dark eyes and the way he inspires the students around him to harness their inner Oklahoma Christian spirits (also his yellow tights),” Bonniman said.
The biggest factor in the best candidate for Ike lies with the heart for the school behind the costume, according to Bonniman.
“I think that school spirit is the most important quality for an Oklahoma Christian Eagle, especially a mascot, to have,” Bonniman said.
Annelise Huff, a sophomore studying business administration, takes a more sneaky approach to Ike.
When asked what she would do first after putting on the eagle costume, Huff explains how she would use it to her advantage and make fun on campus.
“I would probably go to people and scare them,” Huff said.
Huff’s playful personality would not stop at scaring students. When asked how she would respond to someone taking Ike’s eagle nest, she expressed her commitment to protecting it.
“I would run after them and demand it back,” Huff said.
Huff describes Ike’s dating profile representing his personality.
“The description of Ike’s dating profile would say that he was tall and handsome,” Huff said. “It would also say looking for a beautifully feathered gal with lots of spirit.”
Never backing down is essential to becoming Ike, according to Huff.
“The most important quality for an eagle to have is resilience and the ability to bounce back,” Huff said.
When asked why she would be interested in taking on the role of Ike, Huff said her love for Oklahoma Christian would be a major reason.
“I would want to be Ike the mascot because I like to represent the school well and attend events and all of the sports games,” Huff said.
As the search for students willing to become Ike continues, students claim spirit, energy and confidence remain essential qualities for representing the school well.
Do you have what it takes to be Ike the Eagle?
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