If you follow Bates on social media or have been to a recent campus event, you may have noticed that the Bobcat got an upgrade. The new Bates Bobcat mascot debuted on Sept. 26 at the home football season opener against Trinity after a year of design and planning. 

Designed by Tom Sapp of Real Characters, Inc., with costume development by Chicago Mascot Co., the Bobcat stepped out with a custom fit and fresh sneakers. Throughout the redesign process, students, staff, faculty, and Bates alumni offered input to help shape the Bobcat. 

In addition, Bates launched a new mascot program to select and train those who will be animating the mascot, aiming to create consistency in what we can expect from the Bobcat. Auditions for student performers and mascot handlers — someone’s got to keep this human-sized cat from bumping into things — yielded a team committed to bringing the Bobcat to life across campus. Earlier this semester, the team got tips from a real pro. The performer behind Slugger the Sea Dog — the official mascot of the Portland Sea Dogs — stopped by campus to lead a training session. Slugger trained the students to move safely in the Bobcat costume while interacting with and motivating Bates fans. 

While Slugger was test driving the Bobcat, he managed a backflip, setting a high bar for our top secret team of student performers. You’ll see the Bates Bobcat roaming around campus. Athletics is already taking bookings from Bates College departments, recognized student organizations, nonprofit organizations, businesses and community members who want to request the Bobcat’s friendly presence for events throughout the year.