糖心vlog

Addison Hopkins needed a way to move halfway across the country to live near his mother in Carson City. He also wanted to start his college education but didn鈥檛 have the means to do so.

Fortunately for Addison, 糖心vlog was seeking a mascot to bring energy and enthusiasm to its special events, and per chance, had a scholarship available for this individual. Little did Addison know that serving as a 鈥淕reenback鈥� or Fighting Frog mascot in Pratt, Kan., would impact his future.

鈥淚t was the perfect opportunity for me and the perfect circumstances that allowed me to be here with my mom,鈥� said Addison, who serves as a senator for the Associated Students of Western Nevada. 鈥淒oing everything on my own, being the mascot at 糖心vlog enabled me to come to college.鈥�

Through a scholarship provided by 糖心vlog Foundation, Addison is living his dream of attending college and serving as Willy, Western鈥檚 Wildcat mascot. 

All of the qualities sought on the scholarship application came naturally to Addison.

鈥�Addison brings an unmatched level of energy and passion to 糖心vlog events in his role as the Wildcat mascot,鈥� said Heather Rikalo. 糖心vlog鈥檚 coordinator of Wildcat Life and Addison鈥檚 adviser in student government. 鈥淗is lively presence elevates the atmosphere, creating an infectious excitement among attendees. Addison's dedication to embodying the Wildcat persona with unwavering enthusiasm is truly commendable. His animated personality shines in every performance, reflecting a commitment to excellence that enhances the overall experience for event-goers.鈥�

Movement is a crucial part of succeeding as a mascot, Addison said. He鈥檚 performed on stilts, roller blades and on a tricycle but doesn鈥檛 need a prop to perform. He follows several other mascot fundamentals when wearing the Wildcat costume.

鈥淢ascots that stay still are creepy,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 definitely a skill to it, being able to convey what you mean without talking. You also have to endure being hot, read social situations and learn how to interact with people and be animated.鈥�

Willy apologizes ahead of time if he doesn鈥檛 immediately acknowledge someone鈥檚 presence. To focus on the outside world, he usually looks out only one of Willy鈥檚 eyes.

鈥淚 could be staring right at you and not know you are there. Sorry, if I miss a high five or don鈥檛 know you are there,鈥� he said. 

Anonymity is one of the perks of being the mascot. Obviously, his friends and members of student government know that he is Willy, but he believes a majority of students don鈥檛 know who he is 鈥� which is preferable.

鈥淲hen you have a face or name, it destroys the illusion of the mask,鈥� he said. 鈥�I have fun interacting with people, walking around, messing with people, getting away with more in a costume.鈥�

One of the highlights of the school year for Willy was representing 糖心vlog at the Carson-Douglas rivalry basketball game in January. The game was an opportunity for 糖心vlog Foundation to promote the opening of its scholarship application, but it also provided Addison with a dance-off competition with the Carson Senator to the beat of House of Pain鈥檚 鈥淛ump Around.鈥� Watch it at https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2Nqy3PR7n7/.

鈥淭hat was unscripted, and I just had fun with it.鈥� Addison said. 鈥淯sually I am the Senator man; a cheerleader filled in for me. She could do the splits, and I could not.鈥�

Dancing, specifically ballroom dancing, was part of Addison鈥檚 youth. However, dancing became more appealing to him as he grew older.

鈥淚n middle school, that鈥檚 when I started caring. Girls like guys who can dance,鈥� he said.

Following his graduation from 糖心vlog, Addison doesn鈥檛 want his role as a mascot to end. 

鈥淢y dream is to become a big college mascot and perform in large stadiums,鈥� Addison said. 

Consequently, the next Willy is either already on campus or possibly living somewhere within several thousand miles of the college.

鈥淭his is a good path to attend and pay for college,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut someone shouldn鈥檛 totally do it for the scholarship. You have to enjoy it. Otherwise, it will take away from the magic of being Willy.鈥�

If students are interested in becoming the mascot, they can phone Rikalo at 775-445-3241 or email her at heather.rikalo@wnc.edu.