“I loved being able to cheer on and support all the athletic teams and interact with the public to represent Northwood at community events. Plus, it allowed me to interact with more students than I generally would on my own without being on one of the teams,” said JT Wint ’25, who has spent all four years of his Northwood career being the face of the school at most of the home sporting events.
“I’ve been the mascot for all of my 4 years. The summer before 9th grade, I watched YouTube videos on ‘how to be a mascot,’ I also went to the dance studio and worked with Ms. Mandi in front of the mirrors. Initially, I needed a handler to help with the suit to ensure I didn’t fall down any stairs. Eventually, I could get zipped up on my own and manage stairs. I only ran into a glass double door once at the Arena, but thankfully, not many people were in the vicinity.”
“There were so many fun times that I don’t think I could pick just one. It was fun to ride the chairlift and ski in the Husky suit, have dogs want to play with me, ride a Zamboni, get mash pitted at the prom, participate all over town during the FISU World University Games, pose with lots of people for pictures, cheer on countless events for Northwood, and generally be welcomed wherever I went. I’m going to miss seeing all the smiles from people when I would walk by and all the hugs I would get from little kids. Also, a big one would be the number of people who don’t know what animal the husky is and trying to explain it without speaking, which isn’t easy to do.”
“I have always enjoyed community service, and this was a great way for me to do something for my school community. As a ninth grader and new student at Northwood, it gave me something to get involved in, and then I just enjoyed doing it, so I continued for all four years. Hopefully somebody else will take over the reins – uh leash,” Wint laughed.
The Northwood Community thanks JT for all the support he’s brought to the games over the years. He has left some big shoes to fill!