Volume 25 · Number 3 · Spring 2008
Dirty Work and Dream Jobs: aka Gunrock
(Photo: Karin Higgins/UC Davis)
Junior in communications from Rodeo
Job: athletic mascot
Wearing the blue mustang costume is a labor of love — there’s no pay and no recognition. Gunrock may hold celebrity status at Aggie games and community events, but the student inside is anonymous. Gunrock dances with fans in the stands, dispenses hugs and stickers, and rides floats in parades, but the horse never talks. When curious fans ask “Who’s in there?” the official answer from Gunrock’s representatives is: “Nobody.” That suits this Aggie Pack enthusiast just fine. For 2 ½ years, she’s happily taken turns with a handful of other interns as the spirit of Gunrock.
Escort needed: Whenever the Aggie’s equine ambassador goes out, a “wrangler” accompanies him — for back up. “You can’t send Gunrock out by himself. Little kids pull on his tail.” Gunrock also needs someone to answer questions and to serve as extra eyes. Looking at the world through Gunrock’s teeth can make it hard to spot a small waving admirer. “If someone little is down there, it’s hard to see them.”
The air in there: “It’s very warm. You have padding that builds you up. The air doesn’t really circulate. It’s like wearing sweat pants and a sweat shirt and them some.” During the hottest football games last season, interns worked in short shifts to avoid overheating.
Becoming Gunrock: An avid sports fan, she didn’t seek the role; it found her. “I just started going to all kinds of sporting events. Someone [from Athletics Marketing and Promotions] asked me if I wanted to be an intern.” Volunteers typically have a trial run as Gunrock at a game before joining the stable of regulars. “Moving is really hard because you’re kind of bulky. . . . You have to make your movements exaggerated so people really see them. You have to know where Gunrock’s eyes and ears are. Sometimes if Gunrock’s embarrassed he’ll cover his eyes. If he wants the crowd to yell louder, he’ll put his hand near his ear. . . . In years back, we’ve had Gunrocks who could ride bikes or do flips or things like that.”
The rewards: Being a campus symbol and ambassador for higher education. “It’s just fun. You get to go out and meet people. Some of the little kids are so happy when you give them a sticker or a [rub-on] tattoo. It really brightens their day.”
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