Everybody loves a nut, and at Ohio State, he’s the newest nut around.
Out of 15 Brutus Buckeye hopefuls, Ty Schlegel, a sophomore in transportation logistics, landed the position as the new OSU mascot. He will join two Brutus veterans, sophomores Cassidy Mullins and Bill Rumple. Schlegel is replacing Emily Moor, who is graduating this spring.
“Once I put on the Brutus outfit during tryouts, I realized I really wanted it,” Schlegel said. “The outfit was cool. I first heard about Brutus by talking with a friend of mine who used to be Brutus. I thought it sounded fun.”
Tryouts for Brutus are held in early spring in conjunction with cheerleading tryouts. Students who meet eligibility requirements also have to demonstrate personality, creativity and an ability to energize the crowd.
“People who portray Brutus must always remember they are representing OSU,” said Judy Bunting, cheerleading coach. “Being Brutus is a big commitment and a big responsibility. I think Ty will do a great job representing OSU both in and out of costume.”
Schlegel, along with the other Brutuses, are eligible to be mascot for four years. They must try out every year unless the coach believes that another tryout is unnecessary because of a job well done. Schlegel said he plans on being Brutus for two more years.
“We are very excited to have Ty on the squad,” Rumple said. “He is going to love it.”
Rumple explains that being Brutus can be very time consuming – almost like a part-time job.
“It is definitely worth it, though,” Rumple said. “The pros outweigh the cons.”
Along with being enrolled in classes full-time, Schlegel also works for OSU’s Office of Information Technology.
“I’d like to think I would continue to do well in school, at work and as Brutus,” Schlegel said.
Mullins – who is also enrolled in classes full-time and volunteers at the OSU Medical Center – said doing all of these things at once actually improves classroom performance.
“I think my grades have improved since I became Brutus a year ago,” Mullins said. “It also has taught me a great deal about time management.”
Schlegel hopes to learn more about Brutus through experience. His first function was the unveiling of the new COTA bus.
The Brutuses said functions are like practices. However, in the fall they attend the cheerleaders’ practices three times a week and twice a week during winter and spring.
“At first I didn’t know what to expect from the crowd or how people would react,” Mullins said. “Now I know exactly what to expect and that will help Ty.”
Schlegel said he looks forward to a fun year as Brutus the Buckeye and has his sights set on the Sugar Bowl.
“Last year I sat in row 41, 10C in the OSU Stadium and now I will be on the field,” Schlegel said. “I cannot wait to run onto the field carrying the flag with the entire team following me.”
