Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Homecoming 2006

MO THE MULE 2006

Central Missouri's mascot, Mo the Mule, is more than just another run-of-the-mill university goof ball. Mo is a hero to some, a good laugh for others and one of many hard workers on the cheer squad.

So how does someone become Central's beloved mascot?

"I receive emails from high school students who are interested in being Mo," said Anne Best, cheer coach at Central. "That person should be very outgoing, personable and able to communicate, using gestures rather than verbal communication," Best said.

She then has a meeting with the candidates to make her decision. Once she has chosen a new Mo to take over, the new person begins training with the departing Mo. Best has selected three different Mo's since she took over the cheer squad. It is tradition to keep Mo's identity a secret.

Over the years, the costume has changed, but not much. The biggest changes Mo has undergone these past few years are mainly his apparel. Best said whenever the sports teams get new uniforms, Mo does, too.

Mo has undergone a little bit of mascot cosmetic surgery due to harsh weather. His fur fades from being out in the sun and in the rain, so his color has to be restored occasionally. He also got a new set of hands.

"Mo needed to go to the doctor," the current mascot said.
What makes someone want to play this demanding role? The current Mo said this was a blessing for him.

"No one but God could've given me this opportunity," Mo said.
The road to becoming Mo was not an easy one for the current mascot. He started as a student who wanted to join the ROTC program, but it didn't work out.

He was also an aspiring athlete prior to his mascot duties. Knee injuries prevented him from making the basketball team at Central, so he was forced to walk away from the game.

After suffering a couple of setbacks early in his collegiate career, Mo got some very good advice from a faculty member. She told him the cheer squad was looking for another Mo, and he should use his animated personality to get the job.

The rocky road began to get smoother when he became Mo and got the scholarship that comes with the job.

Mo said his dad laughed for about five minutes when he heard the news. Mo also said God definitely has a sense of humor, but this was God's way of providing for him.

Mo said he is naturally outgoing and a little bit quirky, but it took some time to get used to his new job.

Continued...

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