The search for the new Big Stuff has ended as the athletic department has found someone to fill the mascot position.
The mascot “Big Stuff” is a major figure for the Winthrop and Rock Hill community. The former Big Stuff, who served as the mascot for the last several years, graduated and departed from Winthrop in May. This led many people to ask the question, “who will be the next Big Stuff?”
“Big Stuff is a big part of the athletics department and means a great deal to Winthrop fans,” said Shea Maple, the assistant athletic director for external affairs. “Finding the next great Big Stuff was important to many of our staff members in the department, and it was a collective effort.”
Although fans love seeing Big Stuff at events and around campus, most are not aware of the process of finding the new Big Stuff or the duties of that participant.
“In the past, auditions have been held to find the next Big Stuff whenever a previous mascot departs and soars out into the working world,” Maple said.
“This time around, Athletics put the [word] out in a few places, leaning on some campus friends to seek out those who may be interested. During the freshman orientation resource fair, we met several incoming Winthrop students who had an interest, and things have taken off from there.”
Aside from attending athletic events on Winthrop’s campus, Big Stuff also has the responsibility of attending community events and is sometimes asked to attend events such as church events and birthday parties.
So far this semester, the new Big Stuff has had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Miracle Park in Rock Hill. At this event, Big Stuff was able to meet Sir Purr, the mascot for the Carolina Panthers.
“The primary duty of Big Stuff is to entertain and put a smile on the faces of Eagle fans near and far. It’s critical that the person in the suit understands the impact he or she can have on our fans,” Maple said.
Due to Big Stuff’s numerous duties, Maple said that if other students are interested in the position, the athletic department would love to have other people on call in case there is a scheduling conflict with the main Big Stuff.
“It feels bittersweet to know someone else will be performing as Big Stuff. I can only hope the next person is as passionate about the program as I was,” said former Big Stuff, Grant Nicholson.
“My advice to the next person is to learn as much as possible about being a mascot and running a mascot program,” Nicholson said. “What I love about running a mascot program is that it really involves a lot of different interesting jobs.”
Additionally, Nicholson adds that he hopes whoever is in the mascot suit this year will reach out to him and other past performers in order to make sure the character of Big Stuff does not change too much.
“Performers should be consistent for good character building and crowd involvement,” Nicholson said. “It maintains the integrity of the magic in marketing the university and its athletic programs.”
As basketball season approaches and as Winthrop competes in other athletic events, the Winthrop community is excited to see the new Big Stuff in action and get to know this character.
“Big Stuff is a rock star here at Winthrop and should embody the spirit of the entire university,” Maple said. “The new Big Stuff has big shoes to fill — literally — and follows a great tradition of successful mascot entertainers here at Winthrop.”
