Jaguar fans everywhere know who Lacumba is, the costumed jokester who entertains the crowd through comedic sideline antics and impromptu performances with Southern University cheerleaders, football team and marching band.
But what many members of the Jaguar Nation seldom take notice of are the men and women behind the mask of the university’s mascot, and the road many have to take to become the university’s most popular anonymous cheerleader.
“If I was given the opportunity again to be a SU mascot, I would definitely do it again,” said Josie Bellard, a Southern alumna who adorned Lacumba’s thick skin more than 40 years ago.
Bellard graduated from Southern in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and chose to continue her education at the institution by receiving her master’s in counseling in 1986.
Her reign as Lacumba began in 1964 and lasted until 1966.
“I love my Jag Nation,” Bellard said, revealing that she originally desired to be a member of Southern University’s cheerleading squad before stepping into the shoes of mascot.
“Mrs. Morris, who was the physical education instructor at the time, noticed that I danced well,” she said.
Bellard said Morris asked if she would take the job of being the SU mascot, and the rest became history.
“I was given the opportunity to meet with people, dance and enjoy all (the) football games,” she said. “I especially loved the attention from the people and the football players.”
After her collegiate career, Bellard said she became a teacher’s aid, and then later worked as a dance teacher for the majorettes and cheerleaders for Capitol Middle School in Baton Rouge.
Bellard eventually married and had three sons, and said she also raised seven boys, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The proud Jaguar alum is now a retired schoolteacher that still harbors a deep love for her alma mater.
When asked if there were any special person she would like to be reunited with at this year’s homecoming game, she smiled and said, “I would love to see Lewis Hightower, a former SU football player and Nancy Hall, my first roommate.”
Bellard said the present mascot should continue to love Southern, win or lose, and be able to pass on his or her experience to the next generation of Jaguars.