Lacumba’s uniform gets upgrade

The Southern University mascot Lacumba now gives the crowd that Jaguar spirit in a new uniform, thanks to Plank Road Cleaners.
William Dickerson, Jr., Southern University alumnus and owner of Plank Road Cleaners, donated the mascot uniform this year after he saw the mascot at last year’s Tulane football game. According to Dickerson, it dimmed in comparison to the opponent’s mascot uniform.
“I didn’t like the appearance of our uniform as compared to Tulane’s. I am an alumnus and I wanted to give something back,” Dickerson said.
The uniform, which is a “Super Cougar” with Jaguar print, was worn for the first time at Homecoming.
Jaguar mascot Andrew Charles said a new uniform makes a difference to the Jaguar Nation, as well as to the wearer.
“I really like the uniform. It’s more appealing to the crowd. The fingers (on the old uniform) were worn. Now they (fans) can’t see my fingers and the smaller kids are not as scared of the uniform,” Charles said.
According to James Smith, Sr., Southern University’s cheerleading coach, the uniform needed to be replaced because it became worn due to weather conditions at games.
“I’m very appreciative and grateful to him and his wife. That’s just an honor that they would think enough of the cheerleaders and the University to donate a uniform,” Smith said.
Smith said the cost of mascot uniform is roughly $1,000.
He also stressed that the appearance of the mascot is important because the mascot is more than a person in the uniform.
“Mascots are very important. They have to portray a certain spirit to the crowd without talking. They try out and go through extensive training at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. (At a game) It’s basically one person versus 60,000 people. It’s a hard job.”