The jaguar is on the prowl at Southern University. SU is the habitat of many jaguars at heart, but our jaguar pride is more vividly showcased through Lacumba, the costumed mascot.
Lacumba is loved by many and respected by all.
“The children love and enjoy it. They come from way at the top of the stands just to hug me,” Lacumba said. “Kids motivate me to perform. They love it and it makes me feel good, because kids enjoy the game.”
The mascot serves as an ambassador of the university. He not only is there to support the team at games, but also participates in other university-sanctioned activities.
“I would be willing to go anywhere to support them (Southern University),” said the mascot.
At the game, he is either in the stands greeting fans or on the field hyping up the crowd.
“I would love to be in the halftime show. I think I would really complement them. I feel like I am a part of the football team, because I am often the first one in the end zone,” said Lacumba. He would also be willing to work with the live jaguar as well.
Believe it or not some mascots have beef between them. “There will probably be a fight at the Texas Southern and the Grambling game,” he said.
But he’s not big on fighting, but will only fight other animals.
Lacumba said the only downfall about being the mascot is the upkeep.
To clean his suit costs about 30 dollars per game, which he must pay.
“Any campus organization that wants to donate fees to pay for my (dry) cleaning contact James Smith, the cheerleading coach,” he said.
The mascot is a part of the cheerleading team and receives a scholarship for his participation.
Tryouts are held in the spring. If you are interested in becoming the costumed mascot for the 2004-2005 school year contact the SU cheerleaders in the spring of next year to be informed about tryouts.
