JONAH LAGRANGE/THE CREIGHTONIAN

Since 1965 when Creighton’s first costumed mascot, then-freshman John Bachechi, stepped onto the basketball court, Billy the Bluejay has been a key part of the university’s athletics. One thing that hasn’t changed in 61 years is that before Billy performs the worm, poses for a picture with eager fans or tries to bring enthusiasm to a disappointing game, the mascot spends time and effort preparing to wow crowds. 

“That day [game day] is eating something reliable, because the worst thing you can do is throw up — and you’ll get close. I’ve been close many times,” one of the five individuals who don the bird suit, henceforth referred to as “the mascot” to protect his anonymity, said. “Go to the game really early just to get in the right mind, listen to music (probably the same song for every game), drink an energy drink, hydrate, fan work, then it’s game time.”  

It’s a routine meant to help the person in the mascot costume keep up the energy of Billy the Bluejay. The goal is for Billy is to be personable, interacting with fans, and always entertaining on the sidelines of sports games.  

 Many students find having a mascot with this personable demeanor is an important part of campus culture and athletics. 

“I think it’s good to have something to represent the college campus overall across the world or across the U.S.,” Lauren Robinson, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “It’s also good for students to have a physical representative of their school that they can take pictures with, that they can hang out with, that they can just see at games doing whatever he does, including his flips and his runs.” 

She added that the Bluejay mascot is fun to interact with. 

“I actually think he’s really cute. He’s funny sometimes,” Robinson said. “I actually have a slight fear of mascots … so I think he’s my only the exception to not running away from [a mascot]. He was a little scary freshman year, but I’ve grown to love him and his antics. Seeing him around the mall makes my day.” 

Another student, Zaidyn Torres, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, agreed and added that Billy’s antics are an important part of sporting events. 

“It gives something to cheer about … [and Billy is] supporting the players,” she said. Comparing Billy to the few turns she took as her high school’s mascot, Torres added, “They’re more hype, much more supportive and enthusiastic. I like it.” 

That high energy and enthusiasm come from Billy the Bluejay focusing on staying active and entertaining. 

“Rule number one is always be moving, so I’m always at least walking back and forth,” the mascot said. “And in a down moment, I’ll just go mess with people, you know, not like over the top, but I’ll tap someone on the shoulder and like act like I wasn’t there, stuff like that. … if you can do the worm or a headstand or a back flip, that definitely helps.”  

This particular mascot is still working on his back flip, but he promised to learn it, and he does enjoy showing off his ability to do the worm for crowds. He’s been passionate about being an uplifting part of the team even before stepping into the role of Billy the Bluejay. 

“Before Creighton I was a semi-professional [mascot] in Omaha, so [choosing] between UNO and Creighton, it was which costume I liked better,” the mascot, who mascoted for local teams, including the Omaha Storm Chasers, in high school, said. 

According to those who wear the suit, it isn’t an easy job. Dancing, stunts and crowd work take a lot of energy. 

“I promise everyone, when I get out there on a basketball game or a volleyball game, I have to lie down afterwards because there’s nothing left in my body,” the mascot said. 

Sometimes entertaining fans is easier said than done. 

“It’s easy, medium and hard [during games],” he said. “When we’re ahead, it’s super easy, especially if we’re going on a run. You can just go out there and go crazy, almost do whatever. When we’re behind, that’s probably when I get the most adrenaline, to be honest, like [when we’re] slightly behind. And I’ll go out there and I’m trying to get people up on their feet, and then I don’t know who’s paying attention to me, but I don’t really care because sometimes I make it about myself. … And then you really have to be an entertainer when we’re down like 20 points in basketball, for instance. … If you go out there and you at least try to do something, maybe that’ll get the crowd a little bit back into it.” 

The mascot also has to interact with the people of the Creighton community.  

“It’s a lot of high fives and hugs, and that stuff’s cool. I really do enjoy that. Some special moments are little kids who are scared and warm up to you. Those are definitely some of my favorites,” the mascot said. 

But he added that not every interaction is ideal. 

“There are the ones you never prepare yourself for, like this drunk lady who tried to pull off my head and kiss me. That was interesting,” he said.  

He cautioned people to remember there is a person behind the beak and to treat the mascot with respect. 

On top of going to games and traveling with the basketball and volleyball teams, Billy the Bluejay attends several other events. One of these is an annual Valentine’s Day event hosted by Creighton Pediatrics Therapy, where the mascot spends time with special needs children. Additionally, Billy was even at the grand opening for the Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt store on Cuming Street.  

All five of the students, men and women, who take turns wearing the Bluejay costume work hard to bring Billy to life. They follow the tradition of keeping their identities a secret to protect the allure and mystery around the mascot, letting him be more Bluejay than student in a costume.  

“I think it’s so much fun not knowing, as well, who is behind there,” Torres said. 

The student mascots sign up for events and games, taking turns as Billy, and they share two costumes that are occasionally dry-cleaned. Other times, the bird suits are simply freshened up with a cleaning spray. The costumes are nearly one-size-fits-all but do require a height range of about five-foot-five to six-foot-two. Rather than body type, the biggest qualification is to be engaging and fun during the tryout. Tryouts are run annually by Ava Limbo, the university’s director of spirit programs. 

“You don’t have to have the ‘it factor’ coming in, but you have to be at least a little funny, be personable [and] you can’t just shut down,” the mascot said about the tryout process.   

This one individual from the five Billys is hoping to work with Limbo to improve the university’s mascot program. He wants to implement practices and clearer guidelines. 

“[The program] is going to get better. I’m going to improve it. … Having people practice [and] having set rules, so we’re not all doing our own thing. We have to have ground rules on what not to do, what to do, stuff like that,” he said. 

Even without these practices and set rules yet, the university’s community recognizes the mascot as an important part of the school. After 61 years of a costumed Billy the Bluejay, and over 100 years of Billy’s existence as a Creighton character, the Bluejay is certainly here to stay.