- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
Costume shows fresh, powerful lion and jersey
Lincoln University, Pa. – Lincoln University unveiled a new mascot costume for the first time at the football game against Cheyney University in September.
Luther the Lincoln Lion visit students at Oxford Area School District for the JDRF Walk for juvenile diabetes on October 18, 2016.
Luther, the official name of the lion, is intended to enhance recognition of Lincoln University in the community and with alumni, parents, families, and potential students. The mascot leads and rallies fans during athletic events, as well as makes guest appearances at alumni events and in the community, visiting schools and events around campus.
Luther the Lincoln Lion visit students at Oxford Area School District for the JDRF Walk for juvenile diabetes on October 18, 2016.
“Luther spreads goodwill and encourages sportsmanship while being an ambassador for Lincoln University athletics,” said Anthony Plá, interim athletics director and baseball coach.
The new costume, which weighs 17 pounds, has built in muscles and gives a “powerful and imposing look,” according to the costume maker Alinco Costumes, based in Utah. In addition, the costume features a built-in fan in the head and a cooling vest to maintain a comfortable 52 degrees for the wearer during hot weather. Its feet has neoprene soles and its wearer is able to see through the mouth.
Alinco Costumes, a world leader in custom made mascot costumes, has created mascots for clients, such as: the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Seattle Seahawks, Ask Jeeves, Nestle, Disney, the Phoenix Suns, and the Chicago Bulls. According to their website, they have also created more than half of the team mascots for the NBA. Alinco Costumes custom mascot costumes have appeared in commercials and movies, such as Disney's “Go Figure,” “Big Momma's House 2,” and Disney's “The Cinderella Story.”
A photo of the previous lion mascot costume that was retired in September 2016.
The exact year of the lion became the official mascot, either in name or physical costume, was not immediately clear in Lincoln archive records, but the first Lincoln University yearbook in 1931 was already called “The Lion.”
The Lion was well established by March 1963 when in the student newspaper, The Lincolnian, the editorial said, “It is interesting to note that when the Lincoln men of years past decided to select a mascot they chose the highly symbolic lion. They were fully aware that this celebrated animal represented the epitome of the masculine virtues: unfaltering aggressiveness, strenuous competition, unyielding strength and enormous courage.”
Athletics is seeking student volunteers to wear the costume during athletics and community events. Interested students can contact Anthony Plá.
Article by Shelley Mix, Office of Communications & Public Relations. Old mascot photo courtesy of Flickr. New mascot photo by Shelley Mix.
