The campus welcomed the newest recruit -- the Highlander mascot -- to Houghton athletics at Spot on February 6. After a few days of getting acclimated to it surroundings, it had a chance to attend a few more campus events, including part of Friday's Board of Trustees meeting.

We had a chance to sit down with the mascot to learn a little bit about its background and its role in the Houghton community.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: Well, I was born in Tanzania and enjoyed my early days there. But my family moved to Scotland when I was just a cub. My family actually has strong ties to Scotland ever since my great, great, great, great (many more greats!) grandfather was used as the model for the Lion Rampant on the Royal Flag of Scotland back in 1222.

Q: So you are an African lion with an appreciation for the Scottish Highlands?
A: Yes, most definitely. Africa was far too hot for me. I appreciated the colder, wetter and unpredictable weather of the Highlands. So, Houghton is definitely a great fit for me.

Q: Tell us how you ended up in Houghton.
A: As I said before, my family's ties to Scotland go way back. In that history is a connection to Angus McMillen, a farmer who raised Highland cattle. Well, my great, great grandfather helped to protect his cattle, but when a family emergency forced him to go back to Africa, the cattle were unprotected and all were stolen. [Editor's Note: Angus McMillen is a fictional character brought to life in a poem written by a former Houghton faculty member. He's not real. But please don't tell this to the Lion.)

Q: So how does this connect you to Houghton?
A: With his livelihood gone, Angus left Scotland and moved to America. He settled right here along the Genesee River among the hills and trees of Houghton.

Q: And Angus McMillen met Willard Houghton and helped him launch Houghton College.
A: Exactly. Angus kept in touch with my family through the years back in Africa, telling us all about the glorious Highlands of Western New York and the impact Houghton College was having in the area.

Q: What happened after Angus died?
A: That was a sad time, and we lost touch with the McMillen family. But the stories of Angus and Houghton College were passed down through the generations. Amazingly a few years ago one of my relatives met people from Houghton after they started the Houghton in Tanzania program.

Q: That's an amazing coincidence?
A: It was definitely a blessing. Later the Tanzania program director Eli Knapp and his wife Linda told about their amazing experiences as Houghton Highlander student-athletes. Eli played basketball and Linda was on the volleyball team. When I heard that, I was fascinated. I loved watching sports in Scotland and definitely wanted to be a part of that. But I knew that playing on a team wouldn't work. Have you ever seen a lion try to shoot a basketball?

Q: What happened next?
A: The Knapps told my relatives that the college was looking for a mascot who could help with campus spirit. I thought I was the perfect fit: one of my ancestors was already on their logo, I have gold fur and a purple mane (don't ask!), and I look great in a kilt. So, I caught the first flight I could find to the U.S.

Q: And you were welcomed at Houghton with open arms?
A: Not exactly at first. But it was kind of my fault. I kind of dropped in unannounced right into the middle of campus.

Q: Oh, in the big box on the quad?
A: Yep. I was in there for a couple of days, because I think people were a bit nervous to come check it out. Finally I was able to pop the top off the box and roamed around for a few hours in the snow and checked out some of the buildings. One of the security guards started to chase me and we ended up in Wesley Chapel.

Q: And how did that go over?
A: It was amazing! When I came on the stage, all the students went crazy [watch the video]. I knew that I was in the right place. Then the Shen Bloc came up [I think I'm gonna like these guys] and handed me the flag. All the student-athletes came up and we did a cheer (thanks, Coach Hatch). Later I took pictures with some of the students and local kids.

Q: Now that you're here, what will your role be on campus?
A: The big thing will be to help build spirit at home games and liven up the atmosphere for our sports teams.

Q: Will you be involved in anything else?
A: Yes. I want to help the entire campus, so I plan to make appearances at some of the big visit events for prospective students and help at the summer events like Kingdom Bound and Creation. I also want to connect with alumni and their families, so Homecoming will be a big weekend for me. The college also wants to get me into the local communities, so maybe I'll attend local parades and festivals. And Friday I got to meet President Mullen and the Board of Trustees.

Q: Tell us a bit about your personality?
A: I am a lion, so people may be a bit afraid at first, but I'm really friendly and love people… kids especially. I reserve my ferocity for our opponents.

Q: Where can we see you next?
A: My next official appearance will be at the men's basketball home game against D'Youville College on Tuesday, February 16. Then I'll be at the final men's and women's basketball double-header against Alfred University on Thursday, February 18. After that I'll have a pretty full schedule at spring home games. But don't be surprised if you see me popping up at a few other locations on campus from time to time.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your adventures?
A: I have a website and we are getting ready to launch some things on social media, maybe a Facebook page or a Twitter account.

Q: One final question, what's your name?
A: I don't really have one that translates in English. I'm hoping that the Houghton students, faculty, staff and alumni will help me come up with something that is fitting. I think a naming contest is in the works, so stay tuned.
 
Rapid Fire Questions for the Mascot…

Q: What do you like to eat?
A: I especially enjoy dining on Saxons, Cardinals, Soaring Eagles, Golden Flyers, Ducks, Pioneers, Hawks and Bombers. And it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities for these feasts in the Empire 8 Conference.

Q: What's your favorite book?
A: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", of course. Gotta love Aslan and C.S. Lewis.

Q: What's your favorite movie?
A: It's a toss-up between the Lion King and Braveheart.

Q: What's your favorite song?
A: Another tie. Either "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", Katy Perry's "Roar", or D.C. Talk's "God's Not Dead".

Q: What's one of your pet peeves?
A: When someone chews with their mouth open. When you have a zebra leg hanging out your mouth, no one wants to see that… I mean, have some manners.

Q: Something you can't live without?
A: My kilt.

Q: Favorite Bible verse?
A: Proverbs 28:1. It's what being a Christian (and a Highlander) is all about: being righteous, confident and bold.