New mascot 'Threshy' makes his debut
Bethel's first-ever anthropomorphic mascot has already become a beloved part of showing Thresher spirit.
During the homecoming football game on Fall Fest weekend, Bethel unveiled its brand new mascot, Threshy the Threshing Stone. The mascot incorporates several of the unique properties of Bethel College, from the threshing stones on its head and shoulder, to the wheat painted on the head, and a pair of wearable threshing stones on its hands.
Since this first unveiling, Threshy has popped up at football games and community activities alike, bringing a rebranded style of school spirit signifying a new era of Threshers. The mascot is a long overdue addition to the college cheer lineup, according to head cheer coach Joseph Gogus.
“This has been something I wanted since I started [coaching at Bethel],” said Gogus. “It’s been several years in the making.”
With the assistance of Tricia Clark, the school’s Director for Institutional Communications & Marketing, Threshy was able to become a reality. After several drafts and redesigns, a finalized design was selected, which incorporated the mascot’s prominent threshing stone mohawk and fists.
Next, the student body was given the opportunity to select a name for the mascot. Many names were prominent, such as Herman Bubbert and Rollond. However, Threshy was the name best suited for the new face of Bethel school spirit.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I think we have the scariest mascot around,” said head football coach A.B. Stokes to the team after their Fall Fest victory.
Various community members and families of Threshers have taken post-victory pictures with Threshy. During games, Threshy can be seen walking around in the stands interacting with fans, or sneaking in to help in the concession stand.
Threshy’s arrival signifies Bethel joining various other local colleges in amping up school spirit, with an expected social media page for Threshy in the near future.
As for the mysterious person in the suit, though their identity is to remain anonymous, The Collegian was able to reach them for comment.
“It’s honestly a huge honor. I mean, this college has been around for well over a hundred years, so who knows how long Threshy will be a part of campus life?” they said. “I never expected in my wildest dreams to be able to do this, but it’s such a blast to be the first Threshy.”