Threshy takes on Wichita: Local mascot featured in Wichita Thunder hockey game
The mascot, an emblem of Thresher school spirit, has been getting lots of attention in the public eye, and creator Joseph Gogus plans to keep the momentum up.
Due to a variety of events at Bethel recently, school spirit is at an all time high. From the introduction of the new mascot, “Threshy” to Bethel superfan Loren Reusser’s 90th birthday, to the creation of the “Stone Zone” student section, it’s clear to see this community’s love for Bethel’s athletics.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that there have been more opportunities for mascot Threshy to get out and about in the greater Wichita community. Many in Wichita got a taste of the Bethel school spirit when Threshy was invited to the Wichita Thunder ice hockey game against the Idaho Steelheads on Jan. 7. This event was a massive promotion for the Threshers, as it was the first major event outside of Newton that involved Threshy, and several excited fans stopped to take a picture with the new face of Bethel.
At the event, Threshy joined several local area mascots, including many from KCAC schools, such as the Friends University Falcon, the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote, the McPherson College Bulldog, and the Newman University Jets. There were several others, including Wichita State University’s WuShock. Together, these mascots played a game of broomball during halftime of the Wichita Thunder game to celebrate the birthday of the Thunder’s mascot, T-Dog.
Threshy’s inclusion in this event signifies a rising interest from local event organizers in the uniqueness and creativity in the Bethel mascot’s design by Head Cheer Coach Joseph Gogus and Director for Institutional Communications & Marketing Tricia Clark, as well as the promotions done by the various news outlets in the area, including local news source HarveyCountyNow, which wrote an article about Threshy back in Dec. 2022.
Outside of firing up the student section or raiding the concession stand at basketball games, Threshy was also featured at the launch party for a new seven step strategic plan announced by President Jon Gering, and was seen at multiple Christmas events towards the end of the fall semester.
This is only the beginning, as Coach Gogus reveals; he has plans to take Threshy to the College Mascot Nationals Tournament.
“I’ve got a skit planned and everything,” Gogus said. “And Threshy is unique enough I think we have a shot [at winning].”
As for Threshy itself, new promotional merchandise featuring the Thresher has been seen on newly branded shirts, as well as a large photo being featured at the entrance to Goering Hall. A planned email and social media account is also expected to appear this year, for people to ask Threshy questions or request its presence at school events.
For those who want to experience life inside the mask, there are plans to have auditions for Threshy applicants at the end of the year. If being on the outside is more your thing, there are jobs available on Handshake for mascot handlers to learn about the processes of mascot engagements and work directly with Threshy.