By Nicholas Wynn
McNick’s emblem of spirit, the Rocket mascot, has a new face this year. More accurately, the face on the outside is the same, but the face inside is different.
A new student has assumed the role of the Rocket for the 2017-2018 school year, replacing 2017 grad Jacob Robb, the previous mascot. The Milestone published his Q&A in October 2015, and revealed his identity in a February 2017 article.
Without Robb at McNick any longer, a new student has stepped up and become the mascot. Although the student’s identity remains a secret, Rocket still agreed to a quick Q&A session with the Milestone.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your time as the Rocket?
A: I just really want to spread happiness and good spirit, and I want to inspire some of the younger students or incoming freshman to be the Rocket later.
Q: How do you plan on raising school spirit this year?
A: I don’t have a plan, but I think spirit comes best when its natural and spontaneous. So whatever I feel will raise spirit in the moment, I’ll do.
Q: How have you enjoyed pumping up the McNick student body so far?
A: I’ve really enjoyed people coming up and interacting with me. I’ve gotten chest-bumps that I wasn’t expecting and I’ve lost a hand for a moment, but that spirit is great.
Q: What is your favorite part about being the Rocket?
A: My favorite part so far is seeing everyone light up when I’m around. It’s an awesome feeling. I enjoy just getting to make people happy. I also like seeing all the students at the games. They see me and get really happy, or sometimes really scared, but either way it’s a fun time.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I like to stand in the mirror and say, “You can do it. I believe in you, and that probably means everyone else does too.” I’ll also say, “Please don’t mess this up and don’t fall down…”
Q: Do you like white, gold, or green better?
A: Gold – it goes with everything.
Q: Do you use diesel or regular rocket fuel?
A: I like that stuff that NASA’s got; I ain’t no cheapskate.
Q: How are rising fuel costs going to affect your ability to perform at games?
A: I’m really worried about it. I think the fuel costs should be lower. Some people, like me, need that stuff to survive.
Q: How hot does the inside of your suit get?
A: It’s about 20 degrees up from the outside temperature, and even hotter in the sun. The suit is very warm. It doesn’t smell bad though.
Q: Do you think you could beat the cheerleaders in a cheer-off?
A: Oh no, man. They have so much performance quality. They’re great, and they work harder than almost anybody at McNick. They deserve a lot of respect.
Q: What makes you better than all the other rockets and satellites up in space?
A: I like to consider myself very grounded.
Q: What do you want everyone to know about yourself?
A: I hope you’ll find me different than any other Rocket that’s come to pass at McNick. Why? You’ll just have to come and participate to see!
The McNicholas Milestone 