Joe, Idaho’s favorite vandal. He stomps about high-fiving fans, dances like a goof and spreads joy to everyone he greets.
“I’m given the authority to misbehave and to embarrass,” Joe Vandal said. “To be a big absolute child at these events and get away with it and make people laugh.”
The vandal isn’t just a mascot but a person. An average college student who lives day to day on the University of Idaho campus, making memories as he goes.
The Vandal is constantly seen all over Idaho and the northwest, whether it be car magnets or coffee mugs. The mascot himself is in high demand. He’s everywhere from Vandal athletic games to elementary schools and public events — among other things.
“He is the face, everybody can recognize him. No matter what year it is, everyone wants to see Joe,” former cheerleader Morgan Berriochoa said. “He is the face of tradition, pride, as well as school spirit. He is the whole package and what it is to be a Vandal.”
Like Superman, Joe Vandal is sworn to secrecy and keeps his identity hidden from the general public. Berriochoa said it is tradition for Joe Vandal to reveal himself at the final home game of his senior year, until then, he remains anonymous.
“No talking, the moment you talk, is the moment you lose the illusion,” Joe Vandal said. “You don’t tell people everyday that you’re the mascot.”
In order to obtain the position as mascot, one must become a part of the cheerleading team. Barriochoa said the applicant needs to be athletic, memorize routines, have an out-going personality and flexible schedule.
The Joe Vandal interviewed, however, did not have all of these qualities. He said it was very hard to adjust because of his naturally shy personality. As a new college student he was often timid around new environments.
“I’m definitely surprised on how much I enjoy [being a mascot] now,” Joe Vandal said. “I was all out of my comfort zone so it made it hard for me to be a very cheery, happy-go-lucky mascot kind of figure.”
Being the mascot changes people. A person can be shy and uncomfortable with the position when first starting the job. As time passes, the experience and memories build. They build confidence, flexibility, and relationships.
“Things that I do, things that I get away with, the interactions I have with people, really puts a smile on my face beneath the giant smiling head,” said Joe Vandal. “It definitely was a big 180 toward my experiences. My attitude towards Joe Vandal has changed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. I realized that this job is extremely important to the University.”
Angelyn Cox | UI Journalism Workshop