Kyle Keck | Echo
The Trojan mascot is unmasked-and he's a she.
Lauren Solito, a sophomore public health and biology major, took the position as Taylor's fighting Trojan.
"It's interesting with people assuming I'm a guy," Solito said. "Whenever they find out that I'm a girl, they all freak out like, 'Oh my gosh, it's a girl!' But I don't mind it at all."
Taylor's Trojan is tasked with pumping up the purple-and-gold-bleeding crowd until Upland's cornfields echo with their cheers. It's a job for the truly motivated fanatic.
"I wanted to be the mascot for two reasons," Solito said. "First is because I have always wanted to be a mascot for my school, and second because you pretty much get to do whatever you want and no one will judge you. It's pretty great."
The position requires vulnerability, a willingness to surrender to the havoc within. That's much easier to do behind the anonymity of the mask. The mystery be solved, but Lauren has plenty of tricks to pump up Taylor fans from under the mascot's hood.
"Getting the crowd going is just so fun," Solito said. "No one knows who I am, so I can just run out in the middle of the floor, put my hands up, and everyone just starts screaming. It's great to be able to pump people up and get them cheering for the team."
Like any job, there are pros and cons. Just as every preacher needs his choir, every mascot needs its fanbase. Being the spark to a Taylor crowd can be a tedious favor to ask of anyone.
As students have their own schedules, fan attendance is never a consistent number. Fortunately, Solito has little fans of her own to count on.
"My favorite part about being the mascot is being able to hang out with the little kids, as long as they don't get scared," Solito said. "My least favorite part is not being able to run very fast in the costume."
Although speed may not be her forte in the heavy costume, being quick-witted in her pursuit of school spirit qualified Solito for the job. Playing the role of Taylor's mascot is itself a game, especially when an opposing mascot is present. Taylor's Trojan might never have fought at Troy, but it's got the battle skills of a true warrior.
"If the opposing mascot was in the building, I would challenge them to a dance battle," Solito said. "I would get the crowd excited by doing one simple thing: The Slam Dance."
Taylor's athletic events are exciting enough, but adding a dancing Trojan only makes the experience all the more worthwhile. Be sure to witness the fighting Trojan in true Taylor fashion at the upcoming athletic events.
Photograph by Josh Adams
