We’ve all seen the MFS Fox perform, hype up crowds, and rally school spirit, making it easy to forget that there is someone behind the costume. Various students, and on occasion faculty, have taken on the role of the MFS mascot, each with their own stories and memories from their performance. Here’s what a few of these anonymous MFS Foxes have to say:
Q: How does the costume fit?
The large size of the costume was an issue for most foxes; however some found themselves more comfortable and mobile in it than others: “It’s a lot more comfortable than you would think; the only problem was that the head was really big … I fell over and ran into the wall,” said one fox.
Another fox commented on the lack of cleanliness and safety, saying that “It’s really hot, and it’s sweaty, and it kind of smells. Not to mention I was too small for the suit so the head kept falling off, and I couldn’t see through the eye holes because I was too short.”
One fox embraced their lack of control while in the suit: “One of the times I fell over on purpose to draw attention, but then another time I tripped over someone and fell onto them while they were sitting in a chair, and that was not on purpose. Then on the way out I ran into the wall because it was hard to see.”
Running into walls, whether intentional or not, seems to be a common trend for our Foxes.
Q: What did you do to engage the crowd while performing?
One fox had multiple experiences performing, and shared insight as to what it was like in both environments: “I performed for the first time in Middle School, and [the assembly] was set up for me so I had a song and dance … that was better because the planning ahead of time made me feel more coordinated, so I felt like I wasn’t going to fall. But then during [a] basketball game this year, I had to run around, and it was a little scary because I couldn’t see anyone or anything.”
“My case of being the fox was different from others,” said one 10th grade fox. “During Spirit Week, the 10th grade class officers wanted a fox to cheer on our grade. They bought a fox costume and had me put it on. Some people would try to take the head off but I would stop them by wagging my fingers at them.”
Q: Would you take on the role of the fox again?
Two previous foxes said that they would perform again and encourage everyone to give it a try. One advised, “It was a great experience and I would recommend it, but I think it is better for upperclassmen so [they’ll face] less embarrassment.”
Another fox did not share the same positive sentiments and stated that “No,” they would not perform as the fox a second time, “but it was a fun experience!”
