College football mascots just as good at keeping their identities secret as firing up a crowd

College football mascots just as good at keeping their identities secret as firing up a crowd

Our Summary

Former college mascots, including those from Michigan State, South Carolina, and Miami, share a unique bond through their experiences of embodying their schools' spirit in costume. Ross Ramsey, a Michigan State alum, and his fellow ex-Spartys maintain close ties, having once carried the identity of the muscular mascot. These individuals, who often kept their roles secret during their tenure, now celebrate their past at tailgates and other gatherings.

Nicole Hurley, a former Cocky mascot at the University of South Carolina, revealed her alter ego during the school's commencement ceremony, surprising many as she appeared in her graduation attire with the mascot's oversized feet. Her secret life involved participating in various events and sports celebrations while maintaining anonymity from everyone except close family and friends.

Similarly, Carlos Polanco-Zaccardi, who donned the Miami Ibis costume, navigated campus life by discreetly transporting his costume and fabricating stories to conceal his identity. The tradition of secrecy among mascots is common, with

Originally by The Associated Presson November 28, 2025
Read Original

Storyline

See how this story developed over time. Our AI tracks related coverage to show you the full context—from initial reports to latest updates.

The Daily Handoff Newsletter

Start your mornings informed

Everything important from the NFL, delivered daily at 8 AM ET. No ads. No clickbait. Just 2 minutes.

Daily Edition
TDH
The Daily Handoff
newsletter@dailyhandoff.com
8:00 AM

Monday Morning - Chiefs Trade + 4 More Stories

Good morning! Here's what matters in the NFL today:

🔥 Chiefs Trade for Elite Pass Rusher

Kansas City addresses defensive needs with blockbuster move. Why it matters: Changes playoff dynamics in AFC.

📊 BY THE NUMBERS

47% - Increase in Chiefs' pass rush win rate after trade

⏰ LOOKING AHEAD

Watch for Ravens' response at trade deadline tomorrow...

Continue reading for complete coverage...

What you get every morning

  • All 32 teams covered
  • 2-minute read guaranteed
  • Human-verified news only
  • Zero ads, zero tracking

Join 15,000+ fans. Unsubscribe anytime.

Continue Reading

More Stories Await

Dive deeper into NFL coverage and discover what makes The Daily Handoff different.