The crowd at Butler University’s Starbucks last Friday afternoon consisted of students, faculty, local media and even a couple from Los Angeles-—all for a dog.

Butler Blue II was celebrating both his birthday and retirement, with desserts for the crowd and a two-hour-long photo-op.

The Butler University Student Foundation plans the birthday party each year to commemorate Blue II and his legacy.

Michael Kaltenmark, director of web marketing communications and owner of the Butler mascots, said the number of people that showed up to this event is a marker for Blue II’s legacy.

“There’s a lot of love for the dog,” Kaltenmark said. “This party is significant on a level of school pride and spirit, as well as the impact that Blue has had on this place.”

One way Blue has impacted people across the nation is seen through the story of Myra De Jesus, a Los Angeles native and an avid college basketball fan.

De Jesus said she and her boyfriend do not have a main basketball team they root for, but Butler’s  Cinderella run in two consecutive NCAA tournaments introduced them to Butler.

The couple first saw Blue II in Butler’s first Final Four appearance.

De Jesus said she and her boyfriend had been planning a trip to Chicago, but when they heard about the party, they made sure to make time to drive to campus.

“I was so drawn to the story,” De Jesus said. “But it was the Final Four when I first saw the Butler Bulldog and I fell in love with him.”

Levester Johnson, vice president for student affairs, said the outpouring of support shows that Blue has a hand in where Butler is as an institution.

He said even though the students, faculty, staff and alumni will miss Blue, the mascot has held a special place in his heart.

“I am going to miss Blue immensely,” Johnson said. “He was literally a partner in crime when we traveled the country along with Michael.”

Kaltenmark said BUSF has been putting this event on for several years, but members may have to change the setup for Trip’s birthdays.

Trip’s birthday is Dec. 23, which falls in the middle of holiday break, so BUSF may keep the same date in spring and utilize it as a mascot appreciation day.

A recent celebrity who has risen to fame along with both mascots’ is Everett Kaltenmark, the two-year-old son of the mascots’ owner.

He has gone viral discussing his thoughts on Butler basketball while playing at home with the dogs.

Everett was in attendance at Blue’s party, and whether he was playing with the dogs or with a basketball, he had one thing to say:

“Happy Birthday, Blue.”

While this may be Butler’s first year in the Atlantic 10 Conference, Blue II and Trip have already made a name for themselves on the East Coast with their Big Dawgs Tour.

Over the weekend, the Butler bulldogs headed to Washington D.C. with Michael Kaltenmark, director of web marketing communications and the dogs’ caregiver, to see the sights, cheer on their team, and meet with their mascot counterparts.

On Friday morning, Blue II and Trip were introduced to Georgetown’s bulldogs, Jack and Jack Jr.—also known as JJ.

The dogs hung out for about three and a half hours, and though Blue II and Trip were initially apprehensive of the Georgetown duo, they were able to get along, Kaltenmark said.

“There were a couple tense moments,” Kaltenmark said. “Jack and JJ were protecting their turf, but once we got them outside, they were fine.”

As the Butler dogs roamed around campus, they were continuously acknowledged and welcomed by the Georgetown community.

Continuing their journey through Washington D.C., the dogs visited the national mall to see the monuments and attended Butler’s game against George Washington University. While seeing the sights, the dogs were repeatedly recognized by the locals.

“When we would be out and about on the street, the D.C. residents knew who the dogs were. You expect to get that type of respect in Indianapolis,” Kaltenmark said. “In D.C., they knew that they were the Butler dogs, and this wasn’t just one time.”

Blue II and Trip also had the chance to visit the National Public Radio headquarters to be a part of its new campaign, “I Heart NPR.”

Along with famous musicians and actors also involved with the campaign, the dogs had a glamorous photo to show their support for NPR.

“These handsome devils were itching to show their NPR love,” wrote Caitlin Sanders in her campaign blog. “So excited, in fact, that they could barely sit still!”

At the game, as Blue II strutted around the court, George Washington fans were enthralled with Butler’s live mascots.

Many fans wanted to meet Blue II and get a picture. Blue II even had a famous fan eager to meet him.

Luke Russert, son of Tim Russert and an NBC news correspondent, jumped at the chance to get a picture with Blue II and even tweeted the picture.

This trip showed the national recognition that Blue II and Trip are beginning to gain.

“On one circumstance, yes, I am little bit surprised,” Kaltenmark said. “But once I see the pictures of the Butler bulldogs and the Georgetown bulldogs together, then it doesn’t surprise me that the outlets want it and the fans want to see them.”

The Big Dawgs Tour has taken Butler’s bulldog mascots to Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Dayton and Columbus, according to the tour’s webpage on www.butlerblue.com.

With the D.C. attention the dogs received, Kaltenmark is looking forward to taking Blue II and Trip to visit the Big Apple this weekend. Although it is a busy city, Blue II and Trip will likely be noticed.

Butler University’s got back.

The LIVESTRONG cycling event 24 Hours of Booty is taking place at Butler for the first time, beginning June 29 at 7p.m. to raise awareness and support for LIVESTRONG and local cancer organizations.

Weaving through the Butler campus and Tarkington neighborhood, the 3.5-mile loop was designed to allow participants to ride as far as they wish.  While 24 Hours of Booty is an all-day biking event, participants do not have to ride for the 24 hours.

“Some participants are just coming out of treatment, and they maybe ride one lap,” executive director Basil Lyberg said. “Then you have someone trying to ride a hundred laps.  Each participant is celebrated equally.”

Bikers of all ages are able to participate in the non-competitive charity event. Lyberg said 24 Hours of Booty is a family event with much more than just biking.  There will be a festival complete with food, an expo area featuring sponsors and products, a children’s play area and a DJ.

Lyberg said the area where the festivities take place is called “Bootyville.”

Out of the entire Indianapolis area, Butler was specifically chosen to host the biking event.

Lyberg said the Butler community has been very supportive of the event and the mission of cancer awareness.  When it came time to find a location for the event, Butler was chosen by popular demand.

“Everyone kept telling me that we had to have it at Butler,” Lyberg said. “They said Butler has a beautiful campus and a great community, and the university will embrace something like this. They were exactly right.”

In addition to participants and spectators, two furry Butler residents will also be in attendance.  Director of web marketing communications and caretaker for Blue II and Trip, Michael Kaltenmark said both dogs will make an appearance at 24 Hours of Booty.

“We’ll be there for the kick-off of the event,” Kaltenmark said. “We want to reinforce the Butler presence and be a good host.  We will probably also make a lap through Bootyville.”

Kaltenmark said Blue II and Trip might ride the biking loop in their wagon depending on the decency of the weather.  While bad weather would prohibit the wagon ride, Kaltenmark said both dogs would still welcome all riders and participants.

In addition to bringing crowd-pleasers Blue II and Trip to the event, Kaltenmark said he also worked behind the scenes to help organize the event by recruiting participants and volunteers.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in cycling or passionate about helping to spread cancer awareness to take part in 24 Hours of Booty,” Kaltenmark said.
The event will take place on June 29-30 at Butler.

In order to participate, there is a $50 registration fee as well as a fundraising minimum of $200 for all participants.  Registration and more information are available online.

Heads up  Blue II.  The Butler University community welcomed a mixed labrador named Marcus right before the fall semester finished.

Marcus is part of the new K-9 unit in the Butler University Police Department, and although I love Blue II, I am excited to see Marcus around campus hounding down criminals.

As bold as this sounds, Marcus is going to steal the spotlight from Blue II on campus. Instead of deciding between Team Gale or Team Peeta this spring semester (read “The Hunger Games”), we might have to prepare ourselves for the difficult decision: Team Blue II or Team Marcus?

Laugh all you want, but Marcus could end up doing something extraordinary, such as saving Blue II from a pack of rabid Connecticut huskies let loose by New England Patriots fans traveling to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl.

Marcus and Coach Brad Stevens could join together to fight off

Wright State Raider fans at the Feb. 2 home game after he is called into the game to lead a come-from-behind victory.

Marcus already knows plenty of tricks that can entertain prospective freshmen during campus visits, and he can even detect bombs.

Soon freshmen skit performances will include Marcus, and he will make an appearance at Spring Sports Spectacular.

All of a sudden I might be signing a birthday card in Starbucks for Marcus.

My affinity for Marcus goes deeper than birthday parties, though.

One evening last April, four individuals broke into Sigma Nu. The story of the arrest is the reason why I will have a difficult decision choosing between the dogs.

When the individuals were spotted climbing out of a window they shattered, not only was BUPD called but also the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

BUPD arrested two of the individuals, while IMPD set up a perimeter and had its own K-9 unit track down the third individual.

The fourth individual was captured at a later time. The trial for the four individuals has been delayed and is still open.

Although BUPD Police Chief Benjamin Hunter said this was an uncommon event when interviewed by The Collegian last April, I believe the addition of Marcus will help BUPD officers catch criminals whether they commit crimes in the heart of campus or on the outskirts.

I would also imagine that a sense of protection has not only been added for our officers during routine traffic stops or house investigations but for all of Butler’s community during high-profile sporting events and productions in Clowes.

Blue II, though, has appeared on ESPN’s “Sportscenter” with Kenny Mayne, ESPN’s “First Take,” has ringtones available and has his own website and Twitter account — with more than 8,000 followers.

He has been to NASA’s Space Center, Houston during the 2011 NCAA Final Four and National Championship week.

Blue II led the procession into Clowes Memorial Hall where the official inauguration took place for President Jim Danko.

There are also the web videos of Blue II demolishing cardboard boxes, which are pretty intimidating, especially when he stands over what is left of the box with a look of satisfaction.

May the top dog win.

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• Photos

Photos

Here are photos from Jim Danko’s installation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 12, at Clowes Memorial Hall.

 

It’s almost summer, which means sunshine, relaxation and perhaps a job.

But mostly it means fun.

In the spirit of the approaching summer, I feel it’s time to address an equally-enjoyable topic—my top 10 best sports mascots.

They entertain, cheer on their teams, heckle the opponents and also represent things greater than themselves.

I’m not sure how that last one has come to be, but why fight something positive? Mascots attract kids to sporting events and humor the adults who would really rather watch the game.

10. The Stanford Tree: Truly, this mascot drops jaws. It’s not pretty and not impressive, but I suppose Stanford did as well as it could for having a color as its nickname. The Tree made the list because it takes guts to have a costume this awful represent your school. Stanford has backed up their pinewood pal, though, with successful seasons on the volleyball court and football field.

9. Rocky the Mountain Lion: This Denver Nuggets representative is full of energy and style. He wears a Nuggets jump suit that looks like it was sewn in the 1990s, but he’s a great dancer. He even has a music video with background dancers and cheerleaders. He’s also an impressive acrobat—check out the video of him front-flipping over six fans. Rocky’s got a lot of moxy, and I dig it.

8. Boomer: Ever since color commentator Bobby “Slick” Leonard started saying “Boom Baby!” for Pacers’ 3-pointers, the phrase has become synonymous with the team, making the mascot appropriately named. He does back flips, dunks off trampolines with his “Power Pack” crew and he bangs an obnoxiously loud cowbell when opponents shoot free throws. Taunting definitely gets you on this list; it’s what mascots are partially about.

7. Go the Gorilla: What does a gorilla have to do with the Phoenix Suns or the game of basketball? Absolutely nothing, but who says a team’s mascot has to make sense? That seems to be a theme of this list. But this gorilla occasionally jumps off a trampoline and through a ring of fire to dunk the ball, which is awesome. Plus, having a goofy gorilla in the building is just plain cool.

6. The Rally Monkey: Speaking of primates, the Anaheim Angels’ live capuchin takes the cake when it comes to sporty tree-climbers. This monkey gained fame during the Angels’ run to the 2002 title, during which they had some come-from-behind series wins, including a 4-3 win against the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Ever since, rally monkeys have symbolized success for other sports teams.

5. The Rainbow Warrior: This Maori tribesman performs the intimidating Haka chant to inspire fear in the University of Hawaii’s opponents. It does not always affect the outcome of sporting events, but it sure is fun to watch. This guy is the real deal, and if there was an NCAA sumo wrestling championship, he would make a run at the title every year.

4. The San Diego Chicken: Yes, the San Diego Padres use a chicken and not a military chaplin, but he is considered the first professional mascot and the first to taunt opposing teams and fans. His trend-setting vaulted him up this list, and being a good dancer does not hurt either.

3. The Racing Sausages: There’s hardly anything like the Milwaukee Brewers’ Racing Sausages. They may be the only racing barbeque food in professional sports, and they entertain one and all. Plus, they wear the masks of former U.S. presidents around the time of President’s Day and during Fourth of July weekend. That makes them patriotic, and I salute them.

2. Blue II: Some might argue that our lovable live mascot should be No. 1, but keep reading to see why he is my runner-up. Blue II is easily the cutest mascot in all of sports, and he represents Butler’s sports teams well. He is tough, has endurance and enjoys a good nap—just like most college students do.

1. The Phillie Phanatic: There’s no other mascot that comes close to this green monster. But unlike monsters of literature, the Phillie Phanatic is a friendly green giant. He has a belly that he shakes, giant clown-sized shoes and a face that all love, whether they’re 8 or 80 years old. The Phanatic is baseball, and in my mind, he’s also sports. If I’m lucky, being the Phanatic will be my future career.

If Butler University’s basketball superstitions, “turtle-neck” socks and craze over Blue II hasn’t already won the heart of the nation, then leave it up to a marriage proposal to do the trick.

Junior Scott Vail proposed to his girlfriend, sophomore Christine Fisher, in front of news cameras after the March 26 game against University of Florida during the student celebration along Hampton Drive. A surprised Fisher responded, surrounded by a large group of friends and members of the media screaming with excitement with a simple, “Yeah, I will.”

News broadcasters in four states and even in India and Brazil have since aired the proposal.

But was the proposal legitimate or just a crazy stunt to get on television?

The answer is a little bit complicated and it’s a little bit of both.

“No one knew—it wasn’t a planned deal with anyone,” Vail said. “I’m just really spontaneous.

“She was wearing a ring on her right hand so I grabbed it and I just went for it.”

A friend of Vail’s grabbed a nearby cameraman to capture the moment as a group started to form around the couple.

“I was completely unaware of the situation,” Fisher said. “I just couldn’t believe he was doing it and it was hard to comprehend that it was actually going to happen.”

Vail said he had been thinking about proposing to Fisher for some time and considered doing it after, “Butler wins the national championship game.”

“That was my warm-up, practice proposal,” Vail said. “We’re going to get married one day so it’s OK to do a practice run. I’m just getting ready for the real thing.”

Fisher said the proposal wasn’t as real to her because she didn’t know if Vail was serious at the time, and with all the cameras, things were crazy.

“Honestly, if he actually had legitimately proposed, I probably would have said yes,” she said. “I thought it was hilarious and it was pretty sweet.”

Vail invited Fisher to change her relationship status to “engaged” on Facebook, but joked that nothing had been changed as of yet.

“She wouldn’t accept it,” he said. “I’m about to put ‘it’s complicated’ because I’m really confused right now.

“I’m just hoping for a click on the yes button.”

Fisher said she, “isn’t trying to schedule wedding cake tastings,” but that they both know that the sincerity of their relationship and marriage is, “definitely something we see happening in the future.”

Fisher’s mother, Theresa, said she and her husband got a kick out of the aired proposal.

“The entire Fisher side of the family are jokers,” she said. “When my husband proposed to me I didn’t believe him and thought it was another one of his pranks.”

Theresa said she and her husband were a little—jokingly—dismayed by Fisher’s choice of words in her response to the proposal.

“We’ve always instructed her to say ‘Yes,’ not ‘Yeah,’” she said. “All that private schooling for the last 14 years and that’s the best she could come up with?

“We’re fearful that graduate school is definitely out of the question if they ever see that news story.”

Friends of Vail, junior Mitch VanderHagen and sophomore Shaine McCluskey, insisted that the proposal was not at all a joke.

“According to previous talks with Scott about his feelings, it’s always been his dream to have a romantic proposal that would end up on TV,” McCluskey said.

McCluskey said Vail is the type to do something spontaneous, but he is also genuine in his feelings for Fisher and wants everything to be perfect for her, including intentions to help Fisher pay for law school after graduation.

“I know it is important for Scott, and I want it to be known that Scott is so deeply in love with Christine,” he said.

VanderHagen said Vail has every intention to propose again in the future, in a more traditional manner and without the news crew, to suit Fishers’ personality.

“She is a lot more traditional and that isn’t her type of thing at all,” he said. “Scott would be the star role in ‘The Hangover’ and Christine would star in ‘Touched by an Angel.’ They always say opposites attract.”

VanderHagen said he has never seen two people more right for one another and that Vail had told him previously that he intended to marry Fisher.

“The truth is, these two absolutely love each other,” he said. “Scott gets this look in his eye when she’s around. It’s a look that he doesn’t get any other time of the day unless he gets a chopper gunner when he’s playing Call of Duty.

“These two were made for each other, like macaroni and cheese, like peanut butter and jelly, like ice cream and hot fudge, like the Dawgs and a national championship.”

In light of the recent success of the Butler men’s basketball team in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships, the Butler community, as well as Indianapolis, has grown closer. We have all utilized the team’s success as a reason to unite as we cheer “our team” on to victory. It is a unique experience to see an entire city unite over a simple sport and a simple team.

At the beginning of the tournament, different Indiana residents were cheering for different teams. But as the competitive field was narrowed, the view was narrowed onto Butler.

Although it’s been said that many fans are jumping on the “band wagon,” I think it is so much more than that. It stems from the fact that there is a team in the national spotlight who is representing our state and its residents. We are taking pride in that by supporting Butler throughout the remainder of the tournament.

This year, sportscasters around the nation have been asking, “Who’s the new Butler?” even though Butler is still in the spotlight from last year. I haven’t been able to understand why so many people insist that Butler has had its fifteen minutes of fame and will now slip into the shadows.

Butler making its way to the national championship game last year and this year was not a result of luck or coincidence—it was the result of hard work. While it is enjoyable to beat the odds and be labeled the underdog, it grows tiresome. Perhaps it is time for those who doubt us to accept the fact that Butler has a quality basketball program. I’m not asking for everyone to become instant Butler fans, but simply to respect the quality and talent that our team possesses.

As I drive through downtown Indianapolis and even to my hometown of Franklin, In., I spot people donning Butler t-shirts, hats and jackets. I drive past houses with signs in their front yards proclaiming “Go Dawgs.” I always take pride in seeing fellow residents cheer on Butler. Amidst all the hype of the tournament, conversation can be struck up with any stranger about Butler. It is the one topic of conversation that never grows tiresome.

Butler has repeatedly been referred to as “America’s Team” and it isn’t difficult to understand why.  Butler has captured hearts around the nation as well as the hearts of Indiana residents.

Butler is the small school that has for two consecutive years fought its way to the NCAA championship game. It is hard not to root for a team and university that is so small and is succeeding so immensely against powerhouses like Wisconsin, Florida and Pittsburgh.

Butler has the ability to inspire fans across the state and country, as well as energize the nation to cheer for a new team with passion and intensity. The excitement for Butler is definitely contagious as it spreads across our country, engulfing even the smallest cities and towns.

As the tournament nears its end, I take pride in knowing that Butler has made such a significant impact on the country and has united the city of Indianapolis through their victories and hard work on the court. Band wagon or not, it is hard to deny the energy and enthusiasm that accompanies the Butler Bulldogs.

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