Many Butler fans know what it means to represent the school at games and events. However, only a few know what it is like to hype up a crowd, high-five children and sign autographs — all while wearing a giant bulldog head and fur suit.
That experience belongs to four students who, for the purposes of traditional mascot anonymity, are referred to as Hinks 1-4. These individuals have the honor of representing the school as the beloved mascot, Hink.
As two current Hinks finish out their senior year, the program is looking for the next generation of mascots. Applications, auditions and interviews for the paid position took place last week, and final selections are now underway.
Head cheer coach Brenda Jamerson, who oversees the costume mascot program, explained the extensive process of identifying the next wave of Hinks.
“We have them role-play [with objects],” Jamerson said. “[We ask them], ‘If we gave you this, what would you do with it?’ Or, ‘If a person said this to you, how would you react?’”
Beyond auditions, Jamerson also conducts interviews, setting aside time with each applicant to ensure they are fit to take on the level of commitment that the role demands.
“Sometimes, people don’t understand that it’s not just athletic events,” Jamerson said. “It’s PR events, it’s the NCAA [and even appearing] at the zoo. All of this happens in the next month; especially [since] Blue’s taking a break, Hink has been more in demand.”
The university mascot program is facing a unique period of transition. As the search begins for a new live mascot, many are also left wondering if Butler fans will still be able to call themselves bulldogs. When so much is up in the air, the thought of who will represent Butler — and how — continues to occupy students’ minds. Hink, however, has seemed to stay steadfast through tumultuous times. As the ever-present basketball game watcher, student cheerleader and epic dancer, Hink does it all — but donning the suit is no easy feat.
One Hink shared their experience about the effort required to move around in the costume.
“When we are out there and we’re dancing, we are putting [100% of our energy] into that,” Hink 1 said. “I think all of us can speak [to this] — we’ve never looked the greatest getting out of [the] suits. [Our] faces are always bright red, [and we’re] dripping in sweat. It’s definitely a lot of work.”
Another Hink agreed, acknowledging that the distinct nature of the ginormous, padded, furry costume can make it difficult to stay under the radar.
“No matter what you do [or] wherever you are, people will see you and take notice because you’re a giant dog,” Hink 2 said. “You can’t just be standing there. No one wants to see that. It’s very physically active, [but also] very mentally active.”
Communication as a mascot requires next-level creativity and strength. Without the ability to speak — and with limited vision — interacting with fans can be a challenge. The solution to this? Hinklish — a term coined by the Hinks to describe their nonverbal movements and gestures.
Despite the difficulties, the Hinks are happy to perform.
“I’m one of the two seniors [who] are going to be gone,” Hink 2 said. “Looking back, [it’s] probably one of the best things I’ve done here at Butler.”
Hink 3 also described the meaningful nature of the gig.
“It’s really rewarding when there [are] kids that may be hesitant at first, and then you can get them to warm up to you,” Hink 3 said. “By the time you leave, a kid will run off to even give you a hug.”
Hink 4, who is the second of the two graduating seniors, even noticed some advanced opportunities that came with the experience.
“I’m on my interview journey for post-grad, and something I like to add [if I am asked what stands out about me is that] I participated in our live mascot program,” Hink 4 said. “It speaks a lot to your character, and people wouldn’t expect that, but it takes a special someone to get into a mascot suit and represent Butler in that unique way.”
While most may have seen Hink dancing or high-fiving at Hinkle Fieldhouse, the mascot program expands far beyond the confines of Butler’s campus. Hink gets requests for autographs and visits from fans from all over the world.
Coach Jamerson recalled one moment she realized just how popular Hink was.
“A few years ago, [men’s basketball] played in the Bahamas, and that’s when I was amazed,” Jamerson said. “[Even] people [who] spoke other languages [wanted to meet him]. We realized we had to leave 15 minutes early [from our hotel] every time because Hink could not take three or four steps without someone wanting a picture or yelling, ‘Hink!’”
Whether in the Bahamas or at The Big East tournament, Hink is admired and loved by all. Now, the future of the mascot program is in the hands — or rather, paws — of the next generation of Hinks.