Friendly Faces Cheering on Local Schools & Sports
Whether rallying the crowd, waving a team flag, or hitting a signature dance move, a mascot’s job is to bring energy, personality, and pride to every event. From the sidelines to center stage, these larger-than-life characters play a vital role in boosting team spirit and developing a sense of community. Here, we chat with five of the area’s mascots to learn how they hype up the crowd, connect with fans, and represent their school or team with heart and humor.
Photography by Rich Smith
With mockingbirds being known as fierce protectors of their nests, Scrappy’s high energy, fearless spirit, and heart of blue and gold perfectly represent UTC’s competitive passion.
I was born in Chattanooga and graduated from UTC. I’ve been rooting for the Mocs since I was a baby bird, so when the university needed a new mascot in 1997, I was all in! Plus, I just happen to be a mockingbird, Tennessee’s state bird, so it kinda felt like fate. After I stepped up, the Spirit Squad started calling me Scrappy, after our former football coach A.C. Moore – a legend in his own right, by the way – and it just stuck. The city’s got that same fight in it. So, I guess you could say I was always meant to be UTC’s mascot. It’s an honor, really. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Oh, for sure. I got a glow up in 2008, though I’ve always stayed true to the school colors. But I do love to mix it up. I’ve got a style for every single one of our 16 UTC varsity sports. And UTC Homecoming is one of my favorite excuses to go big. The students dream up a new theme every year, and I get to play along. I’ve suited up as a knight, an astronaut … even Frankenstein, Dracula, and a few other “Moc’sters” last year. But underneath it all, I’m still the same scrappy bird. No matter what I’m wearing, the blue and gold always runs through these feathers.
I’ve got a few. My cartwheel is a crowd favorite. Still working on sticking the landing every time, though. The cheerleaders and Sugar Mocs show me new moves every season, and I try to keep up … emphasis on try. Sometimes I’ll throw in a wing wave, or what I like to call the “Scrappy Shuffle,” just to keep things interesting. Whatever gets people on their feet and yelling “Go Mocs,” that’s my move!
Fierce. Protective. Loyal … Scrappy sums it up pretty nicely, eh?
Learn the fight song. Sing the alma mater. And remember, there’s always room for you, even if you didn’t go to UTC. We’re the hometown team for everyone in Chattanooga. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just found your way to the stands, once you’re cheering with us, you’re part of the Moc family.
At SAU, school spirit is about more than just sports – it’s about student life; and no one unites the campus family quite like Forrest, who encourages students to work hard, rest well, and have fun with friends.
After 131 years without an official mascot, Southern Adventist University decided it was time for me to come into the picture! I represent courage, confidence, and leadership – just like we see in our campus family. I was named Forrest in 2024 because I love the outdoors and all the beauty God has surrounded Southern’s campus with. You’ll usually find me meeting students at events, giving high fives in the student center, or enjoying nature around campus.
I like to think I’ve stayed true to my roots with my classic green Southern shirt and a bright smile! But every now and then, I’ll change things up with different accessories like giant sunglasses or a Southern hat for special events. Gotta keep things fresh!
Sharing lots of energy and my big, friendly smile is my favorite way to encourage school spirit. I also love taking selfies with students! I remind students to celebrate each other’s achievements and to always show up for their friends – in the classroom, during their downtime, and wherever life takes them.
Energetic. Encouraging. Outdoorsy.
Show up, be a friend, and lift each other up. My favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:2, even talks about bearing with one another: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” It’s always important to keep this in mind. Whether it’s in a game, in class, or in life, encouraging each other makes all the difference.
One time when I stopped for a simple selfie with a student, a whole crowd suddenly rushed over! The entire group did my classic bear paw pose and flashed their “bear-y” beautiful smiles for the photo. I’ve never felt more like a celebrity!
Since 1908, the Chattanooga Lookouts have delighted crowds with thrilling games and family-friendly entertainment, with Looie The Lookout serving as the ultimate crowd pleaser.
They tell me I was born in the forest of Lookout Mountain, but how am I supposed to remember that? What I do remember is making my way down Lookout Mountain to the historic Engel Stadium to catch some baseball. I had so much fun and ate so many hot dogs I decided I wanted to stay forever, or until I got a new home at AT&T Field just down the road. Twenty-five years later, I’m moving again! This time even closer to Lookout Mountain at Erlanger Park. People throw around terms like “Looie’s a hero!” or “Looie is a Chattanooga icon!” That’s for you to decide, I guess.
They told me I’ve put on a few pounds recently, but I haven’t noticed. Anyway, does anyone have any hot dogs? I’m starving.
I am the team spirit. Whether I’m on the dugout or in the stands, the vibes are high wherever I am. No but seriously, it’s all about energy, and I bring it.
You can find me lounging in the outfield, hitting up a local birthday party, or putting smiles on the faces of the sweetest kiddos at Erlanger Children’s.
Big. Loud. Furry.
Gosh. Gotta have a little bit of everything. I’ve won championships. I rappelled down a building once. I’ve been in helicopters. The best memory is the next one.
The energy would never be low if I’m in the building. Silly question.
If you could give one piece of advice to fans about being a great supporter, what would it be? Never be afraid to take chances, and always be the truest form of yourself.
Connecting the past, present, and future of the Lee University Flames, Valor the Viking made his first appearance in 2018 and continues to cheer on the school at basketball games and other sporting events.
Let’s get one thing clear: Lee was the Vikings before it was the Flames. Lee made the switch to the Vikings in the ‘60s and it stayed that way for almost 20 years. In 2018, Lee had their centennial celebration, and it was clear that they had missed me after being away for so long, so I was brought back as the new mascot. I could help bridge the gap between the past and the present at Lee!
I’ve bulked up quite a bit since the ‘60s, and after such a long time away, the hair got a little wild … but I think it suits me.
Like anyone who comes around Lee, the people are the best part of it. From our front-row fans to our freshmen, my Lee community is everything to me.
Tariq Daughton hit a buzzer beater a few years back during a men’s basketball game … that crowd was electric. There really is no place like Walker Arena.
I can’t lie, “crunch time” is a fan-favorite part of each basketball game. I may or may not always bring some Crunch bars home with me.
When I’m not resting after a long day of cheering for the Flames on our beautiful campus, you can find me hunting, fishing, or sailing. You know, classic Viking stuff.
Very. Fired. Up.
Get to games early, be loud and proud, and if you see me, be sure to throw me a fist bump or a wave!
While the Chattanooga Red Wolves officially took to the field in 2018, Rusty didn’t join the pack until a year later; since then, he’s charmed fans of all ages and always encourages a good group howl.
Legend has it I was born deep in the rolling hills of southeast Tennessee, where the howl of the red wolf echoes loud and proud. One day, I followed the sound of cheering and drums all the way to CHI Memorial Stadium. The Red Wolves saw my spirit, energy, and perfect fur pattern, and BAM, I became the official hype wolf of the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Destiny? You might call it that.
Ohhh you should’ve seen my first kit. It was a bit of a mess! But since making my home at The Den, I’ve tightened my look, sharpened my style game, and upgraded to the customary Red Wolves jersey, shorts, and headband. Gotta stay match-day ready, just in case Coach needs me on the pitch, right?
The fans! My giant fuzzy heart beats for ’em! Seeing the smiles, the cheers, the painted faces, the waving flags, and the ringing cowbell … nothing beats being part of the Red Wolves family.
Double check. Banging the drums with the supporters’ section? Oh, you know it! I roam the stands pumping paws, starting chants, and boosting kiddos onto their feet.
Energetic. Loyal. 100% Red.
I nap under the bleachers, sniff around for snacks, and sometimes chase my own tail in The Den. You gotta stay sharp!
Support loud, support proud, and support together. Every voice adds to the pack’s power. And hey, never underestimate the energy boost of a good howl!
I want every person who walks into The Den to feel like part of the pack. Because once you’re a Red Wolf … you’re family for life. Oh, and one last thing, never forget Chattanooga is Red!
