The most famed individual on LSU’s campus also happens to be one of its most mysterious. While many students may wonder who’s under the Mike the Tiger costume, none will ever get an answer much different from “He’s just Mike.” But Tony Colletti, physical therapy junior, is one of few people able to get rather close to LSU’s fanatical feline. “We’re part of Team Mike,” Colletti said. Team Mike consists of Mike and an exclusive group of about five students chosen to help tend to the costumed mascot’s needs – everything from supplying him with drinking water to making sure he’s protected. “If he wants to go into the stands, one or two of us go around with him and make sure no one harasses him,” Colletti said. Mike and his helpers are some of the busiest people in Baton Rouge, attending nearly every LSU school-sanctioned sporting event – including road football and basketball games. “When it comes to visiting teams and road games and dealing with outrageous fans, sometimes it can be a problem,” Colletti said. “But Team Mike is there to help Mike out.” Colletti said one of the most difficult things for Team Mike to deal with is when Mike gets swarmed, oftentimes by excited children. “We have to sort of ask everyone to calm down and let them know that Mike will have his turn with everyone to take pictures or to shake hands,” Colletti said. And Mike’s responsibilities don’t stop with sports. “Mike definitely has a big-time effect on the Baton Rouge area with stuff like community service,” Colletti said. “It’s not just sporting events and stuff on campus.” To best represent LSU, Team Mike has to learn all of the cheerleaders’ routines, as well as better develop its “improvisation and character.” The team is taught to not act out against anyone – no matter what situation might present itself. “When you’re working with Mike, you have to know how to treat people and how to live up to his level of character,” Colletti said. The group gets much of its preparation done with other teams at a cheer and mascot camp held at the beginning of each school year. Colletti said the opportunity to train with teams from other schools helps promote hospitality between them throughout the sporting seasons. And the hospitality of “LSU’s biggest fan” extends beyond just opposing mascots. “Mike’s always positive and energetic,” Colletti said. “He’s never negative or anything against any opponents. He’s just all about LSU.” Mike’s hard work and character could pay off in January when he competes in the National Mascot Competition.
—-Contact Jerit Roser at [email protected]