Western Nevada College News
The Man Behind the Willy Mask: Mascot Scholarship Helps Student Attend WNC
Mar 14, 2024
Willy befriends Douglas High School students during a basketball game with rival Carson in January.
Addison Hopkins needed a way to move halfway across the country to live near his mother in Carson City. He also wanted to start his college education but didn’t have the means to do so.
Fortunately for Addison, Western Nevada College was seeking a mascot to bring energy and enthusiasm to its special events, and per chance, had a scholarship available for this individual. Little did Addison know that serving as a “Greenback” or Fighting Frog mascot in Pratt, Kan., would impact his future.
“It was the perfect opportunity for me and the perfect circumstances that allowed me to be here with my mom,” said Addison, who serves as a senator for the Associated Students of Western Nevada. “Doing everything on my own, being the mascot at WNC enabled me to come to college.”
Through a scholarship provided by WNC Foundation, Addison is living his dream of attending college and serving as Willy, Western’s Wildcat mascot.
All of the qualities sought on the scholarship application came naturally to Addison.
“Addison brings an unmatched level of energy and passion to WNC events in his role as the Wildcat mascot,” said Heather Rikalo. WNC’s coordinator of Wildcat Life and Addison’s adviser in student government. “His lively presence elevates the atmosphere, creating an infectious excitement among attendees. Addison's dedication to embodying the Wildcat persona with unwavering enthusiasm is truly commendable. His animated personality shines in every performance, reflecting a commitment to excellence that enhances the overall experience for event-goers.”
Movement is a crucial part of succeeding as a mascot, Addison said. He’s performed on stilts, roller blades and on a tricycle but doesn’t need a prop to perform. He follows several other mascot fundamentals when wearing the Wildcat costume.
“Mascots that stay still are creepy,” he said. “There’s definitely a skill to it, being able to convey what you mean without talking. You also have to endure being hot, read social situations and learn how to interact with people and be animated.”
Willy apologizes ahead of time if he doesn’t immediately acknowledge someone’s presence. To focus on the outside world, he usually looks out only one of Willy’s eyes.
“I could be staring right at you and not know you are there. Sorry, if I miss a high five or don’t know you are there,” he said.
Anonymity is one of the perks of being the mascot. Obviously, his friends and members of student government know that he is Willy, but he believes a majority of students don’t know who he is — which is preferable.
“When you have a face or name, it destroys the illusion of the mask,” he said. “I have fun interacting with people, walking around, messing with people, getting away with more in a costume.”
One of the highlights of the school year for Willy was representing WNC at the Carson-Douglas rivalry basketball game in January. The game was an opportunity for WNC Foundation to promote the opening of its scholarship application, but it also provided Addison with a dance-off competition with the Carson Senator to the beat of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” Watch it at https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2Nqy3PR7n7/.
“That was unscripted, and I just had fun with it.” Addison said. “Usually I am the Senator man; a cheerleader filled in for me. She could do the splits, and I could not.”
Dancing, specifically ballroom dancing, was part of Addison’s youth. However, dancing became more appealing to him as he grew older.
“In middle school, that’s when I started caring. Girls like guys who can dance,” he said.
Following his graduation from WNC, Addison doesn’t want his role as a mascot to end.
“My dream is to become a big college mascot and perform in large stadiums,” Addison said.
Consequently, the next Willy is either already on campus or possibly living somewhere within several thousand miles of the college.
“This is a good path to attend and pay for college,” he said. “But someone shouldn’t totally do it for the scholarship. You have to enjoy it. Otherwise, it will take away from the magic of being Willy.”
If students are interested in becoming the mascot, they can phone Rikalo at 775-445-3241 or email her at heather.rikalo@wnc.edu.