What does it take to be Syracuse’s iconic mascot?

Otto the Orange is everywhere. The beloved mascot is always cheering on the sidelines, raising morale around campus and is arguably the most recognizable figure from Syracuse University. 

But what does it take to become the person behind the mask?

Each year at Syracuse University, a handful of students audition for the chance to become Otto. The mascot coach, Julie Walas, said the process to become Otto is selective and lengthy, taking between four and six weeks. Walas explains the step-by-step process of how someone becomes Otto the Orange. 

Tryout process

Tryouts are held secretly, Walas said. For those interested, students need to be on the lookout for posters or Instagram posts announcing auditions. Students who want to be Otto need to really want it, Walas said.

During the tryout period, students participate in a series of competitive interviews. Walas said she includes former Ottos in the process to assess candidates.

“They join info sessions, assist with group interviews and are very dedicated to maintaining the legacy of the Otto program by helping us find the right candidates,” Walas said. 

Walas and her team evaluate the students on whether they fit the team dynamic of the 12 to 15 students sharing the mascot role. She said they look for students with the ability to perform and entertain.

“It’s definitely clowning, in a way,” Patrick Linehan, a former Otto, said. “It’s like trying to make people laugh without being able to talk.”

Former team captain of the 2023 Otto cohort Maya Vidal said the role requires the ability to be creative underneath a mask. She remembered adapting to different situations nonverbally, like calming down rowdy fans or easing frightened children.

“I’ve always been very creative,” Vidal said. “I did dance for like 16 years and then I did theater and improv. So I feel like all of it kind of came together and was helpful. They were all helpful qualities and traits that helped me with Otto.” 

Training

Once students are selected, they begin training to become Otto. Students need at least two full semesters left at Syracuse, since it takes six to eight weeks of onboarding before the student’s first appearance as Otto, Walas said. 

Part of the training process includes shadowing current Ottos and doing workouts to stay in shape, Linehan said.

“We were working out three times a week and trying to get in good physical shape so Otto can go up and down stairs and jump around without being out of breath,” Linehan said. 

What does it mean to be Otto?

Delivering the Otto experience and presence that people have come to love takes time, Walas said. 

“20 to 25% of what you do is actually to deliver an Otto experience to people, but 70 to 75 to 80% of what you do is prepare and plan for and organize and train for that delivery,” she said. 

Otto is the spirit of Syracuse University. Walas said that those interested must understand that being Otto will not come with personal recognition.

For Walas, she said her reward is seeing the impact the program has on students.

“The thing that makes it the best is coaching students, [it’s] like helping them find their place here, have a transformative experience, and deliver joy to the community.”