Duke Blue Planet BLOG

Hey Duke fans, it’s your favorite mascot here again.   A lot has happened since my last blog post — we’ve finished out the regular season, crushed UNC in the ACC championship, competed in the Big Dance, and seen our seniors give their speeches at the basketball banquet.  Before I tell you about what I’ve been up to, just want to give a shoutout to all the student-athletes who are leaving Duke this year — you guys and gals gave back so much and we appreciate you!

Now let’s fill you in on what I’ve been up to…

Mascot Night at Women’s ACC Tournament…  I got a chance to be a part of a really cool experience to kick off the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.  As a popular mascot, I get to participate in a lot of fun community events — from corporate meetings to birthday parties to charity events!   However, I rarely get to meet up with my feathered/furred/less-muscular colleagues from around the ACC.   I’m talking about hanging out with Hokie Bird from Virginia Tech, Baldwin from Boston College, Ms. Wuf from NC State, and yes, even Rameses from UNC.  We may be rivals in a lot of ways, but we were there to support ACC women’s basketball and the tournament in Greensboro, so we had a good time together!

Our day started at 5 AM when we went to local news stations to get on TV and have some fun with the news anchors.  I went with mascots from Georgia Tech, Virginia, and Maryland and we had a good chance to mess around with anchors, special guests, and we even got to do the weather report (hard to do when you don’t speak!).  Then, we got another hour of shuteye (a good Devil has to stay well-rested) and were shuttled off to another appearance at a local grocery store.  We had shopping cart races and played basketball with shoppers and local Duke fans (good to see y’all out there!).  We left the grocery store for Greensboro Coliseum where I got ready to see Coach P and the Duke women kick off the tournament with a big win.   The rest of the night featured a bunch of appearances and t-shirt tosses throughout the evening.  It was a pretty exhausting day, but I had some good fun with my ACC mascot counterparts.  Thanks to the ACC staff for helping us out and keeping us hydrated!

Now on to the men…  The men’s ACC tourney was one of my favorite events of the year.  Fan Fest was a blast, and I enjoyed meeting all my favorite fans and getting to hear how we would (and then did) lay the hammer on UNC in the final game.  I got to spend a lot of time with the other ACC mascots, which was interesting to say the least (as usual Rameses was trying to convince them that this would be UNC’s year…so I was very pleased, yet not surprised when both our men’s and women’s ball clubs defeated UNC in the championship games).  We also got to play a basketball game during halftime of the Duke vs. VT game.  It was nice to see Dickie V come over to our bench and say, “I’m gonna be your guys’ coach; I’m gonna be your Coach K.”  The teams were Atlantic vs. Coastal, so the HokieBird and Rameses were actually placed on my team.  Check out my opening layup on YouTube: “ACC Mascot Game 2011.”  Nothing felt better than defeating UNC in convincing fashion 75-58, making snow angels in the raining confetti, giving Coach K a post-game hug, and showing off the new bling — ACC Championship Trophy — to the people I love most… the fans!

The NCAA Tourney and beyond…  The first two games of the tournament were interesting because the Duke fans were mostly rooting for UNC’s opponent to win and vice versa.  Both squads survived and advanced, which was good for the ACC.  The trip to Anaheim was interesting…not to mention LONG as we had to fly across the country.  Spent a lot of the time shooting the breeze with the cheerleaders and managers, along with Debbie K and the little guys running around the plane.  They are the funniest bunch of kids ever, and the cheerleaders never failed to put out an “Awwwwww” or two whenever there was something cute going on.  Once we got to Anaheim, we discovered that we were staying in a hotel that was literally right across the street from Disneyland!  I wanted to go and meet Mickey Mouse, and I spent my flight thinking about how I would interact with some of the characters since it was hard when everyone around me was chatting it up on the plane and I can’t talk.  Here’s a preview:

• Aladdin – Surf on a magic carpet/Invite him to surf in Cameron

• Cinderella – See if I can convince her to root for Duke and not the “Cinderella” teams in the Big Dance

• Buzz Lightgear – Attempt to fly with him (I picked up some tips on flying from Gerald Henderson too a few years back)

• Belle – Show headband: “Wrong shade of blue”

• Mulan – Learn how to correctly utilize my pitchfork in battle

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you procrastinate as a mascot.  Things didn’t end too well there for us or me.  The whole place was a sea of red pulling for San Diego State and Arizona, the security was tough on me when I tried to get water (and I needed to hydrate with all the cheering I was doing to help the cause since we didn’t have as many fans as Arizona) and then our season ended a few games too soon.

That’s all for me!  Thanks to the men’s and women’s basketball teams for a great year, and I’ll be seeing you guys soon.  I guarantee it!  Now I am off to do some HEAVY lifting in the weight room to make sure the Blue Devil remains the most powerful mascot in the nation.  Before I go — Thanks to all our fans out there for all the love this year you’ve shared with me and of course all of our teams here at Duke.

Always #1,

The Blue Devil

Feel free to follow me on twitter at @The1BlueDevil!

On top of the ACC... For the 10th time in 13 years! YESSIR.

Toughest mascot in the USA updates his blog

Hey Duke fans! This is none other than your favorite mascot checking in for the first time this year!  We got a lot to go over!  Men’s and Women’s Soccer had great seasons and cross country put together a season for the ages!  In winter, not only is our men’s basketball team showing why we deserve a top ranking, but the women’s team has been tearing it up too!  Kyle recently scored 2,000 points for his career and Nolan is on a tear right now!  As we start to look forward, let’s first take a look back.

Memories from the Football Season

This football season was full of memories for me, as I had the privilege of not only cheering the team on in Wallace Wade but also traveling with the team to all of our away games.  The away games are always interesting (especially with the inordinate amount of food that is available on those flights – yes, when no is looking, I do eat), but the game at Navy was particularly memorable.  First, you have the tradition of the place, which is breathtaking.  Second, you have a Duke team that scores so much in the first half that you put Navy in their largest halftime deficit in eight years.  And third, you have the excitement building as Navy puts together a ferocious offensive attack only to be stopped by Matt Daniels.  What a Halloween!

Oh, and one more thing.  After all of the troubles we have had with our special teams in the past, I swelled with pride when I learned that our very own Will Snyderwine was named a first-team All-American for kicking.  He went 21/24 on field goals with a long of 52 yards. Pretty good for a walk on from the rugby team, huh?  Personally, I can’t wait for next season.

The Road to Charlotte for the ACC Football Championship

Another year, another ACC football championship to attend, another ACC Mascot football game to dominate.  After driving in the Devil mobile (which car it is you will never know) to Charlotte, I unpacked and found out that my roommate was the BC Eagle, Baldwin.  He’s harmless enough: I’m just happy no one at the ACC got cheeky and forced me to live with the ram.  The weekend was BUSY!  Thursday night we went to a downtown Charlotte Christmas lighting, and then had to go to sleep somewhat early to be ready for a 5 AM local news appearance that lasted until the middle of the day. Friday was then full of more outreach events, as we went to a local elementary school and a children’s hospital.  I was pleased to find out I was the most popular mascot there, and was basically being tackled by all of the little guys. It was great!

As game day rolled around, we went to the ACC Fan Fest and, of course, I prepared mentally for another annual Mascot Football Game.  It pitted the Coastal Division versus the Atlantic Division, and I am happy to say that I, once again, dominated the competition.  As QB for the Coastal Division, I threw two touchdowns (both to Sebastian from Miami) and ran for one (where I easily outran Baldwin and Maryland’s slow-footed turtle, Testudo).  The game was supposed to be two-hand touch, but the referees weren’t calling it, so it got chippy.  While running up the sidelines, Sebastian actually leveled Mr. Wolf (NC State) and knocked him over the fence that was set up ringing the playing field!

Meeting a Duke Football Legend

Right before the start of the ACC Championship game, I once again was able to come onto the field with another Duke football legend, Jay Wilkinson.  Wilkinson was inducted into the 2010 ACC Legends class for his fantastic career in the early 1960s.  It was an honor to walk out with him, and after he was recognized, he looked at me and Maren (one of our fine Duke cheerleaders) and said, “Now that was a special moment.”  In order to give Jay something to remember the moment by, I gave him one of my wristbands, which he said he would put in his office.  I can only hope – he was one of the nicest men I have ever met (and incredibly easy to talk to considering I can’t say a thing!).

To read more about Jay and his incredible career at Duke, check out this link.

The Basketball Season – Countdown to Craziness

Now to move on from the fall to the winter sports, which means that the Oregon Duck will stop quacking for a while and it’s my turn to take over ESPN!

As always, the beginning of the basketball season was kicked off by Countdown to Craziness. Before the event, however, I had some videos to shoot with Duke University Improv (DUI). One of them, as you probably know by now, was the “Devil Misbehaves” video. While filming that one, a member of DUI told me to climb up in a tree next to the tennis courts and look menacingly like so, but in the process I got stuck in the tree and ended up hanging upside down for around a minute or two. Whoops. I also made a little kid cry during filming…I hate when that happens!  I also want to officially say: I apologize for putting the plastic Gatorade bottle in the glass hole.  I didn’t know what came over me and I encourage everyone to recycle.  See “The Blue Devil Misbehaves” video here.

One of my favorite parts of CTC was slamming the ball down at the end of the countdown video.  It took some planning to get it right but I was pleased with the result and this picture that was posted on Blue Planet.  Gotta love it.  Anyway, CTC was a blast, as we all know.  Tiring, but a blast.  If you are interested on my entrance into Cameron for CTC (I went to Cameron EARLY), I held a camera as I was walking in and took some footage.  Of course, I tried to mess with the band…I am mischievous after all. See it here.

Oh, and by the way, that Miles Plumlee dunk.  Just straight foolish.  I had heard through the grapevine about Casey Peters and Miles practicing that one…apparently they got it three times straight in practice.  Crazy.

Moving on with the Basketball Season

Both the men’s and women’s teams have been dominating so far this year and taking care of business in Our House.  Nothing makes me happier than doing the alma mater with our cheerleaders after a Duke win in Cameron… It never gets old!

On the women’s side, Jasmine Thomas seems to jump in a phone booth at the end of games and transform into Superwoman.  She has as much confidence as me when the game is on the line, and you guys know how sure I am about who is No. 1 and who is gonna come out on top.  The freshman class has been doing work for Coach P as well.

The men seem to be better than advertised too, as there is always someone stepping up for the big shot in these games.  The atmosphere in Cameron has been huge, which makes everything from surfing on the band to swag surfin’ during timeouts that much more fun.  I’ve been trying to keep the headbands innovative this season, and I plan on giving an inside look into the history of the headband soon in a future blog post.  The bands help me communicate in addition to the usual clapping, pointing and gesturing.

I hope everyone had a good holiday season, and that you got your “Perfect Present.”  I dished out some gifts myself at Coach Wojo’s Christmas party with the rest of the basketball staff and posed for a bunch of photos.  The party was a blast but my Santa’s hat kept falling off my horns so I am going to stick to supporting Duke Athletics and let the big fella in red do his thing with Rudolph and company.

That’s it for me for now! If you want to hear more from me (in 140 characters or less), feel free to sign up for updates from my Twitter (@the1BlueDevil).  Feel free to ask me questions whenever!

Later Duke Nation…

Always #1,

The Duke Blue Devil

p.s. Check Kyle, the Crazies and me out on the cover of Sporting News from earlier this season!

The confident Blue Devil had no doubt… Duke is No. 1

Ladies and Gentlemen of Blue Devil Nation, order has indeed been restored.  And restoring Duke Basketball to its rightful place was an incredible journey.  I’d give anything to be able to relive the championship experience, but I’ll have to wait ‘til next year for that!  In the meantime, I’ll continue to reflect on the glorious bliss of being a champion (again), and the spectacular run that got us there.  From start to finish, this season will go down as one of my favorites: from last October 16th with the Countdown to Craziness (recall Nolan’s outfit), to April 5th, when we were crowned Best in the Land after a truly epic title game.

The title run wasn’t without a tinge of personal pain, however, as I watched my relationship with my mascot comrades start off well, but then decline sharply over the course of the each tournament game.  For example, my ego and I began Final Four week with a good working relationship with the Mountainette (WVU) and Butler’s Bulldogs, Hink and Blue 2.  We had several cordial photo shoots, events, and television appearances together.  But then came game time.  That beauty from West Virginia who gave me a picture of her just the day before wouldn’t even look at me after we dominated her team.  And Hink certainly didn’t stick around to congratulate me after our victory, despite having bonded after being co-champions of the Final Four mascot dance competition.

For me, once that final buzzer sounded and my deeply entrenched confidence — no, CERTAINTY — that we were going to win was confirmed, the disappointment of deteriorated relationships with the mascot community faded, and positive lasting moments were created.  One in particular stands out.  After I was done flashing No. 1’s for countless photos, chest-bumping Lance, and addressing millions via CBS video feeds, and Coach had finished doing the same (minus the flashing No. 1’s and chest bumping), he grabbed me near center court and gave me one of the biggest hugs of all time.  But it was far more than a hug.  That manly embrace was emblematic of the solidarity between the Team and Blue Devil Nation, the solidarity that it took to will ourselves back to the top.  It was the culmination of the emotional rollercoaster that was the 2009-2010 season.  It was heartfelt.  It was poignant.  It was “The Hug.”  Sports Illustrated captured the moment and put it in the Championship Edition.  For that reason, the edition has a forever place on the top shelf of my locker.

Although it was tough being away from the Crazies, Cameron Indoor, and Duke for five days/week for a month during our tournament run, I will never forget how awesome it was to get to know the Duke Basketball family better, especially the team and our cheerleaders.  I will truly miss Lance, Jon, and Zoubs (and their families).  I’m glad, though, that Nolan will still be around to provide us with constant entertainment while traveling on the road.  And Kyle, you toyed with my emotions for a few weeks, but thanks for deciding to come back because you love Duke.  Obviously, I also love Duke, and I think we can both agree it’s the world’s best and most complete university.  Lastly, I wish everybody could see Duke Cheerleading behind the scenes: the seemingly endless workouts, the studying, the extreme dedication, and always-positive attitudes.  I am a lucky man to have spent so much time with them!

Well, it would be great to sit around and reminisce all day long, but summer has begun.  That means it’s time for Blue Devil appearances, working out, getting ready for football season, and planning some new timeout material for next year.  So fellow Blue Devils, stay classy and prepare yourselves for 2010-11.  Until then, ’91, ’92, ’01, ’10.

The fan-friendly Blue Devil makes his rounds on campus

Hello Duke fans.  We have two additional videos today for my blog, THE TRIDENT.

First, as you will see here, a small misunderstanding on campus does not deter the Crazies and me from doing what we do best.

Next, I hope you will watch some great clips of me cruising around and connecting with fans all over campus.  We dished out some hugs and high fives, gave away some free tickets to games, posed for photos, and questioned anyone wearing clothes featuring our rival ACC schools.  Along with winning big and letting everyone know Duke is the best, my favorite pastime is interacting with Duke fans!  GO DUKE.    -BD

The Blue Devil shows off some of his rituals before home games

Hello Duke fans.  It is great to be back on campus for the second semester.  I spent the break lifting weights constantly and working out every day.  It takes a lot of work to be the most fit, strong and agile mascot in the nation.  With the ACC season heating up and some big home games scheduled in Cameron in the coming weeks, the whole team needs to be at our best and ready to go!

For my latest blog entry, we put together a video with clips of some of my typical pre-game activities to help get the Duke campus ready for our home games.  I hope you enjoy and thanks to Kyle for his kind introduction… GO DUKE.

BD