CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Citadel Department of Athletics is excited to unveil the new Spike T. Bulldog mascot uniform in a special ceremony prior to the start of The Citadel versus Eastern Kentucky football game on Sept. 26.
 
The mascot program and the new suit project were funded thanks to the work by The Citadel Foundation in conjunction with The Citadel classes of 1983 and 1987.
 
The project for a new suit was initiated in 2018 shortly after Citadel mascot coach Jonathan Walker took over the Spike T. Bulldog program. Walker, who also went through a mascot brand refresh and mascot statue erection campaign during his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina, quickly saw the need and opportunity to refresh and enhance Spike's brand, while building up the mascot program.
 
"We ultimately want to see Spike become a key facet, ambassador and 'front door' of The Citadel brand," Walker said. "When you see or interact with Spike, he should embody what The Citadel experience is all about. At many universities across the nation, the mascot is the face of the school. Everywhere you look, you see the costumed mascot on shirts, hats, posters, and at in-person events all across campus. We want Spike to be seen in this light by cadets, faculty/staff, alumni and fans."
 
To combat several challenges with the current uniform, and to improve Spike's brand as the "tough guy who has a soft spot" for younger Bulldog fans, Spike's mouth has been converted to a full smile, still showing plenty of teeth. This is also intended to provide cadet performers more visibility inside the uniform to ensure the safety of the cadet and fans around them.
 
Some other new changes fans can expect to see from this project are improvements to Spike's wardrobe. Spike will be sporting new football jerseys, similar in style to those worn by the team on the field. This will also happen with basketball and baseball uniforms. Spike will even be trying out a pair of basketball shoes this year, and Spike will also sport a new seersucker blazer featuring The Citadel athletics logo.
 
To honor the classes of 1987 and 1983, Bulldog fans will notice that Spike will be sporting two new jersey numbers during the 2020 and 2021 football seasons, 87 and 83. Long term, Walker is hoping to offer up the jersey number every few years as a way to continue fundraising for the mascot program and the athletics department.
 
Citadel Class of 1987 member, Jonathan Kresken said, "The members of the class of The Citadel Class of 1987 wanted to financially support The Citadel Athletic Department, and when we discovered the need (for a new mascot suit), we acted quickly to help raise the funds to cover the cost of the new mascot uniform. The mascot is a source of pride and an important symbol for the college. The Class of '87 recognized this and wanted to make sure that The Citadel was well represented both on the field and in the community. Many classmates decided that we should step up and make the new mascot uniform one the entire college can be proud of for years to come."
 
Citadel Class of 1983 member, Bill Yaeger said, "The Citadel Class of 1983 was thrilled to be able to assist with the redesign and replacement of the worn-out Spike T. Bulldog mascot uniform. Spike is an integral and very visible part of our campus, the community and the college identity, and it was natural for us, as a very cohesive class, to help in any way we can. When the word went out, our class responded well and was able to assist the Athletic Department when they needed it. We are also happy to hear, and will continue to assist, that The Citadel Foundation is starting a program to provide training and scholarships to the cadets that wear the Spike costume, and the cheerleaders."
 
For fans who would like to continue helping Spike and his performers achieve success inside and outside of the fur, you can visit foundation.citadel.edu/spike to make a 100% tax deductible donation today. 
 
Fans may also head over to Spike's Instagram account to follow his adventures around campus, the Southern Conference, and beyond: https://www.instagram.com/spike_t_bulldog/