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Florida Southern College has introduced a new costume for its mascot “Mocsie” that’s intended to look a little more “snakelike.” The new Mocsie, the sixth FSC costume since 1985, stands a few inches taller and was designed with a more intimidating look.
Mocsie made the new costume debut at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Jan. 23, sprinting through a row of cheerleaders to the roar of FSC fans. (See photos)
Sports information director Al Green said the school needed a mascot that was more recognizable. “Nobody knew what it was when we’d go out in the community,” Green said. “Is it a lizard, a tiger? We wanted more of a snake look so there was no question it’s a Moc.”
FSC has the only Moccasin mascot in the NCAA, Green said.
“Florida Southern College first used the nickname Moccasins in 1926, shortly after the college¹s move to Lakeland in 1922,” Green said. “The water moccasin, or cottonmouth snake, was abundant in the nearby lakes and since the moccasin is one of the fiercest of all snakes, one that will attack unprovoked, the college adopted the moniker for its athletic teams.”
FSC student Jennell Retamar likes the change. “I think it was time we needed a new costume,” Retamar said. “I totally think it was necessary from a branding and PR perspective.”
Donny Diaz, another FSC student, also stands behind the decision to bring a new outfit to the school’s mascot. “I think it’s a cool addition to the Moc family,” Diaz said. “Something that kids and students will grow to love.”
FSC President Anne Kerr had some parting words for the departing Mocsie. “I am still missing our former Mocsie,” Kerr said, “and hope our new Mocsie will become as popular with students.
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