Searcy High School’s mascot for the past four years was Austin Wood, however he graduated last year.

Stepping up to fill his shoes is junior, Graham Doan.

“First of all we’re going to miss Austin a whole bunch,” Stacy Cramblett, cheer coach said. “He was the mascot for four years and he was absolutely fantastic, but we’re so excited to have Graham this year.”

Doan had to participate in a tryout last year by Coach Cramblett to become the mascot.

“I had a few people tell me to do it, and I thought it would be fun so I decided to do it,” Doan said.

His talent, in the suit, won Cramblett over.

“He tried out with several other different guys, and he just came across as really funny,” she said.

The mascot’s main task is to get the crowd involved in the football game.

“I think our new mascot is great,” senior Colleen Owen said. “Of course I loved Austin, but he’s doing a really good job since it’s his first year.”

Doan’s spirit as the mascot plays a big part in the atmosphere of the game.

“I kind of carry the spirit so it’s important that I’m wild and crazy and get the crowd into the game,” Doan said.

Owen added that to be the Searcy mascot, Doan just has to have to have a lot of school spirit and be spunky.

“He could entertain the crowd, and that’s what we want is someone to entertain the crowd at ball games, make them laugh, keep the crowd involved, and stuff like that,” Cramblett said. “We think he’s going to be great.”