It’s with a mix of emotions that I’m writing this post today. For the past ten years or so, I’ve had the absolute honor of donning the black and white stripes as our local Zebra mascot for the Lincoln Jr. Football and Cheer program. Yep, that’s right, secretly I’ve been the one behind that goofy, lovable Zebra suit you’ve seen popping up at football games, cheerleading events, and parades all over town.

Now, before I get too sentimental, let’s rewind a bit. Ten years ago, I stumbled into this gig quite unexpectedly. The old Zebra costume was falling apart faster than you can say “touchdown,” and somebody had to step up. Little did I know that stepping up would mean stepping into a whole new world of fun, community, and, yes, a whole lot of sweat inside that costume.

Being the Zebra mascot wasn’t just about putting on a suit and prancing around. It was about embodying the spirit of our beloved Lincoln Jr. Zebras. It was about bringing smiles to kids’ faces and maybe even getting a few laughs from the adults. It was about being a part of something bigger than myself, something that brought our community together, even if they didn’t realize it was just me under all those stripes.

One of the highlights of my time as the Zebra mascot was definitely the parades. Oh, the joy of seeing those little faces light up as I pranced down the street, waving and dancing to the music! It’s hard to describe the feeling of pure happiness that comes from entertaining a crowd of kids, but let me tell you, it’s something special.

Sure, there were challenges. Ever tried dancing in a giant Zebra suit in the scorching heat of a summer parade? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. But every sweaty moment was worth it when I saw the joy on the faces of the kids in the crowd or heard the cheers from the sidelines.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And so, the time has come for me to hang up the hooves and pass the Zebra suit on to someone else. It’s not an easy decision, believe me. Saying goodbye to something that’s been such a big part of my life for the past decade is tough.

But I’m not leaving with a heavy heart. Instead, I’m filled with gratitude for the memories, the friendships, and the countless moments of pure, unadulterated fun that being the Zebra mascot has brought into my life. And hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll still spot me in the crowd at future games, cheering on our Zebras just like always.

So here’s to the next lucky soul who gets to step into those black and white stripes and carry on the tradition. Take care of our beloved Zebra suit, my friend. And remember, once a Zebra, always a Zebra.