DETROIT (9/22/2020) -- The lovable Tommy Titan joined us this week for our #TitanTuesday.
Tommy has been the Titan mascot for over 30 years and even though he has undergone some changes, Titan fans all love to see the mascot at home events.
He is currently in a battle for the best mascot in the Horizon League and is in the semifinals,
where he needs your vote now!
With the absence of the fall sports season in the Horizon League, DetroitTitans.com caught up with Tommy:
So How Long Have You Been The Mascot For Detroit Mercy?
TT: I am only here so I don't get fined
You Agreed To Do This Interview, Should I Show You Your Email Confirmation?
TT: Did you send that to my school account or Gmail because I got hacked into my Gmail a few weeks ago
Can We Just Do This Interview?
TT: Ok, proceed.
Back To Question One, How Long Have You Been The Mascot For Detroit Mercy?
TT: Coach Vitale created me in the 70's. 1975, I believe. I looked a lot slimmer back then, not that I am fat, it was just a different era and I looked like a Roman soldier instead of a Titan. In reading up on my history, I saw that a St. Bernard puppy called Titan was the team's mascot during the football era.
What Did Coach Vitale Want Out Of You?
TT: The same thing he wanted out of himself: Energy. My job was to help bring the energy and the enthusiasm to another level in Calihan Hall. Not only was he a great coach, he was a marketing genius and he wanted Calihan Hall to be the place everyone wanted to go. One game, we had over 11,000 fans in the stands against Marquette and we only hold 8,000. Rumors were, we were breaking the law or something, but the fire marshal guy, we were buds and we gave him a good seat on center court for that game. He enjoyed it, I remember bringing him some popcorn.
What Is Your Favorite Part About Being A Mascot?
TT: I just noticed you are not wearing your mask, I am going to have to ask that you put it on.
We Are Doing This Interview On Zoom
TT: Fair Enough
Favorite Part?
TT: I just enjoy sports and enjoy being around all of the fans. There is no better place to be than a sporting event and watching the Titans play and seeing all the fans, students and alums come back and support the programs.
This Weekend Is Homecoming, How Much Do You Enjoy That Event?
TT: It is great to see all the alums come back. I remember everyone and just seeing the great things our alums are doing in the community is amazing. This University has a proud history and it's great to see everyone just come back and enjoy campus life.
What Is Your Favorite Movie?
TT: Just depends on my mood. Gladiator really gets me going. Love Caddyshack for a comedy and I could watch Mean Girls all day. Sometimes I get sensitive and I will watch Sweet Home Alabama, maybe shed a few tears.
Quite A Look For A Titan, You Actually Cry?
TT: Okay take that out, I have a reputation to uphold.
You Just Won The First Round Of The Horizon League Mascot Challenge, How Does That Feel?
TT: I feel honored. Sparky was quite a competitor, but I am glad the Titan community rallied around me. I have a tough battle up next with Jawz and Jazzy of IUPUI, but I have faith in the red, white and blue. Please vote!
Are You Registered To Vote For This Upcoming Election?
TT: Does Tommy not carry a shield? I mean, everyone should vote. If we want change, that's the way to get it done.
How Tough Has The Spring And Now The Fall Been Without Titan Sports?
TT: It's tough, it hurts a lot. I can't imagine what the student-athletes and coaches are going through. I know it is a difficult period for them. I just wake up every day and say to myself, we are one-day closer to being back to normal.
Have You Been Working On Any New Skills During This Period?
TT: Well I just mastered the Dougie if that's what you're asking.
