2008 Woodie Awards
Mascot sightings rare
By: Grant Bissell
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Sports
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Perhaps Webster sports fans didn't find themselves humming that tune this season, but it is a fair question to ask.
Webster's fall season was filled with dramatic overtime wins, St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Championships and numerous athletes voted as SLIAC Players of the Week. It would seem as though only one thing was missing. That one thing is the mascot of Webster University, the Gorlok.
A mysterious and mythical creature, the Gorlok is said to have the horns of a fierce buffalo, the paws of a speeding cheetah and the face of a dependable Saint Bernard. Athletic Director Tom Hart said the Gorlok represents a state of mind.
"It's about pride," Hart said. "It's an attitude of excellence on the playing field as well as in the classroom and in the community."
Webster's teams definitely carried the spirit and attitude of the Gorlok with them on the field this season, but what about the physical character? Where was the furry yellow guy that stands on the sidelines and pumps up the crowd while the volleyball and soccer teams were busy winning SLIAC titles?
The Gorlok himself was not available for comment, but head basketball coach Chris Bunch said that the Gorlok usually only appears at home basketball games.
"I wouldn't be against having the Gorlok appear at other sporting events," Bunch said, "but no one has really requested that he show up."
So what makes the basketball games so different than soccer and volleyball games? The presence of the all-important cheerleaders. This is not to say that the Gorlok is only attracted to sporting events which feature girls jumping around in short skirts and screaming in support of their team. But lets face it, every little bit helps.
The first home basketball game isn't until Dec. 3, so Webster sports fans will have to wait a few short weeks until the Gorlok emerges from hiding. After hibernating through a long and successful fall season, he should be well rested and excited about the opportunity to cheer on the men's and women's basketball teams as they try to capture a SLIAC title of their own.