The crowd is screaming, athletes are warming up, and you can feel the tension they are holding in their shoulders. The anticipation is rising above the tall roof of the gym…game time. Through all the excitement and smiles, something is missing, though — an element, a figure — someone to put this overwhelming feeling of joy onto: a mascot!
Seeing the DHRS mascot Swoop causes the crowd to go wild — they cheer, asking for pictures. Swoop jumps, high fives and loves on DRHS Eagles every time he appears.
Swoop has been a dedicated and hard working symbol for the Dakota Ridge Eagles. Swoop took on the role of the DRHS Eagle last year, after his predecessors, such as Baldy, and others.
“It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of work. It’s not an easy job and takes a lot of time, commitment, and it’s not a glorious position,” DRHS athletic director Matt Heckel said. “We’re extremely glad to have someone so devoted and dedicated to being a part of our school.”
Swoop attends two or three events each week, showing up and making noise for the Eagles. He is energetic and loved by both students and staff at Dakota Ridge.
“He’s a big part of games that people look forward to seeing because he brings so much energy and spirit,” DRHS freshman and volleyball player Kelly Weeks said.
Swoop is loyal and friendly, and DRHS math teacher Leanne McLean says Swoop always shows up — you can count on him to be at an event.
According to Heckel, Swoop loves all sports and is often seen with the crowd because he doesn’t like to fly alone. Football and volleyball in the fall, and basketball in the winter, are his favorite events to attend.
“I see him at the games or pep rallies, and I like the energy he brings,” DRHS freshman Louisa Webb said. “He’s pretty swag, pretty cool.”
Unfortunately, though, sometimes when Swoop attends events and sees other Eagles, not everyone is kind.
“People have tried to remove my head, pull on my beak, or sneak up from behind me, but the cheerleaders and the Superfans make sure that I stay safe,” Swoop said.
Overall, Swoop is the representation of the Dakota Ridge Eagles. He shows guests or rival teams who the Eagles are — he’s always seen giving out high fives and school spirit.
“He is a very big embodiment of the school spirit, ” Webb said, “ the fighting spirit we have at Dakota,”
