Lind graduate unveiled as WSU mascot

For two years, Lind High School graduate Brandon Knodel hid his true identity from those around him. But on Feb. 26, he revealed the secret from half court in Beasley Coliseum in front of hundreds of Washington State University Cougar fans.

Knodel has been the man beneath the mask, serving as Butch T. Cougar for nearly two years. Butch has been the beloved mascot of WSU since its inception, and as a lifelong Cougars fan, Knodel wanted the opportunity to give back to his current alma mater.

After graduating from Lind High School in 2012, and then serving as an FFA State Officer for a year, Knodel began his student career at WSU in 2013.

The choice to become the mascot started as a joke between friends, Knodel explained. After earning the chance to become Butch, it became a secret he had to keep from those same friends.

Coming from a family of Cougars, Knodel spent his childhood idolizing Butch and watching his performances at games. While watching Butch perform at a baseball game a couple years ago, Knodel decided to inquire about the job.

Knodel researched the position on the school website and attended tryouts that spring. In a whirlwind of excitement, they offered Knodel the job and set his life down a rewarding path of service and enthusiasm he never could have anticipated.

To be selected as Butch, Knodel said tryouts consisted of an informal interview, a field walk, and a minute and a half skit. The field walk included putting on the mascot suit and watching how each individual performed as they covered the length of the field.

For the WSU program, Knodel said around 20 students attended tryouts, vying for a chance to serve as Butch. Knodel’s performance attracted the attention of the judges, and he began working with the program to learn how to serve as the best Butch he could be.

Knodel explained Butch is at least a one year commitment, but the individual has the option to extend for multiple years if they are interested. The experience is truly once in a lifetime, Knodel said, but two years is a long time to live in secret.

As an active member of the College of Agriculture, Knodel serves as the president of various student groups. He said he had a difficult time explaining his absence during meetings, but worked hard to keep the secret.

“Being a social guy myself, it was hard to keep the secret of where I really was. But it’s important to keep that secret for the program and the tradition of Butch,” Knodel stated.

But through the struggle of keeping the secret, Knodel received something spectacular in return. The chance to be around the Cougar Nation fans is a memory he will always cherish.

Knodel said it proved to be the best part of the experience, getting to put on the suit and see the best of the fans supporting the university. Every event was a different experience and adventure, Knodel explained, but it did not matter where he was, seeing the fans excited to see Butch is the best feeling.

During his time as Butch, Knodel said there is not one specific memory that stands out as his favorite. While nothing can compare to the intensity of a home football game and leading the “Go Cougs” chant, Knodel said he found himself enjoying men’s basketball games the most.

At basketball games, Knodel had more opportunities to interact with fans and it created a more personal experience. Being able to meet fans and brighten their day was always a highlight for Knodel.

But along with interacting with fans, Knodel had to work hard to not speak to them while in the suit. Knodel joked that even though he is a talkative person, once he put the head on, that was his game face.

Not talking may not have been hard to control, but not laughing proved to be the most difficult challenge Knodel faced while in the suit. He explained it was typically children that pushed him towards laughter, but their excitement and love for the character helped him work to preserve the traditions of Butch.

The kids at events always proved to be the wild card that tested Knodel’s abilities as Butch, but also proved the most rewarding because of the excitement he was able to bring to their day. While they said things he wanted to laugh at, or handed him odd objects to sign, Knodel maintained his identity as Butch but definitely had to laugh about it later.

Attending events also led Knodel to interact with people he knew, whether it be friends from college or individuals from the local communities. While only a select few individuals knew who was inside the suit, Knodel said he loved seeing people he knew because he had an opportunity to heckle them, knowing they would be good sports about the interaction.

Along with sporting events, Knodel served as Butch during career fairs, WSU recruiting functions, and even weddings.

As his time as Butch progressed, Knodel said he continued to learn new things from personal experiences, as well as interacting with other college mascots. He had to maintain the character of Butch, but he also had a chance to make Butch unique by adding his own personality.

Knodel also had the chance to compete in the Universal Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Mascot National Championship, where he brought home a ninth place finish. The competition took place in Orlando and included more than 50 mascots from across the country.

The experience proved overwhelming at times, and was definitely unique, Knodel laughed, as a large group of people dressed in unidentifiable costumes with the inability to speak competed for the national title.

“The experience is what you make it, and so it is always fun,” Knodel said. “It was fun to meet and network with other mascots.”

The contest also allowed him to stay in contact with fellow mascots, and he would always reach out to them when the Cougars were the visiting team. He said he enjoyed the opportunity to learn from other mascots, and be able to share stories and the experience with people who truly understood the unique situation.

Though the job was endless fun for Knodel, it was also the hardest he has ever worked in his life, he stated. He thanks the fans for being his motivators, which allowed him the opportunity to continue to serve the school for two years.

“The fans are why I did it. The love from the fans and the passion for the school; that’s what kept me going,” Knodel said. “It’s the most hard work I’ve ever done, but the fans motivate you and it really is amazing.”

The best experience of the two years, and one of the top three moments of his life, occurred under the lights of Beasley Coliseum on Feb. 26. The night served as Knodel’s chance to reveal his true identity and be recognized by the fans for his service to Cougar Nation.

“It was a pretty incredible and humbling experience,” Knodel stated. “The appreciation and support from fans was amazing. It was cool to know people love Butch that much, and that I portrayed that character well.”

The already emotional experience continued as Knodel’s parents, Jerry and Debbie, rushed the court to congratulate their son. Knodel said he had remained composed until he saw his mom running towards him with tears in her eyes, and he said after that, he could not help but to cry.

As a senior in his final semester, Knodel said he is preparing to turn in the suit and move on towards the next experience in his life. After he graduates in May with a major in AgTechnology and Management, and a minor in Business Administration, Knodel will head to the Midwest to begin his full time job with John Deere.

Knodel received the position after serving as an intern for the company in Kansas City last summer. He will be working as a Developmental, Product Support and Marketing Representative for the John Deere Corporation, and he is looking forward to the new experience.

In the upcoming months, Knodel will work on recruiting individuals to try out for the mascot position and serve as an adviser to the next Butch. He is looking forward to watching not only the future of the WSU athletic programs, but also the continuing tradition of Butch.