JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We got our first look Tuesday at the new Manta Ray who will be roaming around Florida State College at Jacksonville.
The official new mascot for the college was selected by students and the Jacksonville community over two other finalists: Kraken and Sea Dragon.
“It’s been a long time coming,” FSCJ President Dr. John Avendano said. “People have really kind of wrapped their mind around it and spirit around having a new mascot, and we’ve just enjoyed it.”
Faculty, staff and students gathered in the South Campus Gymnasium as the FSCJ Manta Ray walked out for the very first time.
Cheers echoed across the gym as the new face of FSCJ moved across the court.
“It’s been fantastic,” Avendano said. “A good portion of our bleachers were filled. We gave some giveaways. There was a great spirit here. We expect to keep that momentum throughout the rest of the school year. And going forward.”
The costume design process has been in the works since the school announced the Manta Ray as the new mascot of FSCJ.
And Tuesday was a fitting day to reveal the Manta Ray -- it was World Manta Day, so it was a chance to celebrate and learn about the new face of the school.
“I can see and envision the students’ faces when they see it leading the cheers,” Athletic Director Jerry Thor said. “I can see the youth in our community light up when they see the mascot at parades and engaging out in the community. I just know all the wonderful things that are going to happen with our new mascot.”
The Manta Ray mascot doesn’t have a name — yet. The school is asking for community input, again. You can submit your name idea for the Manta Ray mascot here.