At every pep rally, football game, and school event, Mustang Mack, Shadow Ridge’s spirited mascot, pumps up the crowd with energy and school pride. But who is behind the mask? Meet Luke Nielsen, a sophomore whose height, humor, and resilience make him the perfect fit for the role.
“First of all, I was tall enough to fit into the costume,” Nielsen said, laughing. “Second of all, the prior man behind the mask became involved with other Student Council responsibilities, and third, Ms. Coyle, the Student Council Advisor, nominated me for the job,” Nielsen said.
While it might seem like just a fun gig, wearing the mascot suit comes with its fair share of challenges.
“It’s not difficult, but being in the mascot itself takes a lot of effort because of how hot it is,” Nielsen explained. “So it’s less of a skill and more like resilience.”
Performing in a bulky costume under hot lights or during outdoor events takes stamina—not to mention the ability to stay upbeat and animated for long periods. Despite the discomfort, Nielsen finds the role incredibly rewarding.
“The best part is people and their reactions,” he said. “A lot of people have a very happy reaction to seeing Mustang Mack.”
Whether it’s hyping up students at assemblies or posing for photos during school functions, Nielsen enjoys the positive energy that the mascot brings out in the crowd. However, the job isn’t all cheers and high-fives.
“The worst part is definitely the physical suit,” he admitted. “It’s not very comfortable and a little gross.”
Like many mascot costumes, Mustang Mack’s suit is thick, sweaty, and not exactly pleasant after long hours of use. Still, Nielsen powers through with enthusiasm. What many don’t realize is how much personality goes into being a mascot. Nielsen has developed his own style of movement and behavior to make Mustang Mack feel alive.
“You have to be over the top with your gestures. People can’t see your face so it’s all about body language,” stated Nielson.
Representing Mustang Mack also means representing the school.
His dedication and positivity reflect the spirit Shadow Ridge hopes to see in all its students. For many students, Mustang Mack is just a fun symbol of school pride, but for Nielsen, it’s a chance to connect with others and bring joy to his peers in a unique way.
“It’s a fun challenge,” he said. “It gives me a way to be involved with school spirit and make people smile—without anyone knowing it’s me.”
In the end, it’s not just the costume that defines Mustang Mack—it’s the student inside who brings it to life.
