{"id":224469,"date":"2024-07-01T10:33:08","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T14:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=224469"},"modified":"2024-07-01T12:47:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T16:47:34","slug":"montclair-unveils-next-gen-rocky-and-roxy-mascots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2024\/07\/01\/montclair-unveils-next-gen-rocky-and-roxy-mascots\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair Unveils Next-Gen Rocky and Roxy Mascots"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Get ready for next-gen Rocky the Red Hawk. Montclair State University\u2019s beloved mascot has undergone a metamorphosis from a fierce bird of prey to a softer, more animated and agile Rocky.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s got a sweet little face. He&#8217;s more cartoony and friendlier,\u201d says Vanessa Fingerlin \u201924, who performed as Rocky for the past five years. \u201cNo shade to the old Rocky.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/student-services\/student-communications\/rocky\/team-rocky\/\">Team Rocky<\/a> Advisor Hannah Lindeblad \u201913 agrees, noting that the new Rocky\u2019s eyes are much more animated and cartoon-like. \u201cThat\u2019s what students are going to notice first but after they get past that, they&#8217;re going to notice that these Rockys have a much higher level of performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rocky\u2019s little sister Roxy also got a glow-up. \u201cRoxy got a full upgrade. She looks adorable, and I think the campus is really going to like her, too,\u201d says Fingerlin.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02816_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02816_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Rocky and Roxy in their new costumes.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris says the new looks capture the \u201cvibrant spirit\u201d and \u201csense of pride and unity\u201d of Montclair\u2019s campus community. \u201cThese updates reflect our ongoing commitment to evolve and strengthen our university&#8217;s identity.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rocky and Roxy\u2019s fresh new looks will officially debut at Montclair Township\u2019s 4<sup>th<\/sup> of July Parade. They\u2019ll occasionally glide across campus this summer but will fly high this fall. Until then, you can follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rockyredhawk\/\">Rocky<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/roxyredhawk\/\">Roxy<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n<p>The duo underwent major makeovers thanks to Montclair\u2019s Student Government Association, which approved $30,000 to buy three new costumes and accessories.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the new mascots look great,\u201d says SGA Executive President Mikayla Houston. \u201cThey add more character and life to Rocky and Roxy, and I think the students, kids and families will really enjoy this new look.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Video: Rocky the Red Hawk&amp;#039;s NEW Look Revealed\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RI9Im9V903o?feature=oembed\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen style=\"width: 500px; height: 281px; border: 0px solid #000;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Out with the old, in with the new:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gone are the hot, heavy matted suits; Rocky\u2019s and Roxy\u2019s suits are more plush, breathable, containing mesh around the torso, head and other areas.<\/li>\n<li>Their heads are much lighter and more secure, making it possible for them to show off some serious dance moves.<\/li>\n<li>Rocky has two fits \u2013 one red and one white, while Roxy has one, including a white and red pleated skirt. They both sport personalized jerseys.<\/li>\n<li>Roxy rocks some red eyeshadow, three long lashes and red polish on her taloned yellow feet.<\/li>\n<li>Roxy will soon fly the nest and be available to attend student functions, such as womens\u2019 athletic competitions \u2013 with or without her big brother.<\/li>\n<li>Both are now licensed and trademarked, so there\u2019s no danger of other mascots looking like Montclair\u2019s, something not previously guaranteed.<\/li>\n<li>Costumes were custom made by Street Characters of Calgary, Canada.<\/li>\n<li>Uncle Roy has retired and moved to Florida but not to fear, as dear Cousin Ricky will still be near.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_03074_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_03074_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Members of Montclair\u2019s Student Government Association pose with the new Rocky and Roxy.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Student Government Association paid for Rocky and Roxy\u2019s refresh. Pictured from left, Executive President Mikayla Houston, Executive Vice President Omayma Jabara, Executive Treasurer Andres Balvin and Executive Secretary Brianna Donnelly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lindeblad spearheaded the mascot makeovers, which required two years of research, and is excited to show them off to the campus community. \u201cThere\u2019s so much we can do with these two characters, who have proven to help students with the sense of belonging on campus \u2013 it\u2019s kind of magical.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She understands that students will have to adjust to Rocky\u2019s new look. \u201cI think we\u2019ll get a little bit nostalgic, \u2018How come you changed it?\u2019 I&#8217;m expecting that, and that&#8217;s OK but these suits are so much better for so many reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Student safety was chief among them when Lindeblad and multiple students presented their case to the SGA for funding. \u201cThey expressed their concerns with the old Rocky suit and how it is no longer safe or suitable for our students to wear,\u201d says SGA President Houston. \u201cWe felt it was necessary to support those students and purchase the new suits.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris says she\u2019s thrilled with the new iterations. She commends Director of Student Communications Cindy Meneghin and Lindeblad for their work in hatching the new mascots. She said Meneghin had a \u201cvisionary understanding of the importance of strong mascot identities in fostering school spirit and tradition at Montclair,\u201d while Lindeblad \u201cguided this entire process with exceptional leadership, involving students in every decision and truly shaping the new look for Rocky and Roxy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_03216_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_03216_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Hannah Lindeblad stands between two former students in Rocky and Roxy costumes.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Team Rocky Advisor Hannah Lindeblad \u201913, center, poses with former Rocky Taylor Risley &#8217;21 and Roxy Brian Lanigan &#8217;18.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_01603_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_01603_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Vanessa Fingerlin smiles at the new Rocky costume head.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vanessa Fingerlin \u201924, who performed as the popular mascot for five years was initially a little sus of the new Rocky but now says she\u2019s thrilled with his new look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02469_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02469_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Roxy stands beak to beak with a bronze Red Hawk statue.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roxy shows the Red Hawk statue her new red eyeshadow and black lashes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/rocky-gorup.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/rocky-gorup.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"People who portrayed the old and new Rockys pose for a group photo.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People who helped introduce the old and new Rockys and Roxys included, from left front: Vanessa Fingerlin \u201924 and Brittany Boetticher, graduate coordinator for Student Communications. Middle: Katie Lanigan &#8217;19, Brian Lanigan &#8217;18 (no relation), Taylor Risley \u201921; Back: Kyle Kowal &#8217;15, Paul McGroarty \u201920 and Team Rocky Advisor Hannah Lindeblad \u201813. Kyle Cashin \u201922 is in the Rocky suit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02245_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_02245_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Five students dressed as Rocky walk across campus.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rocky through the years, from left, oldest to newest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_01285_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/07\/061024_01285_Rocky_Reveal-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Four students dressed as Rocky walk arm-in-arm along the Quad.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Previous Rocky and Roxy costumes will be retired.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Story by Staff Writer<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/profilepages\/view_profile.php?username=martinezsy\"><strong><em> Sylvia A. Martinez<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<em> Photos by University Photographer <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/profilepages\/view_profile.php?username=petersm\"><strong><em>Mike Peters<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and John J. LaRosa<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You May Also Like:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2024\/05\/14\/montclair-mascots-unveil-secret-identities-at-commencement-2024\/\"><strong><em>Montclair Mascots Unveil Secret Identities at Commencement 2024<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/\/ Output tags as a list for Google Analytics custom dimension\nwindow.MSU_TagList = [\"Rocky\",\"Roxy\",\"school mascot\",\"school spirit\",\"Student Development and Campus Life\",\"Team Rocky\"];\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New looks will enhance performance and spark greater school spirit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"featured_media":224476,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[123,10],"tags":[541,556,557,558,559,555],"class_list":["post-224469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-homepage-news","category-university","tag-rocky","tag-roxy","tag-school-mascot","tag-school-spirit","tag-student-development-and-campus-life","tag-team-rocky"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=224469"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":224490,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224469\/revisions\/224490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/224476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=224469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=224469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=224469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}