highlander of the issue
LIVING A DOUBLE LIFE as
ANGUS
The face behind the mask of McLean’s beloved mascot
H
alexa sribar & Liyat amman REPORTERS
urrying across the track at McLean High School, Angus, the school mascot, is doing his best to get the sea of students on the bleachers excited. As he runs by, the varsity cheer team leads the fans in spirited chants, and the hype in the student section rises.
I WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH AND STRENGTHEN THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY THAT PEOPLE HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO SPORTS.” - ZORA RODGERS SENIOR Angus stops near a section of bleachers and starts to dance energetically, stirring up a lively clamor from the crowd. As they cheer, what most of the fans don’t realize is that behind Angus’s intimidating grin and thick beard is the face of senior Zora Rodgers. “[My performances] are all improvised,” Rodgers said. “I don’t plan any of the things I do.”
12 | february 2022 | FEATURES
As the mascot for McLean High School, the routine of dancing and running in a costume while hundreds of students watch is nothing new to Rodgers. It’s her job to get students involved and excited for McLean sports games at pep rallies. “I want to increase the spirit,” Rodgers said. “I want to make people laugh and strengthen the sense of community that people have when it comes to sports.” Rodgers has an animated personality and is a character in her own right. Her close friends describe her as a perfect fit for Angus. “Zora is always cracking jokes and making people smile,” senior Emma Radcliffe said. “Her commanding presence makes her a natural born leader and someone that people look up to.” Becoming the mascot wasn’t as clear of a process as Rodgers anticipated. She didn’t become Angus until the beginning of her senior year in 2021. Page design by Taylor Olson
