There’s been no shortage of triumphs for King’s athletics in recent years. From the men’s soccer team dominating the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) fields this year to Ritu Shah, King’s badminton star, earning her third straight national gold medal last season, the Blue Devils have had undeniable success.
But while the athletes have been showing up and showing out in their games, one crucial figure has been notably absent for seasons on end. This month, The Watch set out on an investigation to find the answer to the question we’re all asking: what happened to the King’s mascot, the UKC Blue Devil?
Simona Busillo, a centre midfielder for the King’s women’s soccer team, said that despite the Blue Devil’s formal absence, he may still be hiding around the King’s campus.
“Sometimes during early morning practices, I swear I see him lurking around the edges of the field,” said Busillo.
She added that these sightings may be hallucinations due to the early practices causing a lack of sleep alongside her desperation for his return. But Busillo remains optimistic that he may still be out there.
Frances Cooke, captain of the women’s volleyball team, also believes she may have seen the Blue Devil lurking in the King’s gym. Specifically when her team has needed him most.
“When we are down and out, I see him in the corner of my eye,” said Cooke.
However an investigation of the King’s athletic department’s Instagram account and digital photo gallery shows no confirmed sightings of the beloved mascot in the past five years.
While Busillo believes the Blue Devil is out there waiting for someone to notice him, Cooke thinks the mascot’s absence could have something to do with a religious conflict on campus.
She cites a comment she remembers seeing on one of her dad’s Facebook posts, saying that since King’s was created as a Christian institution, the mascot disrespects the school’s history.
However, she doesn’t think this conflict should keep him away.
“From what I know of the Blue Devil’s lore, he loves music,” said Cooke. “I don’t see why the choir couldn’t lure him in [to the Chapel].”
She added that despite their natures being at odds, she thinks the Blue Devil could find peace within the Chapel’s pews.
However, no matter what is keeping the Blue Devil away, Busillo and Cooke both believe not having a mascot is holding their teams back.
“His absence has really put a damper on my life,” said Busillo, who added that she sometimes dreams of his return.
The women’s volleyball team has been unable to face their lack of a team mascot and has taken the matter into their own hands, according to Cooke.
“We keep a stuffed animal on our bench called Bluey in his image,” she said.
When asked if they would like to send a message to their long lost mascot, Busillo and Cooke both put forward heartfelt statements, begging for his return.
“Blue Devil, wherever you are, come home,” said Cooke, full of emotion. “We miss you. We need you.”
“Just give us a sign that you’re okay,” said Busillo. “I promise we’re not mad. We just want to see you again.”
The Watch is offering rewards to any students or admin with information on the Blue Devil’s whereabouts. Together, we can bring back the King’s spirit.
