Oct. 5, Washburn University hosted try-outs for a new student to be Ichabod Washburn. Five students attended the try-outs, and two performers were chosen.

The try-out consisted of a face-to-face interview with a judging committee, as well as a series of skits performed with the mascot outfit on.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday, following the try-out, the two performers went through two four-hour training sessions,” said Amanda Hughes, assistant director of University Relations. “They learned the basics of being a mascot, like how to take care of the costume, and how to stay fit in order to be able to wear the costume for long periods of time.”

University Relations will be debuting a new mascot outfit on Oct. 17, at the Homecoming Parade. Ichabod Washburn will be the Grand Marshall of the parade.

“We’ve been telling everyone that Ichabod is in Hawaii getting refreshed and rejuvenated for the remainder of the year,” said Hughes. “He will be at all the games and functions that he can be, and everyone can look for him to be involved.”