Name: The Blue Devil
Age: 85 (but doesn't look a day over 23)
Occupation: Amateur Mascot
The Blue Devil mascot first appeared in 1929 (albeit in a very different costume) at a football game against Pittsburgh. Duke's teams, however, have been going by the nickname Blue Devils since 1922. Before the adoption of Blue Devils, suggestions for possible names included Dreadnaughts, Polar Bears and Royal Blazes.
Headline Attraction
The mascot hits the Internet before the game in order to make sure that the headband saying is timely and relevant to the other team. This saying is very important, the Blue Devil says, because it is the only way the mascot can "verbally" express itself.
Heady Costs
That fancy Blue Devil head doesn't come cheap. Made by a Broadway costume company, it costs between $500 and $600 to refurbish. Due to the constant wear and tear of the job, it needs to be refurbished about once a year.
Beating the Heat
As hot as Cameron Indoor Stadium is, you can imagine how toasty it gets inside that suit. With all of its fancy aerobatics-surfing on the band and pumping up the crowd-the Blue Devil has to find tricks to keep cool. He uses a handkerchief tied around his head to keep the sweat of his eyes.
A Big Head
Moving around with the big Blue Devil head takes some getting used to. Due to the head's very large size the mascot has to practice normal movements-like clapping or fist-pumping-beforehand. Every movement has to be exaggerated so the Blue Devil isn't overshadowed by his head.
All in the Family
There is plenty of mascot pride. One mascot graduate has gone on to work at Disney World. Other mascot graduates stay on to work in the Triangle area and help out with games from time to time. Says the Blue Devil: "It's the first thing people want to talk about when they see your resume."
Remember Maggette
The Blue Devil always wears a handed down No. 50 basketball jersey. That number belonged to Corey Maggette, a basketball star who played for Duke as a freshman in 1999 before entering the NBA draft. He now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Talkin' 'Bout Practice?
While it may seem like he must (he is good at it), the mascot does not practice surfing with the band prior to the basketball season. The Blue Devil notes, "Once you get out there, it's just really trial by fire."
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