Knightro Is Born
Knightro Photo Gallery | Knightro Mascot Squad
In 1994 a committee was formed to explore and develop a character mascot that would attend athletics events. A number of drawings were submitted but Trey Gordon, a current cheerleader and member the SGA representative was disappointed with the direction of the artwork. With Linda Gooch, Gordon and SGA commissioned Metropolis Graphics sketch the Knight.
The first costume was made Costume World out of Pompano Beach. Gordon filled the mascot position during that first season 1994-95. At the start of the 1995-96 season Trey recruited a freshman engineering student named Jay Lovelace to join him. Lovelace would fill the position of Knightro for four more years. In 1996, a new Knightro was created by a Disney character developer, and the female "Glycerin" was added. But after two years the costumes had fallen apart.
In 1998, Dave Minichello, of Wizzards Production, created the molds for the current Knightro. In 2000, Glycerin was phased out and the glitter finish was added to Knightro's coat. Knightro has a horse named KnightMare that he rides from time to time. In 2005-2006 a group of senior engineering students as a part of their senior project created a motorized car for Knightro that he rides in parades etc. called the Chariot II.
Today, Knightro is operated by the Team Knightro Mascot Squad (right), which consists of 3-5 students who perform in costume at all home and away football games, men's and women's basketball games, other athletic events, pep rallies, and special events and appearances.
Knightro also attends summer mascot camp and competes each year in the college mascot national championships. In 2003 and 2004, Knightro placed 10th in the UCA Mascot National Championships. In 1999, he placed sixth and in 1996, Knightro finished fourth.