New Mascot to be unveiled

Kimberly Vera

The new Del Mar Viking is landing soon. The college will unveil its mascot during a ceremony April 27 in the Harvin Center.

“This event brings out another level of collegiate experience. It’s going to be great for community outreach,” said Rito Silva, vice president of student affairs. “The new mascot is a huge step for Del Mar College because it is the ultimate rally cry for our students and community to come together.”

While the Viking has been Del Mar’s mascot since 1939, this is the first time the character will come to life. Del Mar selected Raymond Entertainment to develop the mascot. Company owner Dave Raymond was the original Phillie Phanatic, the mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies. Costume production company Avant Garb was selected to produce the suit.

The Viking is expected to appear at on- and off-campus events, including Board of Regents presentations, recruitment events, DMC Foundation donor recognitions, Alumni Association functions, Buccaneer Days, Junior Livestock Shows and more.

The college will hold a mascot-naming contest for students in fall 2017.

According to Beverly Cage, director of Student Leadership & Campus Life, as of mid-April the college had yet to hire a student to play the mascot, and coach applications were still being processed.

The Viking Landing celebration will begin at 11 a.m. April 27 in the Harvin Center.

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