Under the cloud of smoke and the thunderous sounds of the marching band, an ominous figure with broad shoulders, an oversized head and wings appears. The mascot we once knew is no longer.

Every athletic team has the essentials: coaches, players, fans and a mascot. And Herky, Sacramento State?s six-foot, hyperactive hornet, has a new set of threads.

With the unveiling of Sac State?s new Hornet logo, the school decided to update the mascot as well.

“With the harder edge design of the new logo, we figured it was about time to lose the old costume and bring it up to the feel of the new logo,” said Howard Story, Director of Green Thunder, an Associated Students, Inc. program aimed at increasing school spirit.

The CSUS Foundation and ASI each contributed $2500 and commissioned Alinko, a professional costume maker, to create and design the new Herky. Alinko has produced other well-known mascots for organizations like the Sacramento Knights and the Kings.

“I think the mascot can do a lot for the school in the sense of helping create a shared identity and enhance the common experiences by all students,” said David Braverman, Vice President for Student Affairs. “It can also serve as a central rallying point and as a symbolic spearhead for the programs and ambassador for the institution.”

Herky the Hornet has been the official mascot of Sac State since the school first opened in 1948.

“Back then, the costume was made up of a big foam head and black and yellow striped leggings ? Sac State has come a long way with our foamed friend,” said Story. “This time the costume will consist of a full body suit, complete with a pair of wings, a stinger and muscles.”

Alinko, along with Story, designed the costume to be aesthetically appealing and retain comfort and mobility for the wearer.

“When we first tried it on, I couldn?t wear it for more than 10 minutes, because of the lack of ventilation, and the big Ronald McDonald shoes made me trip on the slightest bumps,” said Story. “Hopefully with the right shoes and the ability for the wearer to breathe, we?ll make this season something to remember.”

The newly re-designed Herky costume will make its official game debut this Saturday at the first football kickoff game where the Hornets play the St.Mary?s Gaels at Hornet Stadium.