The OU student behind the university’s Grizz character is set to graduate in a few short weeks. He is now reflecting on his time in — and out of — the bear suit.
Colin Taylor-Johnson, who is a psychology major, transferred to Oakland University two years ago. He was eager to get involved on campus.
At the same time he began his studies at OU, he applied to be Grizz, the school’s mascot, in the athletic department. After playing his high school’s mascot, he was eager to fulfill the same role on campus.
Taylor-Johnson’s debut Grizz performance was at a women’s volleyball game. From the moment he hit the floor, he danced and engaged with fans. After that, he moved onto the school’s most popular sport: men’s basketball.
Throughout his mascot career, Taylor-Johnson had many memorable moments with fans and athletes alike. Of these memories, beating Kentucky in March Madness while wearing the Grizz suit hits the top of the list. “I felt euphoric after D.Q. Cole made a clutch three-pointer with 32 seconds left to put OU up by 4.”
Being Grizz shaped Taylor-Johnson’s college experience. He had the opportunity to take part in numerous events around campus. These Grizz appearances allowed him to interact with students he otherwise may have never met. Additionally, he was able to travel with athletics to places such as Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, the Horizon League Men’s Basketball Tournament and the March Madness tournament.
Although he cites his experience as Grizz in a positive way, Taylor-Johnson did not stray away from talking about the challenges of being the mascot. He says, “One thing most people don’t realize about being the mascot is the energy and spirit you have to have at every game.” He also mentions the temperature inside the Grizz costume, saying that it is often very hot. Despite the difficulties, Taylor-Johnson looks back on the last two years with an immense amount of gratitude and school pride.
From inside the bear suit, Taylor-Johnson learned that he could be an inspiration to others through his enthusiasm and encouragement. Most of all, he loved to encourage people to be themselves.
As graduation nears, Taylor-Johnson plans to pursue a masters degree in counseling at Central Michigan University. His goal is to become a licensed mental health counselor. He wishes to work primarily with adolescents.
What he will miss most about playing the role of Grizz isn’t the costume or even the character, it is the connections he made with people who surrounded him. He says, “I will miss my staff who surrounded me while I was Grizz. Without my supervisor Emme Plitcha [marketing director for Golden Grizzlies Athletics], I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
As for students who see themselves as the next Golden Grizzlies mascot, Taylor-Johnson gives them a piece of advice, “Be confident and energetic!” The job requires you to go above and beyond any amount of energy you would give without the costume. But, in order to represent the Golden Grizzlies, you have to give it your all.
Taylor-Johnson leaves some bear-sized shoes to fill on campus. As he turns his tassel and officially becomes an alum, a chapter of his life closes. In two short years, Taylor-Johnson has made a lasting impact — in the bear suit, in Vandenberg Hall and in his classes.
It’s students like him who make Oakland University feel like home.
