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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Eddie the Cougar is celebrating a major milestone on Saturday, Jan. 13. It’s the SIUE mascot’s birthday, and he’s celebrating by supporting the SIUE student-athletes and fans at a doubleheader basketball game against Morehead State. University Marketing and Communications was granted the rare opportunity before the big day and subsequent game-heavy weekend to an exclusive, first-ever interview for his 14th birthday.

Luke Young, director of athletics marketing and promotions, allowed Melissa KB Katich, communications specialist and alumna ‘07, access for this opportunity after Katich demonstrated an ability to understand the universal mascot language by which Eddie communicates.

“I was hesitant about arranging the interview at first, but Eddie welcomed the invitation and had a rapport with Katich as an alumna and mascot linguist,” Young said.

“It was clear this would be a way for Eddie to express himself in a controlled environment and give insight into what it means to be a Cougar.”

Katich met with Eddie in the Vadalabene Center’s First Community Arena on Friday, Jan. 12.

“Eddie I am so glad you agreed to do this interview. Shall we start with a traditional mascot high-five greeting?” Katich began.

Eddie nodded enthusiastically, retracted his claws and raised his right paw, but just barely out of reach for the 5’4 interviewer Katich. The experienced mascot lowered his furry arm to meet hers out of politeness.

“Thanks Eddie,” said Katich. “Your 14th birthday is being celebrated on the 13th. My understanding is that your birthdate fluctuates a little, can you tell me why that is?”

Eddie gestured his broad shoulders in a gentle shrug and tilted his paws skyward. He produced a copy of the SIUE basketball schedule and pointed his index claw to the January home games.

“I see, so SIUE observes your birthday on a home game weekend in January!”

Eddie gave a clap of his paws and shook his head in agreement. The excitement was short-lived, though. He presented a face mask, and drew the whites of his eyes solemnly to the floor.

“You were upset that we couldn’t celebrate much during the height of the Covid pandemic. You found ways to help with morale during that time, Eddie. I heard a rumor you helped the Theater Department dress the Cougar Statue with that giant face mask.”

Eddie tilted his head back and shifted his basketball sneakers on the floor.

“Ok, we’ll leave that up to speculation. What was your favorite memory of the past year?”

Eddie twirled his furry head around his neck rapidly and pointed to a pair of exceptionally fashionable brown boots Katich wore. He made a drop-kick motion.

“The Bronze Boot win, of course! The Cougars won the 2023 men’s soccer game at City Park. It was so satisfying to see us take home the victory over the Billikens.”

Eddie pumped his paw fists and stood up. He presented a fan-made poster that read “What even is a Billiken?” He has since claimed it as his favorite souvenir from the game. He gave a short Cougar growl of satisfaction. After a moment, he twirled his majestic tail in his paws, a habit from when he was young Cougar cub. He sensed that he was about to be asked a hard question.

“Eddie, you’ve had some work done recently,” Katich addressed. “You debuted your new look at last year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend during the Cougarfest Block Party. The fans have supported your choice, but why did you feel inclined to change your appearance?”

Eddie nodded his head pensively. He pulled out a phone and pulled up the SIUE mission statement. He tapped the screen at the last words of the statement, which read: “In a spirit of collaboration enriched by diverse ideas, our comprehensive and unique array of undergraduate and graduate programs develop professionals, scholars and leaders who shape a changing world.”

“And you wanted to represent that ‘changing world’ with your rebranding?”

Eddie give his two dew-thumbs up and clapped his paws together.

“How are you liking the new addition of Eddieville?”

Eddie jumped with excitement and put his paws to his cheeks.

“It’s a big hit, and I love it, too. Yes, I’ll tell Andrew Gavin you said so. One last question: What’s your favorite part about being our mascot?”

Eddie reached into his SIUE shirt pocket and pulled out an Eddie’s Kids Club sticker. He put a furry finger under his eye to trace an imagined tear and crossed both paws across his heart.

“Eddie’s Kids Club is such a wonderful idea for families that attend the games in the First Community Arena. You give kids autographs and VIP credentials, and membership is still open, too, right?"

Eddie roared an approval.

"Well Eddie, on behalf of the University, Happy Birthday, and thank you for this opportunity to meet with you. Thank you for all that you do to bring joy to SIUE. Go Cougars!”

Eddie tilted his head back as if to blush, and gave his best paw wave goodbye.

According to SIUE Athletics, Eddie was born from the rich traditions and values of SIUE. He’s a symbol of school spirit, unity and excellence. He fosters positivity and an inclusive environment beyond the sports arena by being actively involved in campus life.

Eddie supports SIUE’s academic initiatives, student organizations, campus celebrations and community outreach programs.

PHOTOS: Katich and Eddie, Eddie, Katich and Eddie, Eddie