Lance the mascot gets a new look

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2024) – You’ve seen him around campus — at games, cheering athletic teams onto a win, and at various campus events, greeting members of Lancer Nation.  

Lance the Lancer is the mascot of California Baptist University and a symbol of Lancer Nation.  

In time for the upcoming 2024-25 season, Lance’s costume received a makeover for the first time in 10 years. Lance isn’t a traditional knight — his armor, helmet and accessories showcase the university’s colors. The new material is more form fitting and gives Lance greater movement and comfort, enabling him to perform more dynamic and engaging movements, said Olivia Quick, head cheer coach.   

“Through its design and functionality, the costume reflects our mission to inspire, engage and lead in both academics and athletics, and our ability to keep up with our peers in the WAC,” Quick said. “As the face of Lancer Nation, Lance's transformation embodies the spirit, resilience and ambition of our entire community.”  

The costume was custom made by Street Characters Inc., a Canadian design agency that works with a variety of professional sports team mascots including the LA Kings, Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Blackhawks. 

It is no secret that Lance is a staple and symbol of Lancer Nation. Now, what is a secret, is the identity of the person inside the mascot costume and for good reason.  

Why does CBU Athletics conceal Lance’s true identity? Quick explains it as “Disney rules.” 

“You would never go to a meet and greet with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and ask who he is. He’s simply Mickey Mouse,” Quick said. “Lance is simply Lance. We do this not only to keep a bit of the magic for our little Lancer fans, but also so that Lance can be relatable for everyone.”  

Lance’s identity is on a need-to-know basis, Quick said.  

“Teams that work and travel with our mascot know their identity, such as the cheer and dance team and Lancer pep band,” Quick said. “But I’ve had mascots whose roommates didn’t even know they were Lance.”  

The role of the mascot is not easy. It comes with a busy schedule and strict training. Due to the high demand throughout the year for event appearances, at least two students portray Lance.  

With different people portraying Lance, consistency is key. New mascots must go through an onboarding process where they learn everything from where they stand during a basketball game to Lance’s signature autographs. 

The mysterious students who take on the role of Lance have big shoes to fill. It takes someone who is passionate about CBU and the athletic teams, someone who is committed and someone who is confident meeting new people in new environments, Quick said.  

Another key part of the job is the ability to express yourself nonverbally. 

“Mascots cannot speak while in character, so being able to communicate or control a large crowd can be challenging,” Quick said. “Knowledge of sports is also very helpful.”  

Pantomiming, basketball knowledge and even acting are essential for being Lance. l of that training allows Lance to create magical memories at CBU events, and there is no shortage of funny moments while working as Lance.  

“I have been jumped over an abnormal amount of times. Pogo sticks, BMX bikes, dogs, you name it,” Lance said. 

At one basketball game, the stands were filled with elementary students for education day and Lance needed extra security. 

“When the song ‘Baby Shark’ came on the screens, that arena shook with cheers and screams — it was crazy!” Lance said through Quick. 

So Lancers, any time you see Lance, give him a big “Lance Up!” for a job well done.