Rogue Skeeter Mascot Seemingly Stalks Freshmen Classes
Centenary is, as always, eventful at this start of the new school year. And the class of 2026 is going through a frankly concerning amount of tribulations. First, a still-unaccounted-for student gets left behind in Paris, and now many freshmen are reporting seeing Skeeter, beloved Centenary College mascot, in their classes.
This rogue mascot reportedly started by showing up in Trek 115 classes (a notoriously freshman-filled course). Students claim to see Skeeter sitting towards the back of their classes, where he remains for the entirety of the period. No Trek professors have commented on this phenomenon, in or out of class. In fact, students say that their eyes gloss over if asked about Skeeter at all, followed by them quickly changing the subject.
Bizarrely, Skeeter has been noted in several co-occurring Trek. This, at first glance, implies some sort of strange mass prank from one of the campus fraternities. Presidents of the Centenary fraternities have been contacted for a statement in this investigation, but all plead innocent on the grounds of being ridiculously busy with rush week.
As time passes, Skeeter’s appearances have taken on a stranger tone far from an innocent fraternity prank. Freshmen are now reporting seeing Skeeter in non-Trek courses as well. First-year Jo Hoffman says, “Even in my Brit Lit class, he’s always in the back and always eerily silent. I wish he would just raise his paw to ask a question or something.”
Stranger yet, upperclassmen in these very same courses have no recollection of seeing Skeeter. Sophomore Emily Moreno, who takes the same course as Hoffman, claims, “I definitely would’ve noticed if Skeeter was in class. I love that fella!”
Despite the conflicting reports, freshmen are adamant that there is a mascot haunting their classes. There’s no telling when (or if) these sightings will stop. The Congo has reached out to the affected professors for comment, but each one only responds by laughing in a way that doesn’t reach their eyes and answering a completely different question. This is not unprecedented behavior for most Centenary professors, but I find it alarming nonetheless. The new staff members should have lasted at least a few more weeks before breaking.
In an effort to untangle this mystery, and as a special scoop, one of our interviewers managed to get in contact with the super secret identity of the official mascot Skeeter. Real Skeeter is quoted as saying, “You guys think I have time to do something as stupid as stalk freshmen? I’m a STEM major!” Real Skeeter has been noted camping out in Mickle Hall and poring over the puzzle on the second floor at the time of the affected classes, giving them an effective alibi.
DPS is on the case of this rogue mascot, and they’re treating it with appropriate severity as any stalking. Off the clock, though, one officer was reportedly caught saying, “No one’s really seen him. What are we supposed to do if we can’t even see the guy? Plus, Skeeter’s a darling! He wouldn’t hurt a fly, never mind a first-year.”
It does seem that Skeeter’s behavior, though unsettling, is entirely harmless. In fact, some freshmen even report the Catahoula hound taking diligent notes while in class. He has not, however, properly contributed to any group projects or partner assignments, to the chagrin of many unlucky students who end up beside him.
Due to the strange nature of this occurrence, we have reached out to a few higher-ups who usually wouldn’t concern themselves with Skeeter’s off time. When asked about this strange mascot behavior, Centenary President Holoman’s eyes widened comically, and he said, “They can see him, too?” No further comment was received as the president subsequently sprinted off towards Jackson Hall.
With all of this evidence combined, I have to assume that Skeeter’s presence in these classes is, in fact, a supernatural occurrence. It’s entirely possible that a Skeeter or two tagged along back to our dimension during last year's reality-defying sorority event. That being said, it’s equally possible that this is an elaborate bit being performed by the Res Life staff. Either way, I sense sinister undertones to this alleged Skeeter’s presence.
If you have any tips about this faux Skeeter’s location, please drop a line to the Congo Staff, or call the newly instated Centenary Supernatural Enigma Hotline, which can be found in the student directory. And remember, only you can prevent possessions, hauntings, and other otherworldly terrors.
