By Sheryl Swingley—
MUNCIE, IN—Former Muncie Central Bearcat mascots were acknowledged during halftime of the Feb. 11 boys basketball game at the Muncie Fieldhouse.
Former Bearcat mascots introduced at halftime were Jase Rigney, 2018-19; Noah Summers, 2017-18; Payton Ullman, 2015-16; Charlie Hammock, 2015-16; Holly (maiden name: Hays) Ling., 1997-98; Melanie (maiden name: Simmons) Howe, 1996-99; Lisa (maiden name: Dalton) Doan, 1994-95; Keith Roberts, 1990-1991; and Nancy (maiden name: McCullough) Winkle, 1962-64.
The February halftime celebration also showed off the newest “suit of clothes” for the Bearcat mascot, currently named “Beau.” The new mascot uniform debuted during the Class of 2021 senior parade and made it initial athletic appearance at the first home football game August 20, 2021, vs. Delta High School.
Cost of the uniform was about $5,000 and was funded by 10 individual or grouped contributions, meaning a single donation listed several names, according to Charles Reynolds, associate superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools. The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association and a local foundation grant were among the contributors.
The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association supports a distinguished alumni awards program, student scholarships and student assistance program, as well as teacher grants through memberships in the Muncie Central Alumni Association and donations to the association. The association also financially supports, curates and operates the MCHS Alumni Association Memorabilia Room. Tours and access to the Memorabilia Room can be arranged by calling Nora Niccum, 765-215-6317, noraniccum@gmail.com, or Charlotte Shepperd, 765-215-8778, charshep@comcast.net.
Membership forms for Muncie Central alumni interested in joining the association are available from www.mchsbearcatalumni.com. Membership forms and donations may be mailed to Muncie Central Alumni Association, 6604 W. Talamore Court, Yorktown, IN 47396. Checks should be made payable to MCHS Alumni Association. The MCHS Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
