MADISON TOWNSHIP — Sam the Ram has a long history at Madison, but the school mascot was looking a little ragged in recent years.
The costume was more than 15 years old and Sam’s appearance at school functions was inconsistent at best. That is changing this autumn. Sam the Ram has been resurrected with a new uniform and a new student pumping fresh enthusiasm into the character, even during a 38-0 loss to Wooster on Friday night.
“It was super thrilling, exciting (to win the role),” Sam the Ram said before the game with the Generals. “I felt like I was part of something. It’s great.”
The mascot’s identity is a secret, even to the critter’s friends.
“Some of my friends know, some don’t, a lot of people don’t know,” said Sam, “who I am.”
So far, Sam has been at both home football games, and plans to appear at basketball games, too. The athletic boosters purchased a new outfit this year.
“It’s hot right now,” Sam said during pregame festivities. “But I like getting people pumped.”
Cheerleading advisor Lorraine Strouse and assistant Nikki Fisher chose Sam among a group of six contestants, ranging from freshmen to seniors, boys and girls.
“We had a tryout after school. I taught them five cheers, had them put on the uniform, and we chose the one with the best school spirit,” said Strouse, a freshman science teacher. “This is my first year (as cheerleading advisor). We wanted to bring Sam the Ram back and asked the booster club if we could get a new uniform, and they got us a nice one.”
Sam is looking forward to gaining more experience as the top Ram.
“I really like seeing the little kids. They get excited when they see me and give me a high five,” Sam said.
Madison’s main Ram is hoping to be part of a new and stronger legacy.
“(Whoever is Sam next year) should just give it your all and treat everyone kindly,” the main Ram said. “I love being a mascot, seeing the looks on people’s faces.Â
“Go Rams!”
KUDOS TO CHARLIE: Before Friday night’s game, Madison saluted longtime fan Charlie Salyer with midfield ceremony and a new Madison jacket for more than 45 years of dedicated fandom.
Salyer was a 1969 Madison graduate and has been a fixture at home football and basketball games ever since.
WOOSTER ROLLS RAMS: Wooster (4-0, 1-0 in the Ohio Cardinal Conference) jumped to a 7-0 lead and never looked back in dominating Madison 38-0 during the OCC opener for both schools on Friday night at Ram Field.
Quarterback Peyton Bennington tossed three touchdown passes and the Generals’ stingy defense held Madison to just seven yards rushing.
The Rams (2-2, 0-1) threatened only once, but a fourth-down throw into the end zone for senior Tyrell Ajian was batted away in the first half.
