True Life: I’m Afraid of Cavman
UVA has incredible school spirit. From athletic events to coming together during hard times, it’s undeniable that this school is special. It’s also undeniable that Cavman is beloved; he’s our mascot and cheers on the hoos more than anyone, but I just can’t get over the fact that I’m afraid of him.
I love the animated Adventures of Cavman before football games, and Cavman charging out on his horse. But the Cavman mascot: there’s something about the big eyes that never move, and the head that’s disproportionate to his body that freaks me out. Not to mention that there’s a person in there!
Cavman comes to events, cheers on sports teams, teases students, and takes selfies and photos. He’s definitely an icon, but he terrifies me. I’ve seen photos of the old Cavman mascot, and he doesn’t seem as intimidating. But when Cavman shows up at an event, I purposefully move away so that he won’t come near me.
We interacted once, at the Fourth Year 5K. He walked past me and pointed at me. I pointed back in a joking way, but I feel like he got the idea. As a fourth year, I feel obligated to take a photo with Cavman; to stand close to him, with this giant, static face. It’s pretty much a guarantee that it will be an awkward and uncomfortable experience. But I’ll do it. For the hoos.