Being Lucky: TLU’s Favorite Bulldog Tells All

He's tall, charming, spirited and . . . furry. If you've ever been to a special event at TLU-from football games to admissions activities-you've crossed paths with Lucky the bulldog, TLU's official, larger-than-life mascot.

But have you ever wondered about the identity of the person behind that toothy bulldog grin? Or why anyone would be willing to don a heavy, full-body costume on a hot day? For the past two years, the guy in the suit was Reece Fellers, who graduated last May with a B.S. in kinesiology.

"I became Lucky in a very funny way," says Fellers. While eating at the dining hall, cheer coach and Assistant Director of Athletics Administration and Compliance Coordinator Andella Janicek approached the table where Fellers was sitting. "She started talking about events coming up on campus and then asked if anyone at the table would like to be the mascot. I had always been interested in being a mascot, so I told her sure, and for the next two years I was Lucky the bulldog! It was a great two years!"

And it was a busy two years as well. "The job involved quite a lot," says Fellers. Being Lucky involved making appearances at admissions events, participating in numerous photo opportunities, appearing at events for the wider Seguin community, and of course, going to home football and basketball games-plus a few out-of-town football games.

Anyone who has experienced South Texas heat can probably imagine the most challenging part of being Lucky. "It was definitely being in the suit," says Fellers. "Especially during hot game days. It surprisingly takes a lot out of you physically and a little bit mentally. Luckily Coach Andie had things set up to make sure I was cool during the games."

These days, Feller is in the process of applying to physical therapy school to pursue his doctorate, but he'll always look back fondly on his time as Lucky. "My favorite part about being Lucky was seeing all the kids' faces light up with joy when they saw me. It was also fun to make people laugh!" he says. "You never know, someone might've needed it that day. I'm for sure going to miss my time as Lucky."