During the dreary winter month of December, with a thick sense of determination running through my veins, I set out to discover the identity of Westfield’s finest, the iconic blue-winged mascot — Nestor the Owl. In my first search for the figure behind the feathers, I was met with failure. A series of unfortunate “I’m not sure, why don’t you ask . . .” responses from several students, faculty, and on-campus organizations dampened my spirit surrounding the search.
However, this time in the budding spring of April, I return more focused, more observant, and more determined than before. Together we will find out who lies beneath the pointed beak and cobalt feathers.
At the start of the Spring semester, in a small, uncomfortable desk waiting for my Sports Writing course to begin, I was met with new information from my fellow classmate Oliver Williams.
“You really couldn’t figure it out? Everyone knows who Nestor is.” Everyone knows? Except me? The information stung and I waited and waited until the time was right – a feature story assignment (and my redemption). At the end of class, I asked Oliver what he knew about the mysterious owl.
“I know who dresses as Nestor. His name is Chandise Wells.”
I was filled with cobalt blue excitement. The mystery behind the Westfield mascot had been uncovered. I reached out to Chandise, a current freshman majoring in movement science, immediately. My anxious fingers clicking the keys, relaying the questions I, and I’m sure you as well reader, have been wondering.
“Being Nestor has been a challenging but memorable experience, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to take on the role,” Chandise said. “One of my favorite moments as Nestor was dancing with the dance team during the reveal of the new costume. Seeing everyone’s reaction made me laugh, and it was really rewarding. I also feel proud to have brought new energy to the character. In the past, Nestor hasn’t always been portrayed as very outgoing, so I enjoyed showing that Nestor can be fun, lively, and engaging—not just a character in a costume.”
However, according to Chandise, it is not all fun and games underneath the costume. “One of the most challenging parts of being Nestor is how physically demanding it is. Many people don’t realize the toll it takes—every time I wear the costume, I end up drenched in sweat, and after a while, it becomes very heavy and exhausting to move in.”
“Despite that, I’ve found ways to express my personality through the role. Since I can’t speak while in costume, I rely on exaggerated, cartoonish movements to communicate. I enjoy making big, expressive motions because even the smallest movement can get a huge reaction from the crowd. It’s a unique way of connecting with people without saying a word.”
I sat back with a satisfied smile, like a film-noir detective with his feet up on the desk and a lit cigarette hanging from the mouth, gloating in the solving of a case. The identity of Nestor was now revealed. And as I sat with my Sam Spade smile, Chandise left me with one last comment that reverted my blue victory back to mystery.
“I have been a Nestor this year, and I am one of the two students who took on the role.”
One of the two. Interesting. I metaphorically drop my feet from the desk, put out the cigarette and write back immediately, asking my new informant (Chandise) for the identity of the second participant. He responded quickly.
“The other Nestor rep is Sam Horton.”
Another success!
I reached out to Sam, a current senior majoring in communications, who also happens to be the university’s videographer, with a similar urgent-fueled email, intrigued to learn more about his experience. I waited for a response, minutes, hours, and days began to pass and my intrigue only grew. In a fit of desperation, I went to social media direct messages to encourage a response. I waited again, my ears perking up with each buzz or chime of my phone, and finally Sam had given his response.
“As Nestor, I represent the university,” Horton said. “First and foremost, I consider this when I’m on the job. It’s important to bring school spirit to whatever occasion I’m working at. It’s fun! I quite enjoy being Nestor despite the hardships. I love being inviting and warm to new families and incoming students visiting or touring the school . . . I’m very optimistic and cheerful and I dedicate my presence as Nestor to these traits, where most of the time I don’t get to express them. Even if I can’t speak, I love creating big motions with my body to convey messages, and I try my best to make sure everyone gets an interaction despite the lack of vision.”
Similarly to Chandise, Sam’s experiences within Nestor are not as simple as we may assume. “There are a couple of challenges, but I would say the most challenging and tedious aspect about mascotting is the physical endurance and stamina one needs to endure lots of heat in a weighted suit . . . Its head specifically gets hot very quickly. There’s little to no ventilation and it’s hard not to be uncomfortable or in need of frequent breaks. Other than heat, the fur on this suit sheds a ton. Get on my clothes, my hair, and even in my mouth at times – and wearing the body already, there’s not much I can do about getting comfortable. I try to endure it, mostly taking deep breaths and trying to meditate through the experience. Being aware of my limits and knowing when to readjust in a different room alone – it’s embarrassing when others see the magic break.”
Nestor brings just that to the Westfield State community: magic, silliness, and unity. To the thanks of Chandise and Sam, the blue owl continues to encourage students and families across campus.
Oh reader, how I appreciate you for following along. I can now put down my pen with satisfaction, the identities of Nestor now revealed (for now).
