Juan Villa / The Collegian

Fresno State̢۪s mascot makes 2008 season debut with a brand-new touch of grey

Terrell Owens is one guy named T.O. who loves to talk. But Fresno State̢۪s version of T.O., Timeout, has never given an interview.

Timeout is back. After a year of controversy surrounding his new look, the beloved mascot made his 2008 debut at the Fresno State football game against Wisconsin.

In 2007, The Collegian tried to speak with Timeout, but the Bulldog was too shy to give an interview. So instead, we contacted Timeout̢۪s coordinator, Paul Ladwig, the Associate Athletic Director and the mascot̢۪s good friend, to get the dish on how Timeout feels about what has taken place in the last year.

Q: How does Timeout feel about returning to his original color?

A: The fans voted and Timeout was pleased to change the hair color back to grey and make the fans happy.

Q: What were Timeout̢۪s feelings on the costume change in 2007?

A: Timeout wanted to try something new and get into shape and look more like an athlete. So, he was fine with the one-year change.

Q: Timeout received negative comments last year due to the change. How did these comments affect his morale?

A: Timeout had hundreds if not thousands of photo ops and fans wanting a signature. So, a lot of people were pleased with the new look. But yes, some people told him that the grey, furry hair was better.

Q: Did Timeout realize the change would bring such controversy? How did it feel for our beloved Bulldog to come out to a roaring ovation against Wisconsin?

A: No. Timeout loves the Red Wave and was pleased the fans responded the way they did.

Photo illustration by Michael Uribes / The Collegian

Q: What were Timeout̢۪s feelings on the Badger? What is his favorite mascot in the nation?

A: He thought [the Badger] was cool. And he said he has a lot of mascot buddies. It̢۪s too hard for him to pick one.

Q: Do you feel that there may be a change to the costume in the future? How was the feedback from the fans this past weekend?

A: No. Timeout loved all the hugs and high-fives. He had a blast at the game and thought the fans loved him.

Q: What does a typical day for Timeout consist of on game day?

A: Timeout hydrates a ton, does a lot of stretching and then spends the day with the fans.

Q: Is he a tired dog after game day?

A: Timeout never gets tired. He lives off the energy of the student section and all the fans.

Q: Does he feel he is the best-looking Bulldog mascot in the nation?

A: Timeout [would say] that̢۪s a silly question. Of course he is!

Q: Is there anything else Timeout would like to say?

A: Timeout says thanks for the ink.