The Penn Quaker has taken off his fuzzy mascot head and four-fingered gloves for the last time. The Quaker was unceremoniously discharged from his role last week.
Penn cheerleading coach John Ceralde was forced to relieve the Quaker of his costume and his responsibilities when he learned of the Quaker's gambling problem.
"It is very unfortunate that we had to kick him off the squad," Ceralde said. "He was really an excellent mascot. Like, he would high-step so high and, like, really get the crowd into the games."
The scandal apparently dates back to the spring of 2003. At that time, the Quaker began a friendly, moneyless bet with Jeff Schiffner based on whether Conor Tolan would play that day.
With time, this tradition took on a monetary aspect, and from there the situation got out of hand. Soon the Quaker was challenging Charlie Copp on how many times head coach Fran Dunphy would clap his hands during the game. The Quaker went so far as to bet with Adam Chubb every game as to whether students would win the Abner's Challenge.
One cheerleader noticed a change in the Quaker's demeanor in 2003. He would apparently become quite irritable during halftime when contestants would sink their shots in the Abner's Challenge.
This petty betting led to a much more serious problem. Had the gambling been limited to this level, the Quaker would probably still be marching around at athletic events.
In 2004, the Quaker committed the cardinal sin of betting on Penn sporting events. First he took the sure bets, such as Penn beating Cornell in football.
However, his wagers began to grow larger and larger. Using an online betting service, his bets, which started around $20, soon reached upwards of $1,000.
Ceralde became concerned in the spring of 2004 when the Quaker was excessively moody and openly hostile toward the rest of the cheerleading squad. The Quaker could frequently be found kicking water coolers and cursing after games.
"I was really troubled when I heard him saying things like, 'damn line' and 'this is going to break the bank,'" Ceralde said.
The Quaker's personal gambling issues snowballed into a scandal that affected his personal behavior and the performance of various athletic teams.
Ceralde learned of the Quaker's gambling troubles after a basketball road game this season. The coach witnessed the Quaker placing his wagers through an online betting service at the hotel.
Ceralde brought the issue to director of athletics Steve Bilsky. Bilsky informed Ceralde that in order to comply with NCAA regulations, the Quaker had to be let go.
Bilsky released a statement in which he commented on the situation, "It is unfortunate and sad that we must strip our current Quaker of his treasured position. However, let it stand that Penn and Penn athletics will never protect those who gamble on any event related to Penn athletics."
The cheerleading squad will begin its search for the new Quaker this Thursday. Tryouts will take place in Hutchinson gymnasium at 5 p.m. The cheerleaders are looking for an individual with tremendous school spirit and decent athletic capability. Candidates must be between 5-foot-10 and 6-2 in order to fit in the mascot costume.
