When going away to college, it is not often a goal for someone to become a mascot for his or her college. That sure wasn’t a goal for Christopher Ellis before he became one, but now it is something he loves.
Ellis, a Haddonfield Memorial High School graduate, is Big Al, the jolly elephant mascot for the University of Alabama. Despite having such a rigorous schedule, with appearances and school, Ellis finds his time at college and as Big Al to be more rewarding than imagined.
“I enjoy being with a program that holds itself to such a high level. It reminds me a lot of Haddonfield and how I was brought up. Finding another program like that definitely makes me happy,” Ellis said.
Ellis has always been active and into sports. He played football and lacrosse all four years at HMHS and continued with his love of sports by studying exercise and sports science at the University of Alabama.
However, in his first semester of college, he focused on his studies rather than getting involved in sports or a club. It was the first time since he was 5 that he wasn’t involved in an extracurricular activity.
Looking for something to do, Ellis’ mother gave him a tip on an information session on being the university’s mascot, Big Al. At first, Ellis laughed at the thought of being a mascot, but decided to go anyway.
Ellis was surprised to find Big Al did a lot more than just athletic appearances. He goes to hospitals, charities, weddings, birthday parties and more. He was impressed by all Big Al did and decided to try out.
After an interview, which included Ellis busting out a song by Vanilla Ice, an improv session, a signature lesson, a walk lesson and a field test, Ellis was one of two people chosen to be Big Al. Five people rotate as the elephant mascot.
“I was lucky enough to be one of the two who got picked. I wasn’t sure I would get it, but I was definitely happy that I did,” Ellis said.
Ellis said as Big Al, you have to be funny and flirty. Big Al, who has a big round belly, is known for his belly shakes and his butt wiggles, getting everyone laughing and smiling.
“Kids all want to see the shaking belly and butt,” Ellis said. “Seeing everyone so happy and making people laugh, it is definitely enjoyable.”
Since he was chosen as Big Al in April 2015, he has made appearances at many of the aforementioned events. Outside of games, Big Al makes more than 500 appearances a year that each person rotates.
According to Ellis, some of the hardest parts of being Big Al is dealing with the heat and not having fingers inside the costume. He said you get used to it, but you never realize how lucky you are to have fingers.
As for his favorite parts, he found it wasn’t the athletic appearances he enjoys the most, but the non-athletic ones. He said making appearances at little towns, children’s parties and cancer centers are what ended up being his favorite and most rewarding part of being Big Al.
“It doesn’t matter what is wrong, as soon as they see Big Al their day is made, and nothing beats that,” Ellis said.
One appearance that really stuck out to Ellis was when he went to the cancer center at the local hospital and saw someone his age getting treatment for cancer. He said it makes you realize not only how grateful you are for your health, but what a difference you can make as a mascot in someone’s life. Ellis tries to go to the cancer center at least once a month.
“People don’t realize you go through that as a mascot. I didn’t either. I thought it was just cheering on the sidelines, but being able to (make a difference) means so much to me,” Ellis said.
Every day as Big Al, Ellis makes sure to put a smile on someone’s face.
“I want to make sure everyone is happy and having a good time. That is what (mascots) are there for. I try to make sure anytime I interact with someone it is a special interaction,” Ellis said.
Ellis not only has his hands full with school and being Big Al, but he also has a 10-month-old German shepherd puppy to take care of. Despite, not having a lot of free time, Ellis is happy with all he does.
