As he sits in the shade and watches the football team score a touchdown, his tail begins to wag.

Diesel, a five-year-old Huskie with bright blue eyes and black-and-white fur, runs with the cheerleaders at every football game.

Diesel has been the mascot for football games since 2005.

Freshman business major Sam Kunde said Diesel’s appearance at football games is unique to NIU since most universities do not have a real mascot to represent their school.

“Everyone is cheering when they bring him out,” Kunde said. “The dog adds to the experience.”

Diesel’s owner Pam Bonnevier said Diesel was rescued from Free Spirit Siberian Rescue.

“The company used to supply the Huskies that ran on the field back in 2003,” Bonnevier said.

She said every time points are scored, cheerleaders run him across the end zone and back. During tailgating, Diesel is out and about, meeting fans and taking pictures. During halftime, he takes a break.

Bonnevier describes him as a celebrity, since he has been on ESPN twice for interviews. She added that Diesel has even worn an ESPN jacket and gotten airtime with local stations.

Diesel’s first football game was NIU vs. Toledo, when the Huskies beat the Rockets for the first time since 1972.

It’s a long process to get Diesel ready for a game. The day before a game his coat is brushed and he goes for a run, Bonnevier said. In the car on the way to the game, he sleeps the entire way.

“He kind of knows it is game day,” she said.

Students said they find Diesel to be a success with fan spirit.

Junior economics major Chris Teng said he doesn’t think the dog draws in the crowds, but he does provide spirit.

“It doesn’t hurt to have a real mascot,” Teng said.

Bonnevier said Diesel represents the university, and every fan recognizes him as the dog at the football game.

“Everyone connects with him because he is the dog, and he loves the attention,” she said. “Diesel
is building a tradition.”

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