NCCC unveils 'Tripp' the Thunderwolf

"Tripp" the Thunderwolf was introduced to the Niagara County Community College community Dec. 1, becoming the latest addition to the world of Western New York sports mascots.

Excitement filled the NCCC gym as a large crowd representing the entire college community was in attendance for the unveiling. NCCC President James P. Klyczek opened the ceremony and welcomed the college's board of trustees, Scholarship Foundation board members, coaches, athletes, cheerleaders, students, faculty and local elected officials. Special guests included Buffalo Bills great Steve Tasker and mascots Billy Buffalo, Sabretooth, Buster Bison and Rax of the Bandits.

"This is the culmination of a process which began three years ago under the leadership of now retired Athletic Director Lee Wallace," said Klyczek. "NCCC has worked at upgrading the athletic programs, and part of that process was creating a new logo, nickname and mascot.

"The unveiling of Tripp to the NCCC community is the final step in the creation of a new and vibrant athletic program identity."

NCCC's new Thunderwolves logo, moniker and mascot was the creation of the Athletic Spirit, Promotion, Assessment and Marketing committee created under the direction of Vice President of Student Services Dr. Bassam Deeb.

"The mascot and the logo truly symbolize three years of hard work by various aspects of the college community to enhance and strengthen the athletic program at NCCC," said Deeb.

The new mascot has been named "Tripp" by a survey of the college community and was officially introduced by new NCCC Athletic Director Bob McKeown. "The Athletic Department is thrilled to add a brand-new mascot to go along with our new logo and look. ‘Tripp' will not only make our athletic events more exciting and entertaining but will appeal to a wide variety of fans and help put NCCC athletics on the map," stated McKeown.

Tasker addressed the crowd after the unveiling and directed his comments to the student athletes in attendance on the theme of achieving your dreams.

"This brings me back to my youth and the sense of excitement you can only find on a college campus," said Tasker. "NCCC did a great job on their new logo and mascot and ‘Tripp' will be a terrific ambassador for the athletic programs here."