© 2023 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WATCH: The Secret Life Of Sparty, Michigan State’s Beloved Mascot

Sparty
Drew Davis

Sparty, one of the most recognizable character mascots in college sports, is played by a series of Michigan State students. They keep their role secret, until they graduate. MSU graduate Drew Davis shares his story playing Sparty.

Michigan State alumni Drew Davis grew up as a huge Sparty fan, and then found a way to make the character his life. Davis, who graduated in 2019, became one of the secret students who portray the Michigan State character mascot at games, events, and even weddings and bar mitzvahs.

<--break->

His mission was to have a unique college experience, where he could be more than a student number. Beyond himself, he wanted to give the magic of Sparty to others.

WKAR Current Sports talked to Davis about his Sparty adventures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPZfyfKH59E

Support local journalism by becoming a new WKAR donor and get ad-free feeds of your favorite NPR podcasts with NPR+ when you donate $8/month or more! Make your contribution today to fund more vetted news reports throughout mid-Michigan!