Stewy the Bison stampedes in the public's eye at SKC Bison games

By Alyssa Nenemay

'Come at me, bro' - Stewy the Bison made his debut during SKC’s home game and he encouraged the crowd to cheer. (Alyssa Nenemay photo)

PABLO — Bison basketball has a new face and his name Stewy. Tall, dark, and fury–the 6-foot bison brought the bash to this weekend’s double-header against the J.V. Bulldogs from the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Mont.

Although Stewy’s debut during the ladies’ game was mild (shaking hands and waving) the game was hot as blood was shed on the court. The Lady Bison began to close a 15-point lead in the final half and pressure grew thick. With 12 seconds left in the game 6’2 Bulldog Breyenne Mosey elbowed 5’9 Bison Cecillia Coskela in the mouth and a tooth was lost. In the end, the Lady Bison were defeated 51-59.

Peter “PJ” Auld made his debut as a sport’s announcer during the game. Auld also works as a bingo caller at the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino. (Alyssa Nenemay photo)

In spite of the misfortune, basketball announcer Peter “PJ” Auld kept the night rolling with his entertaining jokes. Although he has called for Bingo at the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino and has been featured in the company’s radio ads, the SKC game was Auld’s first crack at sports announcing. “I learned from the best: E.J. Hammer (former bingo announcer at the resort),” he said.

Stewy’s performance amped up during the men’s halftime show, which featured a special appearance from Santa Claus. The two characters danced to Mo Walker’s rendition of the Christmas classic “Santa Baby.” Walker is from Winnebago, Nebraska and said she has been singing her whole life.

The Bison’s men team maintained a lead over the Bulldogs throughout the game. (Alyssa Nenemay photo)

The men’s game was high paced and the score was a tug-of-war until the end when the Bison won, 68-64.

From the game to the events, SKC flicked the usually sleepy winter nights in the forehead. Carla Torosian, a member of the SKC athletics marketing team said the college hopes to maintain this fun-streak.

“We took a survey last year and found out that 70 percent of the community didn’t even know that SKC had a basketball team. Our group has been working to improve the school’s community outreach,” she said.

The Ladies’ game grew heated when the Bison started to close a 15-point lead. (Alyssa Nenemay photo)

As a marketing class project, the team researched the promotional benefits of team mascots and found it to be effective enough to implement. Thanks to sponsorships provided by the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino, the team ordered the mascot’s new suite, which was selected by vote of the school’s staff. As a result, Stewy was born and SKC hopes he will attract more participation from the community in the school’s events.

Stewy and Santa Claus danced to Mo Walker’s rendition of “Santa Baby” for the game’s half-time show. (Alyssa Nenemay photo)

“Our goal as a marketing team is to reach an independent budget for SKC’s athletic department. We’ve got a lot of promotion activities planned for the next year,” said Torosian.

For more information on Bison athletics visit: http://athletics.skc.edu.

Stewy the Bison is the newest addition to the Salish Kootenai College Athletic Department. The school hopes he will attract a larger crowd to sporting events. (Alyssa Nenebay photo)

SKC Bison Raffle Winners
• Bison athletics sweatshirt: Heather Kuntz and Deanna Kenmille
• Nike basketball and Bison athletic sweatshirt: Jennifer Brown and Gen Morgeau
• Gift Certificates: Brian Cahoon
• Holiday turkey basket: Marvin Reevis and Ashley Kenmille
• Beautiful handcrafted earrings: Aspen Incahola and David Wagner
• Spa basket: Amy Burland and Gen Morigeau
• $250 cash: Amy Burland
• 42’ 3D LCD TV & Home entertainment bundle: Dawn Delay

SKC would like to extend their thanks to the raffle sponsors: Community Bank, Stageline Pizza, Whildhorse Trading and Loan Co., The First Resort, Blue Willow Massage, Mission Mountain Natural Foods, Bison Brew, Fiesta En Jalisco, The People’s Center, the KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino, and all the raffle participants.