by Mitch Powers

If you the attended the last home football game on Friday, November 1, you then probably noticed a second bird mulling around the side lines. Now you might have thought to yourself, “Who is this fine feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic, vertebrate animal?” Even if those weren’t your exact words, the fans’ curiosity, as well as my own, was clearly visible. So I ruffled some feathers, and managed to set up an interview with Bellbrook’s newest mascot. Enter Talon.

Hello Talon, I’m so glad you were able to make it here today. I’ll get right down to business with the questions everyone wants to know, why a new mascot? Why now?

Well Mitch, I am really glad to be here. As you know, I’m a huge fan of your work. I recently got wifi installed at my nest, so I have been able to keep up with your writings much easier now. But to answer your question, Swoop was a true fan of the game, and he really brought a lot to the game, and I know he won’t admit it, but he has actually been suffering from a cracked beak for some time now, and I think it was finally catching up to him.

So did you know Swoop before you became his replacement?

Yes, he is actually the reason I got the job in the first place! It’s so funny how you make connections in life. Swoop and I actually met way back in flight school. Back then we were a lot smaller, but we kept in contact since then, and when the position was made available he gave me immediate notice. The early bird gets the worm, you feel me Mitch?

Of course. Sitting in the stands, I heard some interesting commentary: fans confusing you with hawks, and one even musing that you were a turkey. What would be your response?

You know it really saddens me how little people know about air fowl. Bellbrook has always been the “Golden Eagles” so, being a golden eagle, I fit in perfectly. Yes I am aware Swoop’s feathers are a little whiter than mine, but what can I say? The guy is balding.

Do you plan on coming out to support other sports, or are you just here for the football?

Actually something I am most excited for is to get out and support some sports I don’t know much about. Birds may not be able to swim, but I’ve always wanted to cheer on some swimmers! Sure I can’t promise I won’t swoop down and grab anyone from the water. I love fish; it’s a personal vice of mine.

Did you do anything in preparation prior to making your first big appearance?

Oh, of course. I spent a lot of time in the weight room with the football players, flexing my wings and what not. I had also spent a lot of hours working on my entrance. My original plan was to fly in from my nest above the press box, but sadly a little bit of a freak accident involving a poorly-placed football left me with a sprained claw, so I decided to take the golf cart instead.

Well Talon, it has been an honor to sit down and talk with you… even if we are perched above the stadium in a nest. I wish you the best of luck in the rest of the year, and rest of your career here at Bellbrook.

Thank you Mitch. Like I said, I’m a huge fan, I guess you could say I have been fan-birding this whole time. Go Eagles!