Jacob Butz
Indianola,IA
Summary
Dedicated Elementary Education student at Grand View University with a passion for mascot performance. With six years of collegiate mascot experience and time with professional sports teams, I aim to combine creativity and educational expertise to create engaging, supportive classroom environments. Committed to ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to learn, I strive to foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in all students.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mascot Handler/Mascot Performer Alternate
Iowa Wild
10.2024 - Current
- Assisted Crash, the Iowa Wild mascot, ensuring smooth performances and interactions.
- Transported and managed mascot props for events and game days.
- Captured and recorded media content for Crash’s social media presence.
- Facilitated engaging fan interactions, enhancing the mascot experience.
Mascot Performer
Iowa Cubs
11.2023 - Current
- Portrayed Cubbie Bear for the first time in January 2024.
- Engaged in multiple community events and performed at 55 of 75 home games during the 2024 season, connecting with tens of thousands of fans and participating in mascot birthday parties, school visits, and local festivals.
- Followed a daily game schedule that included interacting with fans, participating in pre-game activities like Cubbie's Introduction, Anthem Buddies, and Play Ball, providing personal interactions in every SkyBox Suite, and concluding games by 'singing' the Seventh-Inning Stretch with fans.
Child Care Provider
Indianola Child Care
05.2022 - Current
- Worked as an afternoon group helper at Indianola Child Care during the summers 2022 and 2023, engaging students with educational activities and supervising lunch, snacks, and field trips.
- Gained additional experience throughout the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years by working in elementary schools, assisting with morning and afternoon student supervision.
- Promoted to Group Leader in summer 2024, organizing classroom spaces, developing themed learning activities, and managing a group of 18 students from grades 2nd to 4th.
Mascot Performer
Grand View University
09.2019 - Current
- Portrayed Viktor the Viking for the first time in September 2019.
- Officially signed as Grand View University's first official mascot performer in October 2022, performing at various athletic and community events across five states, and for 13 of the university's sports teams.
- Initiated the Skol Chant in February 2022, enhancing fan engagement at campus events, and launched 'Pic with Vik' in September 2023, offering pre-game photo opportunities and autographed items for fans.
- Established a TikTok account for Viktor in December 2023, creating and producing social media content to increase the mascot's online presence and fan interaction.
Proctor
Grand View University
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Scheduled and prepared tests in advance, ensuring accommodations were documented and implemented for individual students during testing.
- Monitored and assisted test takers, addressing needs based on accommodations, while maintaining a supportive testing environment.
- Scanned, filed, and delivered tests both physically and electronically to teachers; organized and archived accommodation plans and files from previous years.
Mascot Performer
Iowa Barnstormers
03.2023 - 04.2024
- Selected to reinstate Billy the Barnstormer for the organization following a recommendation post-pandemic
- Performed during the 2023 season, engaging with fans, leading in-game promotions, and participating in 7 out of 8 home games at Wells Fargo Arena.
- Created social media content and represented the team at community events, collaborating with the General Manager and Office Manager for planning and execution.
- Due to my effective performance, the team's front office launched a campaign to promote the mascot for the 2024 Indoor Football League (IFL) Best Mascot award.
Summer Painter/Maintenance Worker
Grand View University
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Prepped, painted, and cleaned dorms across campus, ensuring a clean and updated living environment for students.
- Performed yardwork and heavy labor, including moving furniture and pulling weeds, to maintain and enhance campus grounds.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA05-2027
High School Diploma -
Indianola High School
Indianola, IA05-2023
Skills
- Inclusivity
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Time-Management
- Student Engagement
- Non-Verbal Communication
Languages
Spanish
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mascot Handler/Mascot Performer Alternate
Iowa Wild
10.2024 - Current
Proctor
Grand View University
01.2024 - 05.2024
Mascot Performer
Iowa Cubs
11.2023 - Current
Mascot Performer
Iowa Barnstormers
03.2023 - 04.2024
Child Care Provider
Indianola Child Care
05.2022 - Current
Summer Painter/Maintenance Worker
Grand View University
05.2021 - 08.2021
Mascot Performer
Grand View University
09.2019 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Grand View University
High School Diploma -
Indianola High School