What started out for Cory Taylor, a junior in business administration, in high school, as a joke became a furry reality once Taylor received his acceptance letter into N.C. State.

Taylor said his high school had a theatre program bursting with talented chorus, theatre and art programs. A member of the hip-hop dance team, Taylor, said it was only a matter of time before cheer team members were asking him to join their team.

“The cheer coach decided to put together a mascot for me so I could do something,” Taylor said. “They got me a suit and just let me run with it. I was goofing around and thought it was funny – it’s my personality. It turned out I wasn’t half bad at it.”

His unique talent, Taylor said, caught the eye of his guidance counselor, an avid N.C. State supporter and fan. Noticing how similar Taylor looked to the Mr. Wuf at the time, his counselor, without his knowledge, signed him up to try out for the part.

“I showed up to a gym full of cheerleaders that intimidated me beyond all compare as a senior in high school,” Taylor said. “I tired out, made the team and have loved it ever since.”

Taylor said the job of Mr. Wuf is physically demanding. A mix of cardio, learning to deal with the heat of the suit and stamina, Taylor said, the job of Mr. Wuf is to just keep going.

“It’s hot [the suit] and about 40 pounds of weight if I’m not wearing shoulder pads underneath which add a bit more,” Taylor said. “Overall it looks like a onesie with a zipper down the back. It cuts off at my wrists and ankles and then I have gloves and boots that meet up with the suit. The helmet underneath is the hardest part.”

Taylor said it’s not just the suit that he had to get used to. There’s also the demand of time.

“Especially during the beginning of every semester, it’s very time consuming,” Taylor said. “It’s a lot of coordination. Anything publicity wise we’re there. It’s a lot of time but it’s worth it.”

According to Taylor, Mr. Wuf really does attend almost every event.

“Football, basketball, baseball, you name it – I’m at it,” Taylor said. “I go to gymnastic, swim and wrestling meets. I’ve attended more wedding receptions than anyone could ever imagine.”

Taylor said that Mr. and Mrs. Wuf are requested at numerous private events such as weddings throughout the year.

“I’ve cut the cake for a bride and groom,” Taylor said. “It’s incredible how passionate people are about N.C. State. I’ve even danced with the bride during the father-daughter dance. We get some crazy opportunities and we never know where we may go.”

Taylor said that those who decided to become college mascot are, in a way, attention hogs in any social situation.

“We are always in the limelight,” Taylor said. “It’s just the way our personalities are. We like to be looked at and we like to make people laugh.”

According to Taylor, the ability to thrive in the spotlight has created connections for him he never would have dreamt of.

“The connections that I make are invaluable,” Taylor said. “Having that common ground with any N.C. State alumni or any alumni of any college that I come in contact with is a great way to connect with others. Everyone, except for the few who are afraid of them, loves a mascot.”

Taylor said that although his coaches, campus police and campus security have reprimanded Mr. Wuf for crowd surfing, there’s a certain electric feeling that comes from the experience.

“When I was taken from the bottom of the student section, of a football game, to the top and back down again, not even wanting to, it was uncontrolled and insane,” Taylor said. “You feed off of everyone else’s emotions. The crowd is so excited and you’re there and you’re doing something with them – it takes your breath away. It’s insane to have so many people have such a great time with you.”