NEVADA, IOWA — High schools across the country have students dressed up as their mascots on football Friday nights, but for one senior in Iowa, playing his school's mascot has allowed him to overcome a personal struggle.
On Friday nights just about the only thing that attracts more attention than the camera guy - is the mascot. The Nevada Cub has the role down pat. The crowd loves him and he spreads joy all night - but the biggest smile - is happening inside the mask. It belongs to senior Caleb Popejoy. His mother Lana explains, "he's autistic. He has autism. He was anti-social. He had a hard time being in crowds with people."
Father Keith remembers how Caleb used to be: "I think it was when we started middle school, he was terrified just to walk in a big crowd in the gym when school started. A group like this would have scared him."
So you can imagine mom and dad's shock when Caleb had an idea his freshman year. "He seen the mask at the school office and took an interest in it," says Keith. Lana was very concerned that Caleb didn't know what he was asking to do. "It was worrisome. We were there right by his side when he first did it because we thought he was going be nervous." She goes on to say the wearing the mask transformed Caleb off the field too. While the costume gave Caleb some courage at first, he soon discovered that he didn't need the mask, "he's gotten used to people now, he can greet people, he can talk to people. He's not afraid of crowds anymore." Caleb echoes his mother's joy, "I feel excited and happy."
His parents say Caleb's time as a mascot has spilled over to daily life. He's no longer afraid of crowds and can greet and talk to people... even without the mask.
WPXI
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