Zachary grew up watching Sparty sprint across the field, never imagining he’d one day be him. After transferring to MSU in 2022, a spontaneous application to the mascot program opened the door to a uniquely Spartan experience, filled with travel, traditions and the challenge of keeping a big secret. As he graduates from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Zach looks back on his time behind the mask and what it meant to represent Michigan State from the inside out.
How did you become interested in portraying Sparty?
Sparty has always been my favorite mascot. I had been to many football games as a child, and I remember seeing him run onto the field. When I transferred to MSU in April 2022 from Lansing Community College, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do besides studying. While looking into campus activities, I decided to take the chance and send in an application for the Sparty Mascot Program just a few days before it was due.
What does Sparty mean to you?
Sparty represents all the good in the MSU community. He makes people smile even when they’re having a bad day. I think I did my job if I made someone's bad day better. I enjoyed the privilege of spreading laughter and kindness all across campus and the country. Sparty is a fun and genuine guy and everyone wants a picture with him!
How do fans from other schools react to Sparty?
Sparty interacts with everyone. Fans from other schools are fun to mess with. Although Michigan fans are our rivals, some of them still want a picture with Sparty, but I always give them a hard time about it. I also enjoyed interacting with other mascots and seeing how different they are from Sparty. One funny thing I found was interacting with ten other mascots in a room in complete silence!
What is your favorite memory or event from your time as Sparty?
Probably, my runout during the Washington Football game in September 2023. I enjoyed that, as it was my first runout, and I had many friends and family there. I heard the crowd getting louder and sprinted to the middle of the field with thousands of people around. A few seconds later, I planted the Spartan flag in the middle of the field, not realizing what had just happened. There is no feeling like it and I will never forget it. I love football, so all the games hold a special place in my heart. Messing around with the cheerleaders and fans on the sidelines during big games made them more fun and memorable.
Will you miss being in the spotlight?
I definitely enjoyed my time being Sparty and I feel bittersweet now. I will miss this experience, but at the same time, I'm happy to complete this chapter of my life and move on to the next one.
Who was the coolest person you met as Sparty?
One person who comes to mind is Pat McAfee at the Big Ten men’s tournament this spring. I came out for the second half and we were down. He noticed me and said, “Sparty, you gotta get this crowd back into it!” So, I turned around and hyped up the crowd. Then we scored a few baskets and took the lead, and he said, “That’s because of you!” It was just a fun, cool interaction.
What are the perks of being Sparty, besides meeting celebrities?
Traveling is one of the big perks. We get to travel to basketball tournaments and football games. I even went to Eugene, Oregon and Boston College last football season – places I’d never been to. Sometimes you get excused from class with a nice official email. Professors usually don’t expect that, but once they get the letter, they say, “Okay, have fun. I won’t tell anyone.” It was amazing to experience games and events from the field level instead of the stands. I’ve been a fan my whole life, but seeing it all through Sparty’s eyes was something else.
Did you enjoy special events like weddings or grad parties?
Those are some of my favorite events. You’re there for one person and they’re beyond excited that Sparty showed up. In most cases, it’s a surprise and seeing their reaction when you walk into the room is fantastic. People are super friendly too – they usually offer food or cake. One lady even baked brownies just for me after a grad party and that was sweet.
How did you manage to balance your studies with being Sparty?
It was a challenge. There were many things I had to pass up, like Friday and Saturday nights when I could’ve been doing other things. But I never wanted to be anywhere else. I had to stick to a routine. If I had an event in the morning, I’d make time in the evening for school and vice versa. I always made time for school and myself to stay on track.
Did you train for the one-hand push-ups?
Yes and no. It’s uncomfortable at first, but then you get into its groove and your shoulders get stronger. It’s hard when starting, but it gets easier once you do it regularly, like Sparty.
What will you miss the most?
Besides the community and the interactions with them, I’d say the people I met through the experience. I’ve made so many close friends and met amazing people along the way. Those relationships are a big part of what made the program so special for me.
How did you manage to keep your identity secret?
That was tough. I told my mom because she was the easiest to tell and she could cover for me if someone asked where I was. But lying to people was tricky and I am quite bad at lying – I start smiling, which gives it away. Friends would wonder why I wasn’t at tailgates or football games and I would always have to come up with an excuse. Of course, some people were suspicious, but no one said anything directly.
What was your mom’s reaction when you told her?
She was proud and excited for me. She knows how hard I worked to get to MSU and for her it felt like a reward for all of that. It was a big moment.
How will being Sparty help you in life?
It taught me to put myself in uncomfortable situations because that’s where you grow. Being Sparty forces you to do funny things in front of strangers, which helped me stop worrying so much about how others see me. Nobody knew I was in the suit, so that I could go for it. That confidence will stick with me.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to build friendships, make an impact within the Spartan community and see MSU from a different angle. You meet so many kind and genuine people who don’t know it’s you in the suit, but they love Sparty. You also see parts of Michigan you might never visit otherwise – random places on Friday nights, weddings in the summer, events in Detroit or Grand Rapids. It’s a wild ride, but so rewarding.
Was there ever a moment when you completely messed something up?
Thankfully, the training prepared me for the unexpected. There were little moments like tripping once when going upstairs in Akers. Those boots are enormous, so it’s bound to happen.
What’s your message to Spartans around the world?
Thank you! Thank you to the amazing friends I have met because of this program and thank you to the Spartan community for making this experience what it was. Everywhere I went, from football games and farmers markets to random spots on campus, people showed Sparty so much love. I tried to create real, memorable moments with them, not just a fist bump, but something more meaningful. I’ll carry these memories with me forever.
This story was adapted from an article on the Spartan Stories website.