The annual reveal of this year’s Jenny and J. Denny Beavers was Saturday, Jan. 28. The Beaver Reveal returned to its traditional setting between men’s and women’s home basketball games after being held during the annual Lip Sync Battle in recent years.
Staton as Jenny Beaver. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Senior intervention specialist major Madison Staton and senior music education major Laura Irwin were revealed as Jenny. Senior mathematics education major Darius Boeke and junior history AYA major Anton Miller were J. Denny. Senior middle childhood education major Ashley Eachus served as both Jenny and J. Denny.
The question of “Who’s in the suit?” is a meaningful part of the Bluffton University experience for many students. Some Beaver mascots leave clues for people, hinting at the burning question, “Who’s in the suit?” while others take pride in their complete anonymity.
Miller as J. Denny Beaver being revealed by Perry Bush. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Some of the Beavers have been hiding their identities longer than the average beaver mascot. Irwin has managed to keep the secret for the past three years and Miller for the past two years.
“I liked the whole secretive aspect of it [being J. Denny],” said Miller. “I’m not usually someone who is able to be very secretive, so it was cool.”
Although, keeping the identity of the Beavers a secret is not without its challenges. According to both Miller and Irwin, there were still people close to them who were suspicious at times.
Senior social work and psychology major Genoa Arling was one of the few who suspected Miller to be in the suit.
“It started out as kind of a joke in our friend group, but then as the Beavers were around, we began to watch their mannerisms,” said Arling. “Being around Anton so often, I knew of some of the typical things they do without realizing it, like bouncing when they walk.”
Irwin as Jenny Beaver. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Arling said the suspicion leading up to the reveal made it fun, especially because Miller and their secret keeper played it off so well when questioned about why they were not going to attend the reveal. Arling’s suspicions were confirmed as soon as she saw professor of history Perry Bush walk out with one of the J. Denny mascots at the start of the reveal.
Irwin shared similar struggles keeping the secret from her closest friends.
“My friends were so on my back, so much so I literally parked my car off campus today for the reveal,” said Irwin.
While Boeke was only in the suit for one year, his involvement on campus made it difficult to keep the secret hidden.
Boeke being revealed as J. Denny Beaver by Darryl Nester. Photo by Payton Stephens.
“Everybody knew me, and everybody knew where I was at all times it felt like,” said Boeke. “I was still able to sneak around doing it, but I’m happy that everyone found out that it was me out there. I did a lot of lying and didn’t feel very ethical about it.”
While some of the Beaver mascots had frequent suspicion on them, Eachus admitted part of the reason she became beaver was because she knew no one would suspect her.
“Growing up in Bluffton, I went to a lot of Bluffton [university] events,” said Eachus. “I went to football games and basketball games, and I was always drawn to the Beavers.”
To Eachus’ knowledge, the only time someone became suspicious of her was the day of the reveal when Phill Talavinia saw her leaving the men’s basketball game.
While keeping their identities hidden proved difficult at times, all of this year’s Beavers encourage people to apply to be the next Jenny and J. Denny.
“The expectations are high,” said Miller. “You just need to put your whole heart and soul into it.”
If interested in applying to be a beaver mascot, fill out a mascot application and get in touch with a former Beaver for more information.
