News : Viking Mascot earns varsity letter

Nick Armell earned participation certificate for being the first Viking mascot.

Nick Armell wears the costume at the football season opener, the first time the Viking appeared.

For generations, hundreds of Viking and Vikette athletes and cheerleaders have received varsity letters honoring them for their dedication, hard work and success on an athletic field.

But for the first time, a Vinton-Shellsburg student has received a letter in part for serving as the Viking Mascot.

Cheerleader Kayla Taylor was with the cheerleaders during the football season, then served as the mascot, wearing the Viking uniform for winter sports. Kayla lettered as a varsity girls basketball cheerleader/mascot.

Nick Armell served as the Viking Mascot during the football season. He received a participation certificate.

Cheerleading Coach Krystal Fitzpatrick cited the arrival of the mascot as one of the successes of the cheerleading program in recent years.