Xavier University Athletics
Xavier Mascots (outdated)
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2025-26 SEASON TRYOUTS
Mascots
Open Gym Date: August 20
Time: 7-9PM
Tryout Date: August 27
Time: 7-9PM
Where: Cintas Center Auxiliary Gym
Mascot Tryout Protocols: 2025-26
New Candidates: those who were not a mascot during 2024-2025: Secure a physical from their physician who is asserting that there is nothing that would prohibit that student from participating in the mascot suit. Be prepared to give veral confirmation of a physical within the last 12 months as well as having a copy of your insurance card.
Mascot Requirements
D'Artagnan
- 30 seconds of dancing to music
- 5' 7" or taller
- Flag running/waving
Blue Blob
- 30 seconds of dancing to music
- 5' 6" or shorter
- 3 full rolls
Mascot History
D'Artagnan
D'Artagnan serves as the official mascot of the Xavier University athletic teams. The legendary mascot has gone through many changes over the years, but his powerful presence remained when the most recent version of the Musketeer was unveiled at the start of the 2004-05 basketball season.
The Musketeer concept was based on the suggestion of the late Reverend Francis J. Finn, S.J., a member of the Xavier University Board of Trustees for many years until his death in 1928. In response to a directive from the Trustees, Father Finn proposed the name Musketeers in 1925. It was adopted and has been a Xavier designation ever since.
In naming the Musketeers, Father Finn was not only giving rebirth to a concept of chivalry that is among France's most treasured traditions, but he was also providing permanent recognition to Xavier's strong ties with French origins and culture.
The first priest, and one of the first Europeans to navigate the Ohio River past the site that was to become Cincinnati, was a Jesuit from French Canada named the Rev. Joseph Pierre de Bonnecamps. He was a scientist and mathematician from the College of Quebec, who made the trip in 1749. It is said that to him Ohio owes the first map of her boundaries.
Among the first students at Xavier in the decade of the 1830's were French-speaking young men from Louisiana who were forbidden by the college regulations to use their family tongue during recreation lest they fail to learn the English language.
The first Jesuit Priest of Xavier, in 1840, was Father John Anthony Elet, a native of the French-speaking provinces of Belgium.
The great patron of the University, St. Francis Xavier, a native of Spain, received his university education at the College of St. Barbe at the University of Paris and he helped found the Jesuit Order in Paris in 1540.
So, as Father Finn reasoned, the Musketeer, a dedicated guard of the King of France, was a fine symbol of the qualities that should inspire the students and particularly the athletic teams at Xavier University.
Blue Blob
The Blue Blob serves as a secondary mascot for the Xavier University athletic teams. The Blob is well known for being able to excite the crowd and is a favorite among the younger Musketeer fans. Perhaps one of the greatest memories of the Blob occurred when it was tackled by Theo Nelson following his made half-court shot to win one million dollars at the 2001 Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout. Nelson and the Blue Blob were even featured on SportsCenter that evening following the game.