>> Welcome, sports fans to the first-ever IU Mascot Games.
We've got some elite competitors here today, hailing from every corner of the state of Indiana.
The mascots line up inside a gym holding signs from Northwest, Kokomo, South Bend, Southeast, I U P U I, East, and I U P U C. Then, Kingston, the Indiana University Kokomo Cougar kneels on the gym floor, poised to begin a Ribbon - Gymnastics Rhythmic routine. She holds a long red ribbon that she twirls and spins with as she does dance moves.
>> First, we go to the floor where Kingston is preparing for her ribbon routine.
Wow, deftly transitioning from a tangle toe right into a skip to my lou.
>> It's creative combos like that that bring home medals.
Jawz the I U P U C Jaguar gets a running start and leaps onto the balance beam for a Beam - Gymnastics Artistic routine.
>> Now over to the beam where we see Jawz taking a confident run and he sticks the landing.
>> Some of those cat-like reflexes on display, huh, Tania?
>> A bit of a wobble there, but he saves it.
Crimson Pride, the I U P U C lion walks onto the mat carrying a gym bag. He drops it and pulls out small white balls, weighing them in his hand for the Shotput - Athletics competition. He weighs and tosses each ball on the ground, finally settling on a ball of red yarn.
Now here's a competitor I'm excited to see, Jim, Crimson Pride.
New cat on the block, a lot to prove but ready to hold his own in these games.
>> One thing you've got to love about these new athletes is their creativity.
He's not just throwing shotput, he's throwing up the rulebook.
Rufus, the Indiana University Northwest Red Hawk leaps up and dangles from the upper Uneven Bars - Gymnastics Artistic.
Looks like Rufus the Redhawk is getting in the swing of things.
>> I see what you did there, Jim.
>> He's really going to fly.
>> He's a bird, Jim.
Gus the Indiana University Southeast Grenadier competes in Archery - Individual (70 Meters). He tosses down his bow and arrow and picks up a grenade.
>> I have never seen anything like this, Tania, Gus just saying 'see ya' to that bow and arrow.
>> These mascots, they make their own rules.
Gus pulls the pin on the grenade and throws it toward the bullseye.
Mascot Mayhem at its finest.
Titus the Indiana University South Bend Titan stands with eyes closed and hands in a meditative pose. She practices Kata - Karate moves.
>> Now check out this display of absolute focus and determination from Titus here.
>> I'm guessing Titus has a little something of her sheath too.
>> Tania, I'm going to have to interrupt you for a moment because Rufus the Redwolf is on deck.
Rufus, the Indiana University East Red Wolf sets down a boom box, snaps his headband and attaches a wide belt around his waist for Weightlifting - 105 Kilograms.
>> Not only bringing his strength to the games but also his own soundtrack.
He struggles to lift a large barbell.
>> The athletes are really getting into the routines now.
Let's check back in on some ongoing action.
Jawz jumps off the balance beam and runs over to chase Kingston's ribbon.
>> Oh-oh, Jim, looks like Jawz has gotten a little distracted.
Sloppy dismount, that'll cost him.
Rufus the Red Hawk swings to the lower bar and flips his feet over his head. Crimson Pride holds his ball of red yarn to his cheek, spins in a circle and tosses it. Jaws and Kingston take off after it.
Titus breaks a board with her sword. Rufus the Red Wolf finally lifts his barbell up under his chin, while Rufus the Red Hawk spins on the upper bar.
>> You really see it all when watching athletes compete at this level by determination, disappointment, triumph, yarn ball fights.
Rufus the Red Wolf lifts his barbell fully over his head. Then, the mascots form a line again.
>> No doubt about a gym.
Our judges certainly have their work cut out for them.
>> I couldn't agree more.
So who's going to take the goal?
We can't wait to find out.