Local family organizes first program mascot

Contributed photo
Boomer the Bulldogs has been staying busy on the sidelines of the Otter Tail Central 

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

There hasn’t been a shortage of high five and a few dance moves on the sidelines of Otter Tail Central football games this fall. After all, there has been plenty to cheer about as the Bulldogs advanced to their first section championship game since 2018. 

However, a new furry face has begun popping up at OTC events throughout the region this year. The new OTC mascot has spent the better part of the fall getting fans excited for the game and working on a few dance moves on the sideline.

Boomer the Bulldog was unveiled this fall and is serving as the new mascot for OTC athletic events and activities. 

The idea for a new mascot was spearheaded by Camee Dalluge, who hoped the mascot would not only fill a void left by a lack of cheerleaders, but also help spread school spirit throughout the Henning, Battle Lake and Underwood communities. 

“I have always thought we should have an OTC mascot since I was a cheerleader in high school almost 20 years ago in Battle Lake,” said Dalluge. “I thought since we don’t have cheerleaders this year our team, fans and community could use an injection of some much needed school spirit.”

Dalluge purchased the mascot with the help of a number of area businesses and organizations. Donations to make Boomer possible came from Salon 210, Terry Dalluge, Sara Faaliga Photography, the Henning Lions Club and North Star Retreat Center. 

So far the larger-than-life bulldog has been a hit with local fans and players as a group of volunteers have all chipped in to take their turn in the furry costume. So far the mascot has helped to lead cheers at games, gave encouragement to players before the games and even broke out a few dance moves on the field. 

“We have such a talented group of athletes that have been playing together since third grade and we’ve just (been) waiting for them to have their time to shine, and they are,” said Dalluge. 

Anyone who would like to take their turn in being the mascot can contact Dalluge at (218) 205-0744. 

“I am always looking for volunteers to be Boomer as well. They can remain anonymous if they wish,” she said.