Student Spotlight: Elijah Byrd ’27 Soars as Ace the Skyhawk

Stonehill College’s Tree Lighting event in December 2023 marked the first time that Elijah Byrd ’27, a communication major with minors in theatre and business, played the role of Ace the Skyhawk. The holiday program set the stage for his incredible journey as the beloved bird.

“I remember President Denning made a comment during it, basically saying that my performance as Ace was one of the most energized he had seen,” noted the Canton, Massachusetts, resident. “That inspired me to take on the mantle and make it my own.”

Since then, Byrd has become synonymous with Ace because of his fierce dedication to the role. In a Q&A, the student talks about enhancing Ace’s presence through the College’s new Flight School program, memorable mascot moments and serving the community.  

Ace isn’t the first mascot role you’ve taken on. Can you tell me a bit about your previous mascot experiences? 

I started mascotting when I lived in Tennessee as a kid. My first gig was at Generation Changers Church. I would play a blue dog named Surf at holiday events. When I moved to Massachusetts, I attended Cathedral High School in Boston, where I played their Panther mascot during football and basketball games. Around that time, I also applied for a job at Chuck E. Cheese and ended up working there for about four years. Those experiences have inspired me to elevate Ace’s role at Stonehill. 

Tell me about how you’re doing that through Ace’s Flight School, the program you recently established. 

At Chuck E. Cheese, everyone was so passionate about making magic and putting a lot into the character so that customers walked away feeling entertained. And there was a strong element of teamwork that came into play when they were hosting birthday parties and other events. I wanted to bring that same sort of energy to Ace.

Members of the Flight School are dedicated to fostering school spirit and enhancing the Stonehill events where Ace has a presence. We do this by producing social media content featuring Ace, serving as mascot handlers—or wingmen—during games and other programs, or performing as Ace himself. The program also strengthens collaborations between the mascot team and Athletics staff, ensuring that our vision for game day is aligned. Additionally, we’re developing a system for costume care and thinking of new ways to emphasize the spirit of creativity and connection that Ace represents. 

Who are the mascots who have influenced the creation of this program, as well as your portrayal of Ace?

A while back, I got in touch with David Eberhard, who oversees Brigham Young University’s mascot, Cosmo the Cougar. He’s one of the biggest mascots in the country. I enjoyed talking to David and getting his advice on how best to structure Stonehill’s program.

I’ve looked at a few others for inspiration, particularly Benny the Bull, the mascot for the Chicago Bulls. I also pull pieces from Blue, the mascot for the Indianapolis Colts. And I keep going back to Chuck E. Cheese because I think that was the best experience I had with mascots. These mascots have offered me a basis for how I can structure my work as Ace.