The Mascot
The current Live Mascot is lovingly named “Bullseye” and is the fourth general, thus nicknamed “G4”. Bullseye started his career as the official mascot on 1 January 2025. He is a purebred English Bulldog, as his predecessors have been. Bullseye loves cadets and the public, and is often seen at football games and Friday parades. His name comes from his all white fur with a little brown spot where his tail would be, resembling a bullseye.
His Team
Always accompanying him is his team of cadets, known as his handlers. These highly trained cadets take care of the Mascot 24/7/365 and are always with him wherever he goes. These cadets fall under Regimental Staff and work along side Cadet Activities to boost esprit de corps among the S.C.C.C.
Team and Bios
General Bullseye (G4)
Bullseye serves as the Citadel Mascot. Since officially taking over as the college’s Mascot on 1 January, 2025, Bullseye has made appearances to numerous campus events such as Parades, Football games, Basketball games, and plans to be at many more this year. Just like the previous Mascots, he is purebred English bulldog. He loves the public and is always ready for a picture or two. He loves the S.C.C.C. And even can be found early in the mornings at PT with them. Bullseye will start his Sophomore year this year and looks forward to being with cadets in classes and as many campus events as possible. Make sure to say hey to him and his Handlers when you see them on campus!
Commander
Nate Erwin is one of the Senior Handlers, serving as the Team Commander. He is from Walterboro, South Carolina. He came to the Citadel to pursue his goal of serving his Country in the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Mascot Team with the intention of bridging the gap between the South Carolina Corps of Cadets and the rest of the Charleston Community. Nate has served on the Mascot Team all three years since he was sophomore and will lead the Team for his senior year. His leadership philosophy is simple, lead by serving others. He believes that the good Lord has given him an opportunity to serve both the College and the local community, and to give back a portion of what he has been given. Upon graduation, Nate will Commission at a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Executive Officer
Jacob Miller is one of the Senior Handlers, serving as the Team Executive Officer. He is from Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He came to the Citadel to pursue a commission in the United States Marine Corps and follow in his Grandfather’s and Uncle’s footsteps. He joined the mascot team build esprit de corps within The Citadel and serve in a position of influence. Jacob joined the Mascot Team for his senior year after serving in both battalion and company level positions his junior and sophomore year, respectively. After graduation, Jacob will commission into the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant and plans to pursue a master’s degree in military history from The Citadel. He believes in servant leadership and that the reward for true leadership is watching physical, mental and moral growth in one’s subordinates.
Master Sergeant
Melanie Briceno is one of the Junior Handlers, serving as the Team Master Sergeant. She is from Deerfield Beach, Florida. She came to the Citadel with the goal of making her family proud. She is a first-generation college student. She saw the Citadel not only as a place of challenge and growth but also as a place where she could become someone greater. She joined the Mascot Team to help shine a light on the fun, spirited side of our school and to create positive experiences for the Charleston community. During her time at the Citadel, she earned Dean’s List and is a member of the Honors Program. After graduation, Melanie will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. She believes in leading with purpose, and always finding a reason to smile, no matter how tough the day gets.
Sergeant First Class
Julia Williamson is one of the Junior Mascot handlers, serving as the team’s Sergeant First Class. She is from Campobello, South Carolina. She came to the Citadel to run for the school in their Track and Cross Country program. She joined the Mascot Team because it seemed like something that could be fun and morale-boosting. During her time here, she has earned Gold Stars and Dean’s list. After graduation, she plans on going to grad school to study chiropractic to help learn how to care for her community and bring relief to those who need it. She believes in compassion for others and encouraging an environment for people to grow into their best selves.
Corporal
Amir Hunter is one of the Sophomore Handlers. She is frrom Atlanta, Georgia. She chose to attend the Citadel to give herself a chance for a structured and rigorous college experience that will enhance her leadership skills. Another reason was the astounding ROTC program. Amir decided to join the Mascot Team to help boost unity and espirit de corps along side the beloved bulldog. After she graduates, Amir will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Her leadership philosophy is transformational, she wants to lead others by encouraging them to always be the best version of themselves and to always look for growth because change is inevitable.
Corporal
Rachel Reininger is one of the Sophomore Handlers. She is from Fayetteville, Georgia. She chose the Citadel to become a better leader and to serve others. She then decided to join the Mascot team to help improve the morale of the corps and to take care of the Mascot. After she graduates, she will play professional volleyball. Rachel has earned numerous achievements at the Citadel including gold stars and dean’s list. Her leadership philosophy is “no regrets” because she wants to lead by giving 100% in everything she does and pushing others to do their best also.
History
The Citadel adopted the English Bulldog as its official Mascot in 1908, but it wasn’t until 1928 that The Citadel began using bulldogs that belonged to alumni as live mascots. The Class of 2003 created the first “official” Mascot program. A 10-week-old English bulldog puppy (General) made his first public debut at Friday’s military parade (Aug. 29, 2003). He would later be joined by Boo IX. At that time, Mike Groshon, assistant athletic director for facilities and equipment, cared for and housed the mascots.
In 2020, a team of cadets was formed to become the first official “Mascot Team” of The Citadel under the supervision of the Director of Cadet Activities. These cadets have the sole responsibility for the care and custody of the Mascot 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
The Citadel Mascot is a living symbol of the college – representing its tradition, history, pride, and excellence to the Citadel Family. Since then, Cadet Activities and the Mascot Team have worked hand in hand to boost cadet morale and provide the public with a unique experience that other colleges can’t mimic.
Where They Live
Both the Mascot and his Handlers live at 209 Richardson, referred to as “Mascot Quarters” or the “Dog House”. This makes these six students the only cadets to not live in battalions. The reason for this is that battalions are not conducive for a mascot to live in, and does not provide an ideal environment to fulfill his needs. This house includes dedicated training rooms and a fenced in yard where the mascot can run around freely in a safe environment. The Mascot Quarters abides by most of the same rules and regulations as the other Battalions, but it differs when it comes to allowing other cadets inside. Due to the lack of constant TAC presence, only the handlers, and certain cadets on Regimental Staff are allowed to enter. The only exception to this is during Open Barracks, where like the rest of the Battalions during open barracks, Mascot Quarters is completely open to cadets and the public.