The Secret Life of Hoguey D. Panther
Published: May 09, 2025
Author: Liz Dowell
There’s a legend at Greenville University. He’s fuzzy. He’s fearless. He’s been spotted sprinting across football fields, dancing with the spirit squad, and high-fiving every child. He’s the life of the sidelines, the face of school spirit, and the beating heart behind countless cheers.
He’s also… a graduating senior.
This year’s commencement ceremony includes a graduate unlike any other. After three years of mystery, mischief, and mascot magic, Hoguey D. Panther’s alter ego will pass on his tail as he puts his degree into action. But beneath the costume lies a story that few knew—until now.
Introducing the man behind the mask: Ethan Greene, a student who spent his college years balancing classes, chapel, and social media skits as he secretly embodied the University’s most iconic figure. Whether in the classroom or the costume, Ethan brought passion, humor, and heart to everything he did. And he did it all without asking for credit.
Ethan quietly became a campus legend in a role that demanded energy and endless school pride.
As Hoguey prepares to find a new master, we congratulate the young man behind the mask who leaves a legacy that’s larger than life but fueled by humanity.
A criminal justice major with a business minor, Ethan, a member of the class of 2025, never expected to find purpose and legacy in a costume suit. But thanks to his passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment, Greenville's beloved mascot evolved into more than just a sideline project for him, but into an opportunity to create a symbol of connection, joy, and Panther pride.
Ethan’s journey into the mascot world began with a simple suggestion. “I was friends with someone on the cheer team,” he said. “They passed my name to the new coach in 2022, and I was asked to try on the suit. I’ve been Hoguey ever since.”
Stephanie Brant, Associate Director of Athletics and Director of Spirit Programs at Greenville University, immediately saw his potential.
“You could just tell,” she said. “When he put on the suit, he became Hoguey. Whether with little kids, parents, or at major events, he just had this energy."
Stephanie, who also coaches the cheer and dance teams while overseeing Hoguey, had a vision for the role. She knew that a vibrant, recognizable mascot could elevate the campus's spirit, and Ethan ran with it.
BUILDING A CHARACTER, LEAVING A LEGACY
With Ethan’s enthusiasm, Hoguey wasn’t just attending games and activities—he became a sought-after and needed part of the experience. And his personality and heart were the draw. From sword fights on campus with orange pool noodles to giant UNO games, he has become a core part of the GU identity, one that will continue to have an important presence even after commencement.
“It’s a character,” Ethan explained. "And the character is supposed to last much longer than I am."
This mindset led Ethan to invest his time and resources—buying props, building skits, and even organizing a dramatic reveal for the new mascot suit, complete with a police escort and vintage limo ride from the local funeral home.
“He’s done more with Hoguey than anyone before him,” said Stephanie. “He even had a mini car with a train horn he’d drive around at games. He created what Hoguey is today.”
“Some mascots are professional dancers or stunt people,” he said. “I’m the skit guy—the prop guy.”
FROM TRASH CAN CHEERS TO A CAMPUS ICON
Ethan is the longest-running Hoguey in the school's history, stepping into a role that has seen significant transformation over the decades. The original mascot—a Dollar General Panther mask paired with a trash can labeled "Cheer"—was first worn by Roy Yarbrough in 1968. Through the years, the suit evolved, but until recently, it remained inconsistent and largely uncelebrated.
The old black suit Ethan initially wore was in such disrepair that nails protruded into his head from the inner helmet. “I wore that suit until the gloves were threadbare, and the helmet started poking into my scalp,” Ethan said. “But I still took it to every game, every event.”
Thanks to a special fund from the president’s office, the university purchased a new, professionally made mascot suit in bright orange, designed to match Greenville's rebranded logo. With it came a new era for Hoguey.
“He’s so much more recognizable now,” Stephanie said. “He stands out, and people remember him. That visibility is great for the school.”
TOWARDS THE FUTURE
“I want Hoguey to be remembered as a character who keeps evolving,” said Ethan. “It’s not about me. It’s about Hoguey.”
Stephanie agrees. “We’re looking for the next student to take on the role,” she said. “Ethan set a high bar, but every Hoguey will bring something new.”
Being Hoguey shaped Ethan's college experience in ways no traditional extracurricular could. His impact rippled across campus and beyond, from competing with the cheer and dance teams at Nationals to getting fan letters from kids.
“It gave me a chance to connect with departments all over campus—from the science labs to the alumni office,” Ethan said. “It tied everything together in a way that very few roles can.”
