Christopher Freeman, a senior from Axtell, Texas has been named as the Glenville State College Pioneer Mascot for the 2010-2011 school year. “I was drawn to the challenge of becoming the GSC Pioneer. I am always intrigued by trying new experiences and I am really looking forward to being the Pioneer,” said Freeman. He was selected after completing the Pioneer Mascot application process which includes an essay, references, and an interview with the selection committee.

Freeman is well acquainted with Pioneer athletics. He was recruited to come to Glenville as a member of the Track team and he has not disappointed. He is the two-time defending West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Association Shot Put Champion. In addition he throws the discus, hammer, and weights. He currently holds several GSC track and field records with a year of completion remaining in his collegiate career. For the past three years, Freeman has also been an offensive lineman for the Pioneer football team but has decided to forgo his senior season so that he can concentrate on track. As a sophomore he was also a member of the Pioneer Cheer squad.

Freeman says coming to Glenville State College was a leap of faith. “I was recruited by Coach Perry to join the Pioneer track team through the internet. I had never even seen the campus or met the coaches until I arrived as a freshman in the fall of 2007. I took a chance and have been very pleased with that decision to come here. I was only seventeen when I started at GSC and being so far from home meant that I had to grow up fast. It is a long way from home and family, but everyone here makes you feel like this is your home.”

A Physical Education and Health major, Freeman would like to become a personal trainer after graduating. A task he may be well suited for. He has lost an amazing seventy-five pounds over the last six months by running, exercise, and a healthy diet.

As the GSC Pioneer, Freeman’s duties will include attending GSC football and basketball games, tournaments, and other school events. The Pioneer is charged with working with GSC students, faculty, and staff to positively promote and support the college. The official uniform of the GSC Pioneer mascot is a set of buckskins, a coonskin hat, and a musket. “I plan on being a very active Pioneer. I want to interact with the students, the community, and all fans. I definitely am going to put my heart and soul into this great opportunity to represent Glenville State College,” said Freeman.

The new Pioneer will begin his tenure at the GSC Fall Convocation on Friday, August 20th. His first football game as the Pioneer Mascot will be on Thursday, September 3rd when the Pioneers host West Virginia University Tech at 7:00 p.m. at Morris Stadium.

Freeman is the son of Elizabeth and Gaylon Wayne Freeman of Axtell, Texas.