There is one tradition at the University that is surrounded by mystery, rumors and “spirit in your face.”

When asked about this spirit crew, people of the University respond with words including secret, historic, leaders, poor spelling, candy and masks.

They are known as SICSIC and have been a University tradition since 1946. You can expect to see them wearing masks and jumpsuits at every home game spreading spirit, at residence halls visiting students with President Mary Ellen Mazey, or around campus hanging up their signature signs around campus.

Mysteries:

Students have many questions about SICSIC. However, much of the information about their day-to-day business is a secret.

The name “SICSIC” has a meaning behind it, but only its members know it, said senior “Regis Philbin” in his high-pitched voice.

They said they also have regular meetings but would not say where or when. They did say they weren’t in Prout Chapel even though former president Frank J. Prout created the group.

“We don’t chill in there, but we represent Prout,” Regis said.

Whether they have an office on campus is a mystery too as all they would reveal was that they have met in adviser Michael Ginsburg’s office in the Union.

The only people associated with the University who can openly know the students who are part of SICSIC is their adviser Ginsburg, President Mazey and alumni of the group.

People often ponder the meaning SICSIC’s signs on campus.

“It’s just us with bad literacy skills,” Regis said.

“How long are you going to sit there and think about us?” Regis said about people who try to interpret the signs.

Living a double life:

The members balance spending about 10 hours a week working for SICSIC and their schedules as full-time students with social lives.

“You become an awesome liar,” Regis said with a laugh.

They said they are constantly coming up with excuses for why they can’t be somewhere, especially when their friends ask them to go to home games.

“You become the busiest person ever,” sophomore “Miss Piggy” said as a way to cover what she is really doing.

People think you’re studying a lot, said junior “Gene Simmons” with her raspy voice.

“It’s hard if you’re in certain organizations you’re trying to be a part of,” Gene said, referring to past members who juggled being in Greek Life.

Gene said she has never been called out for being on SICSIC. Regis on the other hand said he gets called out all the time.

“You just deny, deny, deny,” Regis said.

“What’s funny is when you see someone you do know on campus and then you just throw out a name, and they’re just like … why’d they know me,” Regis said.

As for maintaining their disguised voices, they said it can be hard on them especially when it comes to laughing.

“That’s the hardest part; whenever I start laughing I just kind of squeak,” said Miss Piggy in her voice that’s even higher than Regis’.

“I just don’t laugh,” Regis joked.

Being SICSIC:

The members remain in the group from the time they are selected as freshman until they are unmasked as seniors.

They said they don’t have specific training and that it’s more about getting into character.

“Once you’re in the mask you just become like a different person,” Regis said.

Gene said she didn’t have a voice for the first month until she decided to drop her voice down low.

As for their masks, Regis said the mask picks them.

After getting their characters set, the members often interact with the people they meet on campus.

“You never know where we’re going to be or how long we’re going to stay,” Regis said. “We just pop in, pop out, put signs up and you’re like where’d those come from?”

They emphasized the importance of the groups’ tradition by spreading spirit on campus and making people happy.

“People who come back see how we’re still going on,” Miss Piggy said.

Gene said there’s a reason the University is a top college and that it has developed so much.

“No matter what the outside world is like, BG has the same core values and traditions,” Gene said.

Regis said the idea of tradition makes him think of his family.

“BG has a big campus feel but a small campus atmosphere,” he said. “It’s very connected here. We’re like a family here. It’s our own little home.”