The face is still dangerously swimming through my thoughts. Night terrors have become a weekly ordeal. I can never go to Disney World. You know the perpetrator behind my emotional scars, the horrific face that has caused me pain and renders me delusional: he is none other than Killian the Gael.

The name itself brings back memories of that particular basketball game. Unfortunately, I was sitting in the front and, at the time, loved my view from the seats. I was so naïve. Killian was running around the court, clearly under the belief that he was wanted and loved by the Iona students. I didn’t even see him coming.

I was intently watching the game, thinking about the different plays the team could use and the opposing team’s strong zone defense when a blur of red, yellow and horror stopped right in front of me.

He wanted me dead, this I know. He made the universal index-finger-across-throat signal, signifying the slitting of my throat. Later, they said that he was simply cheering on the crowd and stopped in front of me for a high five, but I know what I saw. I couldn’t even meet his unflinching eyes. This is why I have deemed him “Most Terrifying Collegiate Mascot.”

They say in order to get over your fears, you must face them. I don’t know who “they” are, but despite my unwillingness, I will now proceed to describe the face of horror. His eyes have the murderous blue stare and that smile is nothing short of a sneer. Killian—what is he? A marauding Gael?—pities no one. He jumps with joy whenever a player from the opposing team gets hurt—clearly, mercy is not his forte. Though he is “loved” by the Iona community, I definitely do not share the same sentiments. I think twice about going to a basketball game, afraid that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will reappear into my nightmares.

For those who have never had the pleasure of meeting this creature, I suggest to avert your eyes and never participate in any campus-related activities in the future. Heed my warning.