Anthony James Transforms into Eagle Man

Big Stuff has a new friend to hang out with at games: Eagle Man.

Eagle Man made his first appearance at a men’s soccer game in early September, complete with gold tights, garnet shorts and “Eagle Man” emblazoned across his chest, rear and cape.

Freshman Anthony James created the campus superhero to promote school spirit and uplift players and the crowd. As Eagle Man, he dances on the sidelines, leads cheers and clowns around with his silent friend, Big Stuff.

“I call us Winthrop’s Dynamic Duo,” James said.

Homecoming will be another debut of sorts. Eagle Man and Big Stuff have planned a series of surprises for the men’s basketball games, but few details have emerged. “We’re trying to raise school spirit,” James said. “We want to help the fans enjoy the game.”

The idea for Eagle Man was hatched this summer. James first tried out his mascot wings at Mauldin High School his junior year and then created the Maverick Man persona for his senior year.

Now that he’s at Winthrop, he is drumming up plenty of attention with frequent campus appearances, a Facebook following and YouTube video. He greeted families at Family Weekend and sends out game notices for upcoming events.

Not content to stop there, this entrepreneurial student has a sponsor. Logo Works, which agreed to provide a limited number of free T-shirts, now sells the shirts.

The basketball games are a good place to introduce the community to the university’s newest super fan. James and the marketing staff with Winthrop Athletics have worked together to designate a section for Eagle Man fans. “Fly like an eagle,” James encourages those around him.

Anthony at a Glance

• Major: Undecided but leaning toward marketing and management

• High School: Mauldin High School

• Other activities: Emerging Leaders and WU Crew

• Future plans: “I just take one day at a time and live life to the fullest.”