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ARTHUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Five high schools in WCIA’s viewing area are gearing up for the state football semifinals, but only one has a local canine with her own social media following.
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond is getting their field ready to host Maroa Forsyth Saturday–with a little help from Hazel–the pup taking the town by storm. People in the village talked about how this furry friend has become a staple on campus and on the gridiron.
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“Hazel is adorable, and we all love her,” said ALAH cheerleading coach Misty Appleby.
The nine-year-old mixed breed knows her way around a place you wouldn’t normally see dogs.
“Hazel has been around for a few years, and Hazel makes appearances around the school every once in a while,” said Athletic Director Nathan Seal.
She tags along everywhere with her pup parent Justin Woodard, who works in building management for the school. Hazel has made quite a name for herself in that time.
“Everyone loves Hazel, especially the cheerleaders,” Appleby said. “They get really excited whenever Hazel comes in. Hazel has her own jersey, so that’s adorable. But we always try to get pictures with her before the games. I feel like she’s a little good luck charm, she’s so cute.”
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But earlier this month, as the Knights moved into the playoffs, Hazel decided to take the field herself.
“A few weeks ago, our director of maintenance, Mr. Woodard, took a video of Hazel in our turf tank,” Seal said. “And we posted that on our social media, and it’s kind of taken off from there.”
She may be small, but she’s mighty. And now she’s ready to continue backing ALAH, bringing the dog out of the Knights versus Maroa Forsyth on Saturday–a win that would send them to Normal for the state title.
“This is a special group of young men and, [I’m] very appreciative of their efforts and how they play and how they carry themselves and our coaches, and really everyone that’s associated with our school,” Seal said. “So, we’re excited.”
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