The first time that I had ever seen Boomer was at a volleyball game. Boomer was right in front of the crowd. I was a couple rows back and I leaned over and said to my friend (a bit too loud, I think), “I wonder how you become Boomer?”

It was only one guy at the time and it had been like his second year as the only Boomer. He swiveled around and stared at me. Then his handler told me to email Susan Brown, Missouri State’s spirit squads director.

A week later, I was in the suit.

My name is Wyatt Archer. I’m a senior. But you might know me as Boomer.

A lot of high-fives

It’s absolutely nerve-racking when you first put on the suit and walk out in front of a stadium of 7,000-8,000 people. The first thing you’re thinking in the clown shoes is “I hope I don’t fall and
end up on the internet.”

But after that first year or so of feeling that way, it gets a bit easier and it’s much more fun.

I’d like to imagine that I’m still me when I put the suit on, even though it’s a bear costume and I’m dancing in front of a bunch of people. I think out of the costume, I’m a bit more hesitant to dance. I think I give a lot less high-fives in person too. That’s about it, though. I think we’re about the same.

Being Boomer has benefits

Because of Boomer, public speaking is a lot easier now. I’m not afraid of presentations or speaking in front of people. If I’ve freestyle danced in front of a stadium, what’s the big deal about a presentation that’s 10 minutes, right?

I think giving me more confidence overall in myself and what I’m doing, that’s what Boomer’s done for me.

I’m definitely gonna miss the students. I love high-fiving people at tailgates and seeing people as I’m walking to an event that high-five me and ask to take a photo. Everyone just loves Boomer here.

I’m always going to visit Missouri State and try to visit Boomer. I think he’s going to know every time I show up that I used to be him.