By Noah Alatza
Hugging each student who came to speak with him after the show, Trey Mock presented an uplifting message during a Dec. 12 presentation to Westfield Middle School seventh- and eighth-graders.
Mock, a Westfield resident, is the mascot Blue for the Indianapolis Colts. He was selected the NFL’s Mascot of the Year in 2016. He created Blue in 2006 and designed everything from the head shape to the color.
Mock said he and his wife live in Westfield specifically for the community and school system. He said he decided to focus on bringing his message to schools in order help deliver a positive message to students.
“It’s awkward being in middle school and high school and trying to find who you are,” Mock said. “The message of not trying to hide behind a mask, it’s not something that happens overnight.”
Mock shared the story of Karyn Rizzi, a Make-A-Wish child who used her wish to have Blue visit with her family in 2010. Rizzi was fighting cancer, and Mock said what was supposed to be five-minute meeting turned into an unforgettable experience.
At a later Colts game, Mock said a woman stood up in the crowd and asked for Blue. The woman turned out to be Karyn’s mother, Angie, who wanted to thank Mock.
“I’ll never be able to repay you for what you gave my family,” she told Mock. Mock told students that the word “gave” jumped out at him.
“Choosing to give is choosing to love,” Mock said. “It wasn’t until I met the Rizzi family that we wanted to take this into schools.”
Thirty of the 40 shows have already been completed across the state for the 2018-19 school year.
Mock is exploring the possibility of bringing the presentation to Westfield High School sometime later this year or early next.
