Jerzees are Rad | Tufts jersey sales shoot to No. 1 amid rise in Jumbo popularity

    After years of fearing the Jumbo, sports fans around the country are finally embracing it, as sales of Tufts University jerseys have skyrocketed to No. 1 in the nation this month following the blistering success of the school's athletic program this fall season.
    By moving to the top, Tufts has surpassed traditional powerhouses such as the UNC and Ohio State and set about creating a powerful and unrivaled brand in the arena of Div. III team merchandise. According to Director of Athletics Bill Gehling, increased revenue from the sales of Tufts merchandise will help facilitate several new development projects.
    "Our new pool will now be shaped like an elephant," he said. "We have the resources and the people have demanded no less."
    Many independent analysts have pointed

to the appearance of Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis at Tufts women's basketball games last winter as one reason for the growth in Jumbo pride and awareness.
    "He's all that you could hope for in a superfan," said Darren Rovell, the sports business columnist for ESPN. "When you have a 290-pound professional athlete with a background in ballet supporting your program, it's bound to grab the headlines."
    Sophomore Eli Mackinnon, an avid fan of everything brown and blue, began attending games regularly after he heard about Davis.
    "I thought Jumbo was dead, but then I saw Big Baby in the crowd," he said. "I never thought the university would invest so much in a new mascot."
    The top-selling Tufts jersey has been that of sophomore Justin Mitchell, a member of the hockey team. Mitchell's marketability can be partially traced to the release of his debut record "One Day" and his dreamy good looks, which are featured prominently on the album cover.
    "He's just so beautiful," said one freshman girl, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of damaging her chances with Mitchell. "Like, I can't believe he goes to Tufts. I sleep in one of his jerseys every night."
    Mitchell, who was featured in the Oct. 24 issue of the Daily, is trying to stay humble in the midst of his commercial success.
    "The sky's the limit — just go as far as you can," he said. "I definitely have goals and hopes but try to keep it in check and stay grounded in that respect."
    The second highest-selling Tufts jersey belongs to senior tailback Will Forde, who is currently second in the NESCAC in rushing yards. Coming in third is sophomore pitcher Noble "Jack" Dilday III, while the fourth spot belongs to field hockey forward Tamara Brown's No. 9.     Rounding out the top five is the official game polo worn by veteran football coach Bill Samko. Samko's appearance in the top five has surprised even the most hardened experts, as his shirt is only manufactured in one size: XXL.
    "I bought one of his polos," said the 6'4" Mackinnon. "I'm hoping I'll grow into it."