The story of the Casper College mascot, Heyoka, starts with long-time Casper College physical science instructor Norm Weis. Weis wanted a mascot to represent the young community college nestled in the foothills of Casper Mountain. He chose the name Heyoka, a Native American word for medicine man. The Heyoka, among other things, was to watch over his tribe and send away evil spirits. Casper College's Heyoka was hoped to create the kind of spirit that would send away evil teams. In the fall of 1958, Weis found the perfect student to fit the bill as the first Heyoka, Leo Sanchez, who he observed singing and dancing and generally hamming it up. The two worked on the original costume, which consisted of rabbit fur stretched over a football helmet, epoxy eyes and a fiberglass beak. The nearly 50 feathers adorning the wings were all hand sewn by the two men. The goal was for Native American authenticity. Using the costume as a model in 1995, Casper College alumnus and sculptor, Chris Navarro crafted "Spirit of the Thunderbird" a bronze statue now on the front lawn of the college.
Since that time there have been three Heyokas. That first one was retired many years ago. Heyoka was replaced with "Thunderbird," in 2004.
The last Heyoka costume is now on display in the lobby of the "Swede" Erickson Thunderbird Gym.

Bill Landen
Athletic Director

(307) 268-2667

Bill Landen took over as athletic director two years ago, but he is not new to those who have been around Casper College and its athletic programs.

Bill has spent the past 22 years at Casper College. Prior to accepting his current role, Bill served as Director of College Relations for 18 years.

Bill's commitment to the T-Birds dates back to his student days at Casper College, where he wrote about Swede Erickson's T-Birds as editor of the campus newspaper. He later covered Casper College as a professional journalist for the Casper Star-Tribune and KTWO Radio.

Since his arrival in the athletic department, his focus has been on community and student involvement in the college's four sports programs. Bill has worked with the T-Bird Booster Club to establish a permanent endowment for athletics, and that fund hit the quarter million dollar mark this year.

T-Bird fans may recognize Bill from his days as the radio play-by-play voice of the T-Birds in the 1980s and '90s. Along with serving as the voice of the T-Birds, Bill spent 18 years in marketing and information for the college. He has earned numerous awards during his professional career, including twice being named Wyoming's Sportswriter of the Year by the national association of sportswriters and sportscasters. He was named Rosenthal Outstanding Administrator at Casper College in 1997. In 1993 he was honored by his peers as Communicator of the Year by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.

Along with his duties at Casper College, Bill was recently elected to the Wyoming Legislature as State Senator for District 27.

Bill's wife, Robyn, is the Director of Financial Services/Controller for Casper College. They have three children: Nick, Zack and Hailey.

Kay Demaree
Administrative Assistant, Athletics

307-268-3000

Kay joined the athletic department team after serving the past year as the academic assistant for the Business Division. Kay coordinates all the athletic office duties, including season ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.