On January 13, Austin Peay State University's mascot, The Governor, showcased its talents by taking home the Open Division Mascot National Championship at the 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Orlando, Fla.

While the Governor’s signature style was on display, bringing the crowd together by dancing, shaking hands, and leading cheers, what many didn’t know is that the face behind the Governor is none other than Greenbrier High School alum A.J. Crowder, who cut his teeth in the world of mascots as Bobby the Bobcat.

Before becoming Bobby, A.J. was well known for his displays of school spirit, and he could often be seen donning spirit wear and taking it upon himself to spread a little joy.

“I had such a passion for supporting sports and I was such a fan,” recalls A.J., who’s majoring in Business Marketing and Management at Austin Peay and is on pace to graduate in 2026. “I remember dressing up for all the games in middle school and painting my face.”

A.J.’s efforts to boost a little support for Greenbrier didn’t go unnoticed. While he was still in the 6^th grade, he was offered the opportunity to become Bobby the Bobcat, spending the next seven years attending school and community functions while honing his skills as an entertainer.

Over the years, A.J.’s abilities as a crowd-pleasing mascot have earned him quite a bit of recognition, including the 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Award, the 2020 Main Street Preps Person of the Year Award, the 2021 Mascot Training Camp Champion, and the 2022 Best Mascot Fan Favorite in Middle Tennessee Award.

Although A.J. had amassed an ever-growing list of accolades, nothing could have prepared him for the opportunity that presented itself in 2022. He was offered, and accepted, an Austin Peay State University mascot scholarship — the first of its kind.

“That's all I ever wanted, the opportunity to go to college and get a great education while doing what I love best,” he says.

And that’s the story of how A.J. Crowder became The Governor.

But, like all good stories, this was not the end. In the two years A.J. has spent as one of a team of two students serving as The Governor, his performances have catapulted him into the national spotlight and secured The Governor the title of Open Division Mascot National Champion.

With a philosophy that involves spreading positivity, A.J. thinks of The Governor as an ambassador of good will.

“I really want to make The Governor something that everyone looks forward to seeing at the pep rallies and games, so that when you see him, you're going to smile and have a better day after interacting with that character,” he shares.

A.J. hopes to capitalize on his experience as The Governor by securing a position as a professional mascot for a team or sports organization.

“I just want to spread love and community spirit and really create not only a brand, but a movement,” he says. “You know, it’s similar to the brand of this publication … always stay positive.”