A Knight in Shining … Synthetic Fiber?

West Essex High School events might seem a little extra spirited this year.

The West Essex PTO helped fund the purchase of the school's first mascot, a silver, red and black oversized Knight complete with helmet, armor and the "WE" insignia.

A second round of tryouts at the high school on Friday will determine who will get to masquerade as the mascot during home games.

Four students auditioned for the part on Wednesday, each taking a turn sporting the helmet and showing what he or she would do to pump up the crowd at games.

Senior Sydney Applewhite went first, shouting an exuberant, "West Essex High ... Go! Fight! Win!" Although the mascot would most likely be silent, Applewhite was quite vocal about the fact that she was enjoying herself. She even pulled off a cartwheel with the helmet on.

"When you go in here, you are in a different world," the highly energetic Applewhite said before running out of the gym and disappearing down the hall.

The three other students at the tryouts, Matt Bronco, Daniel Hargrove and Sara Notte, all juniors, were there mostly to help create buzz about the new mascot.

"We're in the same class and we're good friends, so we decided to come together," Bronco said.

Hargrove made some animated moves during his audition, but overall, he said the helmet was "hot and sweaty."

Notte disagreed. "It wasn't uncomfortable," she said after taking her turn.

The Knight is expected to make appearances at home football games and special events, such as back-to-school night and playoff games, West Essex Athletic Director Damion Macioci said. After the fall season, the mascot will appear at basketball games and wrestling meets.

"We are trying to promote school spirit," Macioci said. "We have our first-ever Knight."

The mascot will make its debut during another first for the school, Knights Weekend, when all varsity sports teams will host home games on Friday and Saturday.

Refreshments will be served throughout the day Saturday and West Essex clothing and gear will be on sale. Students and fans are encouraged to show their West Essex pride by wearing the black and red school colors.