Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
In the realm of college sports, few roles capture the spirit and energy of a team like that of a mascot. Robert Benigno, an alumnus of St. John’s University, transformed his spontaneous decision to become a mascot into a significant part of his life. As the volunteer coach for Johnny Thunderbird, he now mentors new performers who energize Red Storm fans.
Benigno's journey began during his first year at St. John’s when he decided to leave the men's track and field team due to scheduling conflicts. “I was a walk-on for men’s track and field, but the schedule became too much, so I looked for a new way to get involved on campus,” he said. He found his calling after watching Johnny the Lion perform at a game and thinking he could do better.
After training with the cheer squad and serving as an understudy for a year, Benigno became the primary mascot following the graduation of his predecessor. The transition from Redmen to Red Storm in 1994 brought "Thunder" as the new mascot. “It took about nine months for them to design and build Thunder,” Benigno recalled about its debut at Madison Square Garden against UConn.
With degrees in Business Management and an MBA in International Finance with a minor in Japanese, Benigno fondly remembers traveling with various teams including trips like attending bowling championships. His skills were honed through several mascot camps leading to All-American honors in 1996.
He performed under notable basketball coaches including Brian Mahoney and Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON. During an event celebrating St. John's 125th Anniversary with Coach Carnesecca, Benigno shared: “Hey kid, I hope you got a helmet on under there because they’re gonna kill you.”
Despite opportunities from professional teams like the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn), New York Islanders, Knicks, Liberty, and Philadelphia 76ers after retiring from being Thunder in 2000 to focus on his IT career.
Benigno returned as Thunder during a retro-themed game in 2024 reigniting his passion leading him back as volunteer coach for Johnny Thunderbird today while working as an IT consultant involved with police departments government offices special projects focusing on infrastructure planning setup networks servers active PTA president children’s school
He believes introverts excel best at being mascots: “The costume almost becomes an alter ego which is great.” His collaboration Alex Hramada Director Marketing Promotions Athletics invaluable elevating program credibility showcasing hard work mascot team spreading joy all ages
St John five costumes two rotate performances games following unwritten code never seen together not speak identify themselves head touch floor Consistency crucial students present character similarly using hand signals communicate smiling inside reflected outside “A happy face brings style grace.”
Only top students perform high-profile Madison Square Garden games requiring precision avoid crowd backlash difficult hot limited sight lines aware surroundings akin skiing snowboarding laying line planning path
This academic year Johnny Thunderbird appeared 120 events expecting increase next year aiming expand roster plans compete Universal Cheerleading Association National Mascot Championship Nationals fulfilling requirements attending camp ensuring top-tier status
“So many great memories from back then so able come back surreal,” Benigno reflects passionate nostalgic opportunity expand presence elevate program heights rooted unforgettable experiences suit
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