What would a trip to the Final Four be without a mascot? Would a national title even mean anything without Jonathan the Husky there, cheering the players on?
Luckily, we won’t have to find out the answer to that, as the lovable UConn mascot has made it to Houston after a harrowing few days.
Jonathan’s official account tweeted on Monday that it appeared the lovable mascot would not be able to accompany the UConn men’s basketball team to the Final Four in large part because he was too big to fit on a commercial plane.
When they tell you that you won’t fit on the plane. #seekingflighttotexas #bigboyproblems #FinalFour #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/KezaL3w49s
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 27, 2023
When former UConn women’s ice hockey player Annie Belanger asked for an update, it was a sad one. “Looks like I’m not going,” Jonathan’s account tweeted. “We’re unable to secure a plane ride for me and my 2 handlers. I’ll be cheering them on from home turf.”
Looks like I’m not going. We’re unable to secure a plane ride for me and my 2 handlers. I’ll be cheering them on from home turf.
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 29, 2023
Logistics. I’m too big to fit under plane seats. I can fly on a chartered flight that has 2 seats for me & another 2 for my assistants. I’m really a good boy and just need to be given the opportunity to represent UConn in Texas. 💙
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 29, 2023
Fans rallied together to offer their help for Jonathan.
Just book the charter and then tell us where to donate!! Good boy, Jonathan!
— Eli Adelman (@largenotmassive) March 29, 2023
if i had my drivers licenses i would drive both of us 💙💙
— Kelis Fisher✨ (@FisherKelis) March 30, 2023
Then UConn alum Matthew Chudoba decided to step up. He saw the tweet and emailed a Delta Airlines executive asking for help, and eventually was told that Jonathan would qualify for Delta’s Celebrity Pet program. Chudoba then reached out to UConn athletic director Dave Benedict to get the information of Jonathan’s handlers. He said Benedict called him right away and then texted their info. He then connected Delta with the handlers.
“UConn Nation is special and there are so many people who would be incredible things for this university,” Chuboda told The Courant in an email. “You look at (Twitter personality) Penfield starting the hot sauce challenge to raise money for Husky Ticket…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at UConn Mens Basketball – Hartford Courant…