Talk about being a tough act to follow. In becoming the college’s first-ever mascot in the mid-1980s, Ayers set a standard by which others far and wide would be judged.

Recruited to the college by Cardinal Hall of Fame member Connie “CJ” Russell, he quickly took the new position to heights not even the legendary Russell could have imagined. He became, and still is, a valuable ambassador for the college.

Ayers, recipient of The President’s Award at the college, attended and graduated from Lamar University after leaving the college. At Lamar, also the Cardinals, he was also the mascot on the cheer squad, earning All-American honors.

After working for the National Cheerleading Association, teaching mascots at camps across the nation, and sales jobs, he moved on to bigger things. He had a successful career in television, films and Broadway.

In 1993, he landed a “job of a lifetime.” For 15 seasons on the PBS series, he was the costume performer for Baby Bop in “Barney and Friends.”

He also made appearances as Mini Rowdy for the Dallas Cowboys and Mini Mavs Man for the Dallas Mavericks.

Since 2005, Ayers has worked in private business.

He currently lives on Lake Palestine in Flint with his wife, Kim.