Zane didn’t plan to become Sparty – he just saw an opportunity and took a chance. That one application turned into unforgettable moments, from quiet post-event drives across campus to standing in front of 75,000 fans in Spartan Stadium. Through it all, he learned that being Sparty isn’t just about high-fives and hype videos but about connection and community. Here’s his story of being the face of Michigan State and why he’ll carry the Sparty spirit with him long after the boots come off.
How did you become interested in portraying Sparty?
There wasn’t really anything specific pushing me toward the tryouts, it just happened. I thought, Why not? I submitted an application, figuring it could be fun. I’d grown up seeing Sparty at games and events and I had always thought he was cool, showing up in different places across the country, hyping up the crowd. I knew students portrayed him, but beyond that, I didn’t know much about the process until I actually went through it. What really intrigued me was the secrecy. I just gave it a shot and the rest is history.
What does Sparty mean to you?
Sparty has become a huge part of my life. To me, he represents not just Michigan State but the entire East Lansing community. Everyone knows who Sparty is because he brings joy to campus and beyond. What I love most is that Sparty embodies the spirit of MSU: fun, friendly, yet strong and full of character. He’s one of the few figures almost everyone loves. Unless you're a rival fan or afraid of mascots, it’s hard not to smile when you see him. Sparty finds a way to connect with everyone – kids, students and alums. He makes people feel included and reminds them why they love this place.
What is your favorite memory as Sparty?
The most meaningful memories aren’t always the big ones. These are the little moments that stick with me, like coming back to Spartan Stadium at 11 p.m. on a quiet summer Friday night after a wedding, just me and two of my best friends. No one else is around and that’s where a lot of the joy comes from.
I’ve always loved hanging out where other students are, because Sparty is a student too. When Sparty is with students, it just clicks. Whether it’s the dining hall, a study area or walking around campus, those moments create the best reactions and stories.
Sometimes it's as simple as a little kid handing you a drawing and giving you a hug. Those moments are the most special because they remind you why Sparty means so much.
Who was the coolest person you met?
During a trip to New York, I met Lady Gaga’s dad. He owns a restaurant there and is a big Spartan fan. Sparty showed up at his place for a donor dinner and we had some great conversations. I’ve also met MSU coaches and the governor at different events. When we were at Madison Square Garden, Carmelo Anthony was backstage near us. We didn’t officially meet him, but we were right next to him, messing around a bit, which was surreal.
That said, one of the biggest takeaways from being Sparty is that he treats everyone the same – whether it’s a celebrity or a seven-year-old kid. That’s something I really respect. Sparty brings the same energy to everyone.
What are the like the perks of being Sparty?
One of the best perks is being around happy people. Sparty makes people laugh and smile, so you’re often in positive, energetic environment, even at unexpected places like the Kellogg Center. You also get access to sporting events. You’re working, but you are courtside or at the field level. Another big perk is the connections. At every event, you meet new people, from students to university leaders and over time they start to recognize you. Building those relationships has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
What goofy things did you do?
There’s always one Michigan fan at every event. Sparty usually finds them to mess around. Whether it’s faking a fist bump or giving them bunny ears, it’s all in good fun, especially when their friends are Spartans joining in on the joke.
My favorite moments are when interactions go beyond just a photo. Sometimes Sparty can really take over like grabbing someone’s phone, FaceTiming their mom, who is an alum, and surprising her on the call. I actually did that recently and the person on the other end totally freaked out. Moments like that, when Sparty gets to show his personality and make a memory, are priceless.
Do you remember your first appearance as Sparty?
It wasn’t anything extravagant – just an appearance for a Give Green Day table at Brody Hall, right at the bottom of the stairs near Sparty’s. A couple of students had set up a table and wanted Sparty there to help draw people in and have some fun. It was simple without big stunts or special plans, just walking around, interacting and bringing energy to the space.
Funny enough, that’s how a lot of our events go. The description usually just says, “Have Sparty mingle, take photos, do what he does.” People don’t book Sparty to follow a script – they trust that he’ll make the event better just by being there. That freedom is one of the coolest parts of the job.
How did you manage to balance being Sparty and your studies?
It definitely took a lot of time management. Early on, I was juggling school, Sparty and another job – I worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods, then at the golf course and even had an internship last summer. Only recently have I focused solely on Sparty. The key for me was keeping everything in my calendar. As long as I blocked off time for classes or work, l would schedule events around it. I learned not to overcommit, trying to cross campus in 20 minutes and barely making it on time to my destination.
I also learned to make sacrifices like giving up free time or not going out to take on a Sparty event because I genuinely love doing it. Before traveling, I’d check class syllabi to make sure I wouldn’t lose attendance points. It wasn’t always easy but it was definitely worth it.
Who did you have to lie to about being Sparty?
Only a few people knew – my parents and my roommate. I told them right away since I was living with my roommate and my parents are both Spartans who’ve always loved MSU. I waited to tell my brother and sister. I surprised my brother during a basketball tournament in Chicago by showing up unexpectedly with a signed Sparty photo. That’s when it clicked for him, and he started asking all kinds of questions like, “Were you at this game?” My parents got emotional when I told them. I was the first in the family to go to MSU and being Sparty meant a lot to them. They’ve loved every second of it.
What was the most physically challenging part of your job?
Definitely adjusting to the heat. At first your body has no idea what it’s going through because the suit gets really hot and after events you feel this thing we call “brain fog.” You’re not shutting down but you’re definitely not functioning normally either.
What helped most was experience. Over time you learn how your body reacts in different conditions and how to manage it. Sparty might be outside in 20 degrees one day and in 85 degrees the next – those are totally different challenges and you have to adjust every time.
I work out here and there but honestly just doing events keeps you in shape.
Was it hard to do one-hand push ups?
Yeah, it was at first. That’s something we work on early during training. Throughout that semester-long training period we’d do them at every session and after almost every event, so it became routine pretty quickly. Once I got through training and became senior, I didn’t have to do it every single time but it still comes back around, especially when prepping for football season. We always make sure to get reps in and stay ready for those big moments.
What will you miss most about portraying the world's greatest mascot?
Everything. It’s the feeling of walking into the stadium knowing that I do something that never felt like a job. I’d see one of my best friends, goof around, make people laugh and just have fun. That kind of energy is rare.
I’ll miss being in the middle of the stadium with 75 thousand people watching. That feeling is unreal. It happens so fast it’s almost like you black out and later you look around and realize that every single person in this place was cheering for Sparty. Being at Breslin is another one – it gets so loud and the energy is incredible. Those are the moments that really stay with you. I’ll miss the little things too – riding in the MSU van with a teammate, heading to events, hanging out in the locker room and showing up as Sparty and instantly making someone’s day.
How will your experience of being Sparty help you in your future life and career?
A big part of being Sparty is learning how to connect with people. I’ve become way more personable and more willing to reach out and start conversations. Sparty pushes you to express yourself in ways you never expected. I’ve met thousands of people in all kinds of settings. You learn to adapt, communicate and make people feel seen. Taking that skill to my future career will definitely help. I’m really grateful for what Sparty taught me, both on and off the field.
Why would students want to apply for the program?
It’s the best time of your life. Everyone says college is the best four years — so why not make it ten times better? I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The four years I’ve had have been incredible and full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that most students never get to have.
If you love this place and want to represent the university, it’s a perfect opportunity. This program is for someone who’s ready to take initiative and help make campus an even better place.
What is your message to all the Spartans?
Take a breather, don’t stress too much about the little things. There’s always a lot going on around campus and in the world but it’s important to slow down and enjoy what’s around you. Take advantage of the opportunities here. Get out and do things, meet new people, make that new connection, go grab dinner with your friends. There’s so much to experience and MSU is a great place to do it. I love this place and I hope everyone else finds a reason to love it too!