tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74330794133009618022024-03-19T02:53:08.166-07:00MascotNet's Mascot SpotlightMASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-55825680396660640602011-05-10T18:25:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:16:43.000-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8bFlzK61nf8jBJZYgu95UrONy3bS_SidB_Ih6P4hD-v_uRc22bAVxksVtNxwhnGnF1DJ2uloYGV2Eox79J2UQW5LRc0E88nfOfkkNy5AM_5BCvqgkHt_Dv9dIj_qmdshIcErZKj2Uz4/s1600/P1070044.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8bFlzK61nf8jBJZYgu95UrONy3bS_SidB_Ih6P4hD-v_uRc22bAVxksVtNxwhnGnF1DJ2uloYGV2Eox79J2UQW5LRc0E88nfOfkkNy5AM_5BCvqgkHt_Dv9dIj_qmdshIcErZKj2Uz4/s320/P1070044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605275821767883698" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes it's good to get back home. Sorry it's been a few months, but re-introducing Winger was a thrilling moment for me and my family. Winger never saw 18,000 Capitals fans in one place, it was pretty amazing. And Slapshot's gracious gesture to share the spotlight for a game was too precious.<br /><br />I had a lot of learning to do when I was in my early 20's and the Washington Capitals provided plenty of frustration, but also some golden moments. My sons got to see the "gilded revision" of this in the power and passion the Caps' provide for their red-clad faithful.<br /><br />Don't burn bridges, mascots. And if you ever get the chance to return home, take it. And be thankful.MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-42985769933662639132011-01-28T16:37:00.000-08:002011-01-28T16:37:22.137-08:00Show the love.... bring in the fans!<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Rw1VWlhlMZU?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />You know, it's always more fun when the fans get involved. And fans don't necessarily mean "innocent bystander" fan. I love this video because Eddie looks so real, although I'll bet this was a scripted, rehearsed stunt.<br /><br />Don't be afraid to bring fans into your fun. As a mascot, don't be afraid to be "showed up". BIG kudos to G-Man, who let his superhero powers be overshadowed this night.<br /><br />Enjoy, and share the excitement!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-22456834599271267492011-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:002011-01-12T06:42:51.166-08:00Happy Blog Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsqlHBe2N23a8eLWIVw423t8Fe6RgsX2FdgXiLYvzHPsVJ71VwQFmm4bU8raqdrHt1BkD1whjSYNmlHGc_vC_R4ltQaY9ccjKVvT5f3fuNZiOGaLPn6-1YwdSAwcPpcdUU0dLCwRfZpU/s1600/P1060716.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsqlHBe2N23a8eLWIVw423t8Fe6RgsX2FdgXiLYvzHPsVJ71VwQFmm4bU8raqdrHt1BkD1whjSYNmlHGc_vC_R4ltQaY9ccjKVvT5f3fuNZiOGaLPn6-1YwdSAwcPpcdUU0dLCwRfZpU/s320/P1060716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561309903890416274" border="0" /></a><br />Blogging is tough... well, it's tough for a mom with a home business and a lot of crazy distractions, to keep a regular log of cool things and thoughts. That's why it's fun to check out others' blogs and see what they're up to.<br /><br />If you're a mascot fan take some time and check out the following online journals:<br /><br />Rob Bowdouin's "The Anonymous Celebrity". One of the most creative and successful performers in any sport, Rob has some great professional advice for those who want to break into the "Bigs": http://theanonymouscelebrity.com/?p=149<br /><br />If you're a fan of high standards with a sprinkle of sarcasm check out Kelly Frank's submissions to Gameops.com. Kelly is constantly pushing quality performance for the mascot character: http://www.gameops.com/essay-writers/Loathing<br /><br />John Cudo is a veteran of NBA characters and has built the premium website for game operations information. You can find his regular postings at: http://gameops.com/wp/<br /><br />Brad Collins made his mark on minor league baseball's mascot world and continues to leave huge pawprints in: http://talkingmascot.blogspot.com/<br /><br />And although it's not a mascot-specific blog, you can't find a bigger mascot blogging fan. Benjamin Hill gives amazing insight into minor league baseball promotions at: http://bensbiz.mlblogs.com/<br /><br /><br />"Mascotting" is a performance art form. The more we are able to share experiences the better our art form will get. Let us know how things are going in your neck of the mascot world!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-14007521555694916282010-11-27T19:13:00.000-08:002010-11-27T21:37:45.509-08:00Mascots and the HolidazeSomething <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDTARCmtVRMoRmfGDQaYAkFwVgRT_kCkIJUOzg5R_kY9IQxC4x7ASbFIrlAdjX1aja4COp85u2C0mtfumDvqGjVMo8eRz4vGy7vKC-mwz-lbwmkangP0WahjT1gb8J4fnWKyDEDVY4Bk/s1600/155618_471609952719_734567719_5414100_6906117_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDTARCmtVRMoRmfGDQaYAkFwVgRT_kCkIJUOzg5R_kY9IQxC4x7ASbFIrlAdjX1aja4COp85u2C0mtfumDvqGjVMo8eRz4vGy7vKC-mwz-lbwmkangP0WahjT1gb8J4fnWKyDEDVY4Bk/s320/155618_471609952719_734567719_5414100_6906117_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544438030282255058" border="0" /></a>always gets me excited when the holidays roll around. Back in 1980 I started on this crazy mascot journey as "Super Smurf" and "Azrael the Cat" from the Smurfs cartoon series for Boscov's Department Store of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. My first job was to play a part in a "Breakfast with Santa" skit, where Gargamel and Azrael stole Santa from the kids' party, but Super Smurf swept in to save the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-E6SfkiuQdnoYAtm647udH5wsUxAMqJUQao_JtbTSgin4OvGwenv2bNLBvfDGnKEKnUXdJdSM71Rh_LcIjv6OmFziRH5_qnrey98Kvz0GswllL8_EjIM98CvyeH4bjV8QI6ELgbTdvY/s1600/santachamp.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-E6SfkiuQdnoYAtm647udH5wsUxAMqJUQao_JtbTSgin4OvGwenv2bNLBvfDGnKEKnUXdJdSM71Rh_LcIjv6OmFziRH5_qnrey98Kvz0GswllL8_EjIM98CvyeH4bjV8QI6ELgbTdvY/s320/santachamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544438576800472162" border="0" /></a>Later each weekend night "Super Smurf" and Santa Claus flew across Main Street to Boscov's front door, chasing away mean ol' Gargamel and Azrael and saving Christmas for the Wilkes-Barre kids. And then after Christmas for a week I got to stroll around the department store, well-wishing the shoppers who were returning gifts, and enjoying my first paying job... as a ten-year-old!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoHt4NYqxi_uGCtNIG_n6hSE6bFF3KTnvmlD8Ku6-pryKZ73RPJHtvGE6EQhRSB_tlbJNri3Eb674tfk_K8IPv03DJQOEh067t0_998t8Z9ITwspBucn92LosUewGu90E7AssqwaAeD4/s1600/Cylosanta.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoHt4NYqxi_uGCtNIG_n6hSE6bFF3KTnvmlD8Ku6-pryKZ73RPJHtvGE6EQhRSB_tlbJNri3Eb674tfk_K8IPv03DJQOEh067t0_998t8Z9ITwspBucn92LosUewGu90E7AssqwaAeD4/s200/Cylosanta.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544439036768164258" border="0" /></a>Anyway, maybe that's where all the mascotty-Christmas stuff came about. Even in high school I was sewing up a Santa hat for my Comet mascot costume. I bought a cheap Santa suit in my freshman year at Kutztown and was disappointed with the quality of the trim, so I bought extra fur and re-sewed the white to be fluffy and bright!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoJ2OWnZD2dGwMBMAkVn5xuFEw2makmzw64zEglMSI4n9KUu3QpNvVOnaiucMYH_XCnzCXYjZpXyLgOalnKAYvEpq4ItkmiB8D1HLcmt5aGqV68m0L_iVJjI0Z07QdPglejDdwIj7TLk/s1600/ReggyClaus.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoJ2OWnZD2dGwMBMAkVn5xuFEw2makmzw64zEglMSI4n9KUu3QpNvVOnaiucMYH_XCnzCXYjZpXyLgOalnKAYvEpq4ItkmiB8D1HLcmt5aGqV68m0L_iVJjI0Z07QdPglejDdwIj7TLk/s320/ReggyClaus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544442656833972802" border="0" /></a>Since then I've had the pleasure - and it is a pleasure - of making a number of mascot Santa suits for different characters. Enjoy the pictures, and if you want some prices or advices let me know!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEkfFViaaJsZDLkFl0WqHoR1ujetZFfDSVmkzUxAbp0v4TyK0W0QPzEY8Jx1gDjmD304GDRTrCzLR6l_53Hj-Sj7hyphenhyphen489-o2y3jFhHE39ulmWOdhCXOehqGIn-xEQrY5SCJ1wkG_7P0Q/s1600/Duke+Santa.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEkfFViaaJsZDLkFl0WqHoR1ujetZFfDSVmkzUxAbp0v4TyK0W0QPzEY8Jx1gDjmD304GDRTrCzLR6l_53Hj-Sj7hyphenhyphen489-o2y3jFhHE39ulmWOdhCXOehqGIn-xEQrY5SCJ1wkG_7P0Q/s200/Duke+Santa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544469192418701602" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNYcWq7g017pU5ON-Rk1ucTXKdfZxfLj3FHZHVLxBXDzQ6HV1yyry0ahV4XKsnRH77w0klttEhL1PnGDBkfu5MtIYkdtH0b6B7VHpQe9yNWqxId4H1SqglumtiEdLiAe4DG_76MjdWpQ/s1600/Duke+Santa+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNYcWq7g017pU5ON-Rk1ucTXKdfZxfLj3FHZHVLxBXDzQ6HV1yyry0ahV4XKsnRH77w0klttEhL1PnGDBkfu5MtIYkdtH0b6B7VHpQe9yNWqxId4H1SqglumtiEdLiAe4DG_76MjdWpQ/s200/Duke+Santa+%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544468952943414210" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL9oPcCuaBDF_8wvFkWNDKbd8yuPmQcsD_gq5IOPB2Kwlomxeecc3-GmsKFzWXd5oiJk_NG9mNxECV4TMZBqlVUONCzXOGRybY-SntzC_NhRs0bj7-94qz1DGvdY0IxPtgpzV_Jfvvq0/s1600/clauscute.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL9oPcCuaBDF_8wvFkWNDKbd8yuPmQcsD_gq5IOPB2Kwlomxeecc3-GmsKFzWXd5oiJk_NG9mNxECV4TMZBqlVUONCzXOGRybY-SntzC_NhRs0bj7-94qz1DGvdY0IxPtgpzV_Jfvvq0/s200/clauscute.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544470030124331010" border="0" /></a>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-80594577062678764012010-09-29T21:05:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:10:58.470-07:00Why I love Big Red...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/03/25/sports/basketball/25bigred.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 409px; height: 270px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/03/25/sports/basketball/25bigred.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_BYO_6nvdI">Big Red's ESPN commercial</a><br /><br />Don't forget to vote for Big Red in the <a href="http://www.capitalonebowl.com/">Capital One Bowl National Mascot Challenge</a>. Or he'll eat your cat.MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-35680451376224464472010-09-29T20:59:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:05:50.528-07:00It's midnight.... do you know where your Mascot is?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8L4cTsJAOIObZkFey0kAdUPNCr9Gdx_Wm88G7ivqALH8-dYZFRNqnpLLBWzG8_xntrvcGpE8Sgk9w8Ed_tAAWGd1CIAtZJ-p_eY2r3CyvArzgS3P2d-6QUjS6hwzfjoYS29fcFxdjRQ/s1600/P1050949.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8L4cTsJAOIObZkFey0kAdUPNCr9Gdx_Wm88G7ivqALH8-dYZFRNqnpLLBWzG8_xntrvcGpE8Sgk9w8Ed_tAAWGd1CIAtZJ-p_eY2r3CyvArzgS3P2d-6QUjS6hwzfjoYS29fcFxdjRQ/s320/P1050949.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522551947979202210" border="0" /></a><br />Most likely your mascot is on a social network coming up with some new ideas for skits!<br /><br />I love checking in with my mascot buddies on Facebook. While mascot.net's Bulletin Board System is sloooooooowing down, Facebook is able to get me back in touch with people from 15-20 years ago who roamed the sidelines with me, and helped create some great myths and legends for our schools.<br /><br />So if you see me on Facebook, I might be just looking around, with my fingers busily sewing something, or letting one of the kiddos check out a funny video clip. But definitely keep in touch! If you don't we'll send the Titan after you.MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-59088244278434258752010-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:002010-09-22T08:12:15.082-07:00Time to crank up Big Red's support!Erin~<br /><br />Congratulations~ You have been selected as our Capital One Blogger for WKU - I'm so excited you applied - I am going to be posting about it today on my site.<br /><br />Would love if you could post about it in the next 24-48 hours....as well as sending out a tweet/FB update.<br /><br />We want to start sending as many votes as possible to Big Red Fans at www.CapitalOneBowl.com - process is SO easy - I'm sure you know - but each week there is a match up and you want them to BEAT their opponent!<br /><br /><br /><br />yus. Now it's time to bring Western Kentucky the power of MascotNet and have some fun with this contest! Go Big Red!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-49983800533161292472010-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:002010-09-13T15:47:13.173-07:00What a crazy year it's been so far!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavqCbwCXjPs7nF7dPrd8-DAtjFwe6tGyNNTrXahDuxvABNE8BNyNN_AeKCMOt8huBuix5uPN8Y3otyX3ov-SnC6kRn37yGU4FaSLtmIhNA_YA9wfxzIdB75kZTfhqwsvx_mjywZYw3x4/s1600/P1050493.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavqCbwCXjPs7nF7dPrd8-DAtjFwe6tGyNNTrXahDuxvABNE8BNyNN_AeKCMOt8huBuix5uPN8Y3otyX3ov-SnC6kRn37yGU4FaSLtmIhNA_YA9wfxzIdB75kZTfhqwsvx_mjywZYw3x4/s320/P1050493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516531067061126002" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, can it get much busier? I don't know.<br /><br />Last year we brought on four new people to help us build costumes, design characters, and wear mascots for local teams.<br /><br />This summer we trained nearly 50 people in the fine art of mascotdom.<br /><br />Recycled costumes are becoming more popular.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm bringing Casey Bear to my son's Pre-K class, it's "B" week!<br /><br />Oh, and if you haven't seen them yet, here are some video highlights from our 2010 mascot camps!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFx8T7vaadE">Yes, they DID silly string Sergeant Slaughter!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vCfPwo-wH4&feature=related">Yes, they DID Twist with the Phillie Phanatic!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAmpE3IQJhY">Yes, they DID dance to Japanese Hip Hop at San Jose Giants' Japanese Heritage Day!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlRw5Dne1vg">Yes, they DID take down York's mascot in a tug-of-war!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUTJVx7S7A">Yes, he DID hold his own with the Phillie Phanatic in a dance contest!</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Seeing the work that the campers and trainers put into the time we spent really makes me feel proud that I'm at a point in my life where I can enjoy what I do, enjoy my family, and look to more days on the bench cheering these mascots on, and less in suit. But not totally out of suit!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-91139086462855045912009-08-29T09:32:00.000-07:002009-08-29T09:59:58.827-07:00Keystone Mascot Camp 2009 Video Highlights!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKSQ4uyOPhLGPtXkEua2fyEjCpgfWPWkRnXZGKfmt_SVtx59i04d0bzyzkS8mEtLyqgovZDGFXJHLj9dYriQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />What a great summer for mascot camps. Fifteen mascots romped, danced and pumped up the crowds in Hershey, Reading and Lancaster, Pa. Thanks to all our mascot performers who made this season special!<br /><br /><object id="player_swf" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="308" width="490"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn-akm.vmixcore.com/core-flash/UnifiedVideoPlayer/UnifiedVideoPlayer.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="player_id=fd3ccca387e16061ebb7a25989f3109e&token=1d3221aa07978720c60b5a57e173db42&smoothing=1"><embed name="player_swf" src="http://cdn-akm.vmixcore.com/core-flash/UnifiedVideoPlayer/UnifiedVideoPlayer.swf" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="player_id=fd3ccca387e16061ebb7a25989f3109e&token=1d3221aa07978720c60b5a57e173db42&smoothing=1" swliveconnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" height="308" width="490"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.keystonemascots.com/mascotcamp.html"></a>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-54608944627471819242009-07-17T20:47:00.000-07:002009-07-17T20:49:41.904-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe6UDVs7AJ7FqstvwjkfiWWLUOSvvQ46IZDTiyhxsPgfX2J2-_mickow6wyxH4DIBQzWpnALkT3PjCao86HTeBJ1AQMP_BbmhHcRZh6hyphenhyphenTxnHGhLSkXQPjAKVcURzM6ToBx2ZMCGXkUI/s1600-h/ALeqM5jEPjdfB1JoKLm7dVZ1mpeqIHYRRg.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe6UDVs7AJ7FqstvwjkfiWWLUOSvvQ46IZDTiyhxsPgfX2J2-_mickow6wyxH4DIBQzWpnALkT3PjCao86HTeBJ1AQMP_BbmhHcRZh6hyphenhyphenTxnHGhLSkXQPjAKVcURzM6ToBx2ZMCGXkUI/s320/ALeqM5jEPjdfB1JoKLm7dVZ1mpeqIHYRRg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359642226850836978" /></a><br />School mascots get tips on sideline safety<br /><br />By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON (AP) – 3 days ago<br /><br />When Jevin Fluegel took the job as his high school's mascot, "Ty the Tiger," he thought the gig would be all about generating school spirit and making people smile.<br /><br />He didn't know it would involve learning self defense, too.<br /><br />"You're an easy target" when you're in costume, said Fluegel, who will be a senior at Union Endicott High School in Endicott, N.Y. "Kids want to pull my tail. Even adults are like that. We don't let that go by."<br /><br />Fluegel has honed his mascot and self-preservation skills at yearly training camps taught by former professionals. It helped him keep his cool, for example, when a fan from an opposing team ran straight for him during a football game.<br /><br />The training sessions, usually held over three days, teach high school and college students character development, dance moves and safety skills. Campers spend time in and out of costume and watch video footage of themselves performing.<br /><br />"There's much more that goes into mascotting than we ever dreamed," said Teresa Gereaux, director of public relations at Roanoke College, in Salem, Va., which enlisted the help of Keystone Mascots, a Brownstone, Penn., company, when it launched a new mascot — a maroon-tailed hawk named Rooney — in April.<br /><br />"We felt training for our mascot students would be valuable to them and valuable to the institution," she said.<br /><br />The professionals stressed safety, which includes pairing mascots with spotters, providing safe places for them to take breaks and making sure they don't become overheated in their suits, she said. Assigning mascots companions protects them from bullies and helps them maneuver in their costumes, many of which combine big feet and poor visibility.<br /><br />Mascots can face "serious physical injury" from poor visibility and from "punks" who want to hurt them, said Erin Blank, owner of Keystone Mascots.<br /><br />"Even in high school, we need to have somebody with the mascot that can be their eyes and ears and voice," Blank said.<br /><br />Cait Norman, a high school mascot for three years, could not believe how rough sports fans can be on mascots.<br /><br />"They'll body-check you," said the 18-year-old, who dressed as a cedar tree during football and basketball games at Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania. "They're trying to look cool. Really, you're beating up a mascot. What's so tough about that?"<br /><br />Sending Norman to camp helped Lebanon High get the most out of the mascot, said school adviser Terri Johnston.<br /><br />"There are a lot of unwritten rules of mascotting like not talking in costume," Johnston said. "It's something you have to learn how to do."<br /><br />Staying quiet was "the hardest thing ever," said Norman, who relied on gestures, signs and dances to rev up the crowd.<br /><br />Learning to engage a crowd without words is what makes a mascot successful, said Dave Raymond, the original Philly Phanatic, who now runs a mascot boot camp.<br /><br />"This takes practice in front of a mirror," said Raymond, owner of Raymond Entertainment Group in Newark, Del. "Every subtle nuance of movement up to very large movements is very purposeful."<br /><br />He teaches mascots how to do everything from creating a back story for their characters to managing the heat inside the costume to sewing and cleaning the suits.<br /><br />Figuring out what you can and can't do in costume is crucial, said Fluegel, who has had his share of mishaps. He fell during a broomball game, lost his costume's head while visiting an elementary school, and dodged an underwear-clad fan who charged him during a football game.<br /><br />"People think you're just putting on a suit and making a fool of yourself," he said. "It's hard. It's a science."<br /><br />Devon Kendall gladly tolerates the heat and discomfort of his panther costume because of the positive impact the mascot has had on fans at Spencer-Van Etten High School in Spencer, N.Y. The soon-to-be senior revived the mascot program two years ago.<br /><br />"Our school had no hope — no school spirit," said Devon, 16. "It's made a complete difference. There's a lot more people coming to the games."MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-27552499715960203062009-01-10T20:21:00.000-08:002009-01-10T20:27:48.028-08:00CollegeHoops.net rates the Diplomat Mascots!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORBMGAZvct9cTYPUMP-5Mxuy4QeHi8sdAyo5lP0bcfXuc0RpMsXTI1N29XHSXXid1kchXBOcIiu_wAUMc7NQ9KmF_196U1sqp6HwMt_h_mtQsENnqUilJnAUlZn7MBIcGi2O0oKR_Dtw/s1600-h/john.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORBMGAZvct9cTYPUMP-5Mxuy4QeHi8sdAyo5lP0bcfXuc0RpMsXTI1N29XHSXXid1kchXBOcIiu_wAUMc7NQ9KmF_196U1sqp6HwMt_h_mtQsENnqUilJnAUlZn7MBIcGi2O0oKR_Dtw/s200/john.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289887708149784578" /></a><br /><br />Top 10 College Mascots<br /><br />With non-conference play all but done and conference play starting up, CollegeHoops.net decided to bridge the two with a topic more important than both: mascots!<br /><br />Mascots were originally used to help bring good luck to a team, and the theme has stayed ever since. This listing gives love to mascots from all over college basketball. Some are household names. Others you may have never heard of until now. Regardless of publicity (but not hilarity), I bring you the top college basketball mascots in the land.<br /><br />10. Syracuse Orangeman – We'll start with one of the more well-known mascots. What’s a better mascot than a giant orange with a blue hat? Sightings include numerous ESPN commercials and all Syracuse basketball home games. The orange has played a crucial role in Jim Boeheim’s success over the years.<br /> <br />9. UCSC Banana Slug – Arguably the toughest mascot in all of sports. It was once removed as mascot by the dean at the university, but a strong rally by the UCSC faithful made sure the slug returned to its rightful home. Pulp Fiction fans will recognize the banana slug on the t-shirt that John Travolta wears in the movie.<br /><br />8. WKU Hilltopper (aka big red blob) – This thing is anything but a hilltopper, and has stemmed from former WKU coach E.A. Diddle nervously clutching a red towel during games. Public appearance of hilarity: the commercial in which the blob is sitting in his prom date’s kitchen being grilled by her parents, and the dad looks at it and simply says “I don’t even know what you are.” <br /><br />7. Stanford Tree – Many fans may be thinking “Why the hell is the Cardinal’s mascot a tree?” It stems from the fact that the tree is a redwood tree, as Palo Alto, CA is not too far from California’s historic redwood forests (having been there, I’d recommend it to those looking to get as far away from every form of human civilization as possible). Nonetheless, the tree is comical-looking, and as ESPN’s Pat Forde can surely tell you, is a lot of fun to dress as.<br /><br />6. Delaware Fighting Blue Hen (YouDee) – What’s more fierce than a hen? A blue hen!<br /><br />5. Dartmouth’s Keggy the Keg – This mascot was never approved by Dartmouth, but Keggy sure has brought a lot of excitement to Hanover, NH. This keg was the #1 fan at all things Dartmouth, and proved to be a good luck charm at countless lacrosse matches. Who could say no to a keg that’s grinning from ear to ear? I certainly couldn’t. <br /><br />4. St. Joe’s Hawk – Students at St. Joe’s have plenty of financial incentive to tryout to be the hawk for basketball ga mes, because doing so waives all tuition fees. The catch? The mascot has to flap its arms for all 40 minutes. Eager students should hit the gym before attempting such a feat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIGq2llYnJo5XVYhTmythyphenhyphennbK5Iyib3lGzMmaCuYQ2NvCsQmHqiJGa29785WkHlsLokEEeNz_TaciXpvlZ-gDyjAV8edQ6EGFyVTYqItY2vHOTd3lwjy4kK5-aXraQ2VVve9vb-JCNc8/s1600-h/ben.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIGq2llYnJo5XVYhTmythyphenhyphennbK5Iyib3lGzMmaCuYQ2NvCsQmHqiJGa29785WkHlsLokEEeNz_TaciXpvlZ-gDyjAV8edQ6EGFyVTYqItY2vHOTd3lwjy4kK5-aXraQ2VVve9vb-JCNc8/s200/ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289887547287862818" /></a>3. Franklin and Marshall College Diplomats – These mascots made the list because I nearly fell out of my chair laughing after I saw them. What’s better than two of America’s Founding Fathers smiling and giving the thumbs up?<br /><br />2. UCSB's "Fanton of the Dome" - UCSB's athletics teams are the Gauchos.. which is cool to begin with. Second, they play in the Thunderdome, which not only sounds bad ass, its a good arena too. And finally, add in the "Fantom of the Dome" and you have the ultimate combination. The Fantom doesn't appear at all games anymore, as he's just a random dude who lives in So Cal, but he showed up for the Gauchos big showdown with UNC and will no doubt continue to be a UCSB tradition.<br /><br />1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Nads – First off all, I didn’t even know RISD had a mascot. But if I were to guess what the school’s mascot would be, I certainly wouldn’t have guessed that it’d be a pair of testicles. Scrotie is the number one fanatic for RISD sporting events, and makes the list due to the hilarious amount of shame and disgust it brings to the university.MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-10466920240008163172009-01-06T13:15:00.000-08:002009-01-06T13:25:37.451-08:00Camps, Critters, and Continued growth!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_YuEecW9TfVceYlUW8nOB-tZEy6yKEv9gaNbe6ZHeCs09T48mx4F24iKtHRVNiW-K70yPaY3bd4Vn8YjPDn46Tk-A8H5_s2y_WK_WMQ7V_LtrvVff7VWUloZt8GsB7onU49PKi3Zzc/s1600-h/mascotcampenzo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_YuEecW9TfVceYlUW8nOB-tZEy6yKEv9gaNbe6ZHeCs09T48mx4F24iKtHRVNiW-K70yPaY3bd4Vn8YjPDn46Tk-A8H5_s2y_WK_WMQ7V_LtrvVff7VWUloZt8GsB7onU49PKi3Zzc/s200/mascotcampenzo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288294988305149106" /></a><br />Although our business got hit by a nearly 20 percent decrease last year (let's factor in the car accident, baby arrival and a few recessions in the economy!) we are approaching 2009 with renewed enthusiasm and interest by clients. <br /><br />We're keeping prices the same for 2009 camps and costumes. We're also seeing a greater interest in recycling old costumes for services, and also seeing more trade for services. Thank you Schwanger Brothers, Universal Athletic Club and Isaac's for some great trades this past year!<br /><br />Our mascot ministry got to visit Philadelphia five times this year, entertain at a half dozen ballparks, and keep our church kids wondering, "who is in there now???". The mascots even made Penn Del's Kids Camp a little more fuzzier this past summer.<br /><br />Keystone Mascots is excited that our local baseball teams are warming up to what we can do for them, offering cost-cutting repairs, refurbishments and performer referrals.<br /><br />And we're also seeing a few more camp host inquiries! Keep your eye out for camp locations outside of Eastern Central Pennsylvania!<br /><br />Thank you to all of you who have contributed in some small way to our business and ministries. God continues to bless what we do, and we want to continue to pass on those blessings to you.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />ErinMASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-54261912468972311642008-08-19T11:20:00.000-07:002008-08-19T11:36:26.056-07:00Mascot Camp footage!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DSvH1Z93qts&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DSvH1Z93qts&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br><br />Teens learn to give mascots personality<br />By STEVE SNYDER<br />Staff Writer<br />Lebanon Daily News<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qpazsh_xIWe5tYUpsLH6zDYa_37C2rFRhcW58oiReo865uqF6_5lpGKYbONHlMyyhxO7ONSBUx9yN8k82craPhoGVrzzmOHbYsvEVy8IgOdkBW2QfWBGhReJv99KNGg1edF7MHdRKes/s1600-h/Knotty.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qpazsh_xIWe5tYUpsLH6zDYa_37C2rFRhcW58oiReo865uqF6_5lpGKYbONHlMyyhxO7ONSBUx9yN8k82craPhoGVrzzmOHbYsvEVy8IgOdkBW2QfWBGhReJv99KNGg1edF7MHdRKes/s320/Knotty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236297394399913234" /></a>PALMYRA — Rooty, the Lebanon Cedar mascot, and one of his arch rivals, the Manheim Central Baron, have been engaging in some playful fun this week and learning how to do their jobs better.<br /><br />Both are attending a three-day camp at Paramount Sports Complex which wraps up today.<br /><br />Tonight both Rooty and the Baron, along with about 20 other campers, will perform at the Lancaster Barnstormers’ baseball game.<br /><br />Abdiel Perez will be playing the part of Rooty tonight.<br /><br />“Everyone loves Rooty,” he said. “We’re different than everyone else.”<br /><br />By “different,” Perez meant that Rooty is a tree, not an animal or human or some cross between the two, like the Phillie Phanatic.<br /><br />“Some of the other mascots say a tree’s not cool,” said Sylvana Quinones, another one of the five students who will be sharing duties as Rooty during the upcoming school year. “But we think he’s cool. Our school’s the Cedars, so we have to have a tree.”<br /><br />Ashley Effrece, the third Lebanon student, all sophomores, to attend the camp, said each of the five has different talents, but they’ll all look the same when they are in costume.<br /><br />“>You can’t distinguish who’s in the suit,” Perez said.<br /><br />“If Rooty’s dancing, it’s me,” Effrece said.<br /><br />“Rooty could be hyper one day and calm the next,” Quinones said of the student performers’ personalities.<br /><br />“Rooty could be a boy one day and a girl the next.”<br /><br />Each say the camp helped them play the role of Rooty.<br /><br />“I’ve learned a lot,” Effrece said. “I never thought being a mascot was such hard work.”<br /><br />“It’s definitely worth it,” Perez said. “They’re teaching us a lot.”<br /><br />The camp is the brainchild of Erin Blank, who operates Lancaster-based Keystone Mascots, a company that trains mascots, helping with character development, acting skills, safety and costume care. Its Web site is http://www.keystonemascots.com.<br /><br />Blank has a lengthy resume, including portrayals of PAWS of the Detroit Tigers, Coco of the Hershey Bears and Silo of the Lancaster Barnstormers. She was also the original Screwball of the Reading Phillies some 20 years ago.<br /><br />“Personality plays a greater role than skill,” Blank told her student mascots yesterday after they took a break from tumbling and bouncing on a trampoline.<br /><br />Campers came from as far away as Alabama.<br /><br />Evan Bowker, a freshman from Oneonta, N.Y., will be his high school’s Yellow Jacket, Buzz.<br /><br />“I wanted to change his name to Sting, but the fans didn’t like it,” said Buzz, er Bowker.<br /><br />In addition to his mascot duties, Bowker wrestles and plays lacrosse.<br /><br />Like Bowker, Phil Wubbolt is an athlete, playing basketball and volleyball when he’s not portraying the Baron during football games and wrestling matches.<br /><br />At about 6-foot-2, Wubbolt is a tight fit for the Baron outfit, which might soon require some alterations since he’s just a freshman.<br /><br />“I was recommended by the athletic director,” said Wubbolt, who beat out two other candidates to play the Baron because he can do push-ups.<br /><br />That’s important because the Baron does a push-up for every point Manheim Central’s football team scores, which sometimes means a couple hundred in the course of a game. After all, 7+14+21+28+35 ... starts to add up to some serious pushups.<br /><br />The three Cedars said the Baron has been making some unkind comments about Lebanon’s football team.<br /><br />“We just tell him we kill them in basketball,” Effrece said. “It’s not even worth our time to play them.”<br /><br />The two teams won’t be meeting in hoops the next two years, unless it’s in a Lancaster-Lebanon League playoff game, because Lebanon has moved back to Section Two while Manheim Central remains in Section Three; Lebanon has never lost to Manheim Central in boys’ basketball.<br /><br />Rooty will just have to hope his or her Cedars can beat the Barons in football this season for the first time ever.<br /><br /><br><br />Team mascots learn their craft: Overacting<br />by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of The Patriot-News<br />Thursday July 31, 2008, 4:56 PM<br /><br />Wildcats, dogs, wolves, a rooster, Ben Franklin, a mad cow and other assorted creatures have been spending the week at Paramount Sports to learn how to express jubilation or shame without using facial expressions or voice.<br /><br />It's not easy, according to several of the participants at Mascots Camp. "You have to be very dramatic," said Abdiel Perez, 16, who will be portraying a cedar tree for Lebanon High School football and field hockey teams come fall. "Somebody has to bring that extra energy, that spark."<br /><br />Ellie Kranzel, 15, portraying a wildcat for Mechanicsburg High School, said if your team loses a point, you have to cover your head in shame, maybe stomp on the ground. She did this kind of thing last year for basketball, track and even the Brain Busters team.<br /><br />"I've always thought, look at that job. It's such a good job," she said.<br /><br />On Thursday, the students sweated in their costumes while mascot trainers Erin Blank and Charlton Jordan shouted out directions: "Walk in a macho way"; "Walk like a 3-year-old"; "Walk like a pregnant woman."<br /><br />Blank gave the participants a story line to follow: "You're at a football game. Your team just made the first touchdown. Your team just won the game! But the referee says it doesn't count. You lose. And it's your fault."<br /><br />Amy Amato, a senior at Lancaster's Franklin & Marshall College dressed as Ben Franklin, first pranced around gleefully and whipped off her jacket in triumph. As the news got worse, she stomped on her jacket, kicked the wall.<br /><br />"It's good to learn how to express ourselves when trapped in these heavy costumes," she said later. "The costumes can be intimidating, but we need to encourage people. I feel it really helps raise school spirit."<br /><br />While many of the costumed characters were high school or college team mascots, there were a smattering of commercial and other characters as well.<br /><br />Matt Nissley, inside the mad red cow "Cylo," is the official mascot for the Lancaster Barnstormers professional baseball team. James Mathis, 17, represented an enzyme for Kline's Service Septic Repair. Father David Shoemaker, dressed as Blueregard the Supercat, is a Catholic priest from Eufaula, Alabama, who uses the character in his youth ministry.<br /><br />Ben Rand, 18, of Harrisburg was dressed as a rooster for the Harrisburg Horizons basketball team, but his day job is a candy bar at Hershey Park. His dream career is to portray Chip, Dale or Pluto at Disney World, and he is taking theater classes at Harrisburg Area Community College to that end.<br /><br />"That's what my heart is set on," he said.<br /><br />Camp director Blank has spent most of her adult life as a professional costumed character, including stints with the Reading Phillies, the Detroit Tigers, the Washington Capitols, the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Hershey Bears. She cut back to start a family, but still coordinates and trains performers and makes costumes.<br /><br />"I'm in the fifth generation of basketball coaches, but I didn't have the talent to play," she said. "I guess that's how I got into this."MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-56693878952888491032008-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:002008-03-31T19:22:04.718-07:00Soul Man Brings Home the Blues!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo0O1rekTCtYbgz8yc57z90MDJ5Xp5p6cio7sJtNInCVJQdUokgYsvC4GekIyUKMaB2XjJ8diVxwRjN_qIEfz8xRuSk9_2yzNUBzX2M-HbyxAfl_GVRMoNp6HTS9JsRNUZlTm29w09F4/s1600-h/3-1-08+vs+Orlando+033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo0O1rekTCtYbgz8yc57z90MDJ5Xp5p6cio7sJtNInCVJQdUokgYsvC4GekIyUKMaB2XjJ8diVxwRjN_qIEfz8xRuSk9_2yzNUBzX2M-HbyxAfl_GVRMoNp6HTS9JsRNUZlTm29w09F4/s320/3-1-08+vs+Orlando+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184095820657007074" border="0" /></a><br />This off-season the Philadelphia Soul mascot, Soul Man, got a subtle upgrade to his look. Gone is the latex skin, velcro patches in his hair and batting gloves. Soul Man is softer, offers more mobility in his head (the old head pushed against his chest!), has fleece hands, and an electric blue zoot suit to add to his classic black button-down. Soul Man is now 100% washable, including his head!<br />Keystone Mascots even went a step further and offered embroidery for every logo mark, including his lapel wings, and an interchangeable hat band so he can always stay sharply dressed.<br />We are grateful for the Soul to give us the nod in upgrading their number one fan, and look forward to seeing him jazz up the turf for years to come!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-26229320105919555742008-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:002008-01-05T13:04:02.917-08:00Mascot's new look: Caped Spidey a little more fierce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.keystonemascots.com/venom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 515px;" src="http://www.keystonemascots.com/venom.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="headline2">Amy Burlage - Collegian Reporter</div><p> Spidey, the University of Richmond's beloved mascot underwent a considerable wardrobe change this month.</p><p> After an anonymous donor decided that Spidey needed a makeover, a focus group was organized, comprising students, alumni and athletic department administrators.</p><p> Claudia Coons, a student member of the focus group, said the group had two main goals: to make Spidey more fierce and more mobile.</p><p> "People felt like he was too soft and over-cuddly, too much like a teddy bear," Coons said. "We needed to make him scary but not so scary that the little kids were not attracted to him anymore."</p><p> The group started working during the summer and eventually partnered up with Keystone Mascots to make sure the suit was available for the men's basketball home opener on Nov. 10. They talked about ideas, sketches and concepts and eventually ended up with 20 potential revisions of the costume, Keystone representative Erin Blank said.</p><p> The end result has only four limbs instead eight, smaller shoes and hands and a webbed cape. The costume is tight-fitting and less bulky. Spidey's old suit weighed 40 pounds, and the new costume is made mostly of spandex so that the person wearing it is more exposed and is easier to interact with, Coons said.</p><p> "The new Spidey is going to be able to do a lot more things with his body," said Jana Ross, assistant athletic director for marketing and fan development. "The costume is much easier to move around in."</p><p> The new Spidey costume is a definite a relief for the person inside, said an anonymous "Spidey." According to this person, one of the best alterations is that his head is connected to the suit, making it a lot less cumbersome and more functional.</p><p> "In the old suit I couldn't do a cartwheel but in this suit we will be able to do things like that," Spidey said.</p><p> In addition to changing his look, there was talk about changing Spidey's name. Although a new name has not been established, Coons said that there was no name printed on the new version of the costume in order to leave this option open.</p><p> Blank said it took 10 weeks to make the suit, and although she could not disclose how much it cost, she said mascot costume costs could range from a couple hundred dollars to $25,000. She said mascots costumes could last up to 10 years if properly taken care of, and to make sure that Spidey is long-lived, Spidey went to a "mascot training boot camp" where he was taught how to take care of himself.</p><p> "Spidey learned how to clean himself and stitch himself up," Blank said. "He is the three dimensional face of the university, and the last thing we want to hear is that he lost an arm or a leg."</p><p> Men's basketball coach Chris Mooney said the team appreciates the hard work the athletic department is putting into enhancing the college atmosphere and school spirit through Spidey.</p><p> "It is especially great for the kid fans," he said. "The new character is very appealing and gets them excited and involved."</p><p> The anonymous "Spidey" did make it clear that although this new costume brings about change, it is not going to create a completely different character.</p><p> "The new Spidey will be able to do leaps and bounds more than the old, but none of us are gymnasts. We are not going to start somersaulting through the air all of a sudden."</p>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-24199396319416050402007-11-26T22:48:00.000-08:002007-11-26T22:51:25.574-08:00Updates DONE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdvK-e-wuxgdiDdAF_qhsLWvabSQliTW_xMFyuml4mig1520u06Oo0hU-5HqgaeKKB3GGtE-3zqdq2lhWzRaiH9jrb5LruzgUgywRfYRuChHACPlnuX1clJkMrVTKff79jdPsK9NZntg/s1600-h/babyboomer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdvK-e-wuxgdiDdAF_qhsLWvabSQliTW_xMFyuml4mig1520u06Oo0hU-5HqgaeKKB3GGtE-3zqdq2lhWzRaiH9jrb5LruzgUgywRfYRuChHACPlnuX1clJkMrVTKff79jdPsK9NZntg/s320/babyboomer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137409003266527378" border="0" /></a><br />...well except for the nominal grammar check. <br /><br />Check out http://www.mascot.net, http://www.crittercrossing.org, and http://www.keystonemascots.com and let me know what you think!<br /><br />Yah, 11 years and still roaring along!MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-4025279363370806552007-11-25T19:38:00.000-08:002008-08-27T16:23:00.898-07:00October 2005 Spotlight - YOU!!!<small><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mascot of the Month -<br />. . . YOU!!! . . . Mascot Adoption!!!</span><br /> </span></span></span></small> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4x5dyHHeKErztMiGvF8e9YfWmyTeH_fPrB_oQHbRCS21iwjNS_fCiohw5vqT6X8AM3PJVEmamkw-nFa5n5iSX_wDSU0emzbZuBJBDJrQOS5PxnAxaDTyzqRSwMU3BjYHnckUKygj8GMk/s1600-h/Cylokisses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4x5dyHHeKErztMiGvF8e9YfWmyTeH_fPrB_oQHbRCS21iwjNS_fCiohw5vqT6X8AM3PJVEmamkw-nFa5n5iSX_wDSU0emzbZuBJBDJrQOS5PxnAxaDTyzqRSwMU3BjYHnckUKygj8GMk/s320/Cylokisses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137409905209659554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"><small><span style="font-weight: bold;">NFHS Initiates Program to Help Schools Affected by Hurricanes</span><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bob Gardner<br />INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 30, 2005) — High schools interested in helping schools affected by the recent disasters in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas can adopt a school with a similar nickname through the Mascot Adoption Program (MAP) initiated by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).<br />Schools across the United States are encouraged to initiate fund-raising efforts, or perhaps use donations from ticket proceeds, to provide funds for schools damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.<br />“As the national organization for high school sports, we have received calls from schools across America wanting to help those affected by these disasters,” said Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS executive director. “There has been a great outpouring of sympathy and concern, and I expect we will have many schools that will become involved in assisting those schools in the Gulf South that have suffered great losses.”<br />The MAP program will be orchestrated through the NFHS Web site, www.nfhs.org. A list of the schools affected by these disasters has been posted, along with the nicknames of the schools. A total of 130 schools (92 in Louisiana and 38 in Mississippi) are included in the initial list. Schools interested in becoming involved with this fund-raising effort can find a school that has a similar nickname and choose to adopt that school by entering all the necessary information on the Web site.<br />When the sponsoring school completes its fund-raising activities, the school will send its contribution directly to the disaster-affected school in the Gulf South.<br />“Once a school selects another school to adopt, we encourage the sponsoring school to publicize, within its student body and community, the names of the school and mascot it has adopted,” Kanaby said. “Schools helping schools, student-athletes and activity participants helping their counterparts – this is a great opportunity to help these schools and individuals that are in desperate need and provide a service leadership opportunity to all.”<br />For more information on the Mascot Adoption Program, contact Bob Gardner, chief operating officer at the NFHS in Indianapolis.<br /><br />MEDIA CONTACT: Bruce Howard or John Gillis, 317-972-6900.<br /> </small></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"><br /> </span><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif;" >(Thank you to NFHS for allowing MascotNet to publish this information!)</span></span>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-11109045038847411712007-11-25T19:28:00.000-08:002007-11-25T19:38:19.181-08:00May 2005 Spotlight - Minnesota Thunder THOR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blueskysoccer.com/index.php?module=photoshare&type=show&func=viewimage&iid=436&viewkey="><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 203px;" src="http://www.blueskysoccer.com/index.php?module=photoshare&type=show&func=viewimage&iid=436&viewkey=" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-size:+1;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mascot of the Month -<br />Thor from the Minnesota Thunder<br /> </span></span></span></small> <span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><small>Claude Duran is a veteran minor league soccer mascot for the A-League team Minnesota Thunder. Over the years he has built up a solid clientelle in unique and creative ways. MascotNet thanks Claude for offering these pearls of wisdom!<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br />First of all, give me some background about Thor and your performance experience. Secondly, how did you get involved with the Thunder?</span> I started mascotting (oh geez!) 21 years ago with the Minnesota Zoo at the ripe old age of 13. When I was 14, Frito Lay came to the Twin Cities with Chester Cheetah and forgot to order up a performer for an event at the Zoo. The Zoo staff offered my services as a volunteer and they were impressed. That summer, I did some contract work for Frito-Lay. After doing minor contract work for the next few years for a wide variety of companies, I was approached by the US Olympic Committee that was organizing the 1990 US Olympic Festival that was taking place in the Twin Cities. I joined another performer with presenting Willie Win One on behalf of the Festival. The following year I was asked to train 4 performers to present 2 characters at the 1991 International Special Olympic Games. Upon hearing that I had joined the team, the number of characters, and performers necessary to achieve that function, began to grow. By Day 0, we were operating 40 mascots with 150 performers for the entire run of the Games. I wont even begin to describe the cleaning process every day!<br /> <br />Fast forward a few more years (and over the characters that have confidentiality contracts still enforce) and we come to the 1996 Atlanta Games. I did a variety of appearances up here in the Twin Cities as well as operations in Atlanta during the Games. A mascot in the Olympics? Hardest work you'll ever do but grab the chance if you ever get it. More mascots and a few more years later, I was approached by the organizing committee for "The People's Celebration" which was the inauguration party for the new Governor, Jesse Ventura. (Yes, I did vote for him and I do apologize.)<br />Anyway, their intention was to make this party open to all and were inviting all mascots from across the state to attend the welcoming. Knowing that I had many contacts in the mascotting world, they contacted me for assistance. I started going over the roster with them on all the mascots currently on the "guest list" and noted those that they had omitted. One of those omitted was Thor from the Minnesota Thunder.<br />I had been introduced to Thor the year before (which also happened to be Thor's first year) at a Thunder game. He was having a mascot day at one of his games. I extended a welcome and offer for any assistance that I could provide however I never heard from him again. Now with the party approaching, I contacted the Thunder and offered them the opportunity to attend the party. They remembered me from the previous year and stated that they would like to attend however they were not happy with the performance that Thor #1 had done for them and did not intend on bringing him back for another year. So in the absence of having a performer, they would have to decline even though they would really like to attend. I offered them one of the people that I had trained (as I was already booked for that night) but also stated that we should talk and I might be able to assist them on the upcoming season. They accepted and handed the costume over to me that night. Contract negotiations followed shortly there after. Thor was an incredible challenge as most of the fans hated him not to mention most, if not all of the players. I had my work cut out for me. The challenge: Announcing that a new Thor had arrived without announcing a new Thor had arrived. What was set out before me by Thunder management was: Make Thor popular and a value add to the game or he dies with the end of the season.<br />Holy beeschnockers! The things I did that season! From clothing changes to costume structure modifications to stunts to massive amounts of appearances, all to get more and more contact with the public and our fans. I even had a tuxedo modified for my first game as it was on Mother's Day and I went into the crowd to give my mom her gift and a rose. This simple gesture was something that the Thunder fans had not seen before so they knew someone different was here so give me a chance. All my efforts throughout the season paid off as Thor rocketed from a bottom of the barrel rating on the annual fan survey to one of the top 3 things fans love about coming to a Thunder game that season. In fact, when we won the Championship that year, I was approached by Thunder management with a Championship medal that was given to all the players. What was said to me when that was handed to me will remain with me forever, and I am not ashamed to say that I was glad that I was in costume at the time as only a few would have believed that my eyes looked the way they did just due to sweat getting into my eyes.<br />The reign of Thor #2 continues to this day. He is now considered one of the top mascots in the league, I am proud to say.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">At the time what characters were you "competing against" in your market</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">for appearances?</span> I will not compete against the other characters in my market and generally, there is no competition for appearances either. The main reason is if a certain vendor wishes to create a soccer based event, why would they contact the basketball team for their mascot. Generally, sponsors wish to create a feel or have a goal in mind and if they are utilizing your services, they are not looking for just any mascot, but rather a specific mascot in mind.<br />The other thing to consider is that sometimes the appearance and the trade are disconnected. For example, my main credo is "if you are non-profit, I am non-profit". I refuse to charge schools, hospitals, or other community organizations and will donate my time to support their cause. However, in doing so, I have met many people who I have gone to later and asked for their support with nothing more than "game day name mention", program placement, or general acknowledgment. Basically, this makes competition a non-existent factor within a local market.<br />In fact, I encourage mascots to communicate with each other on experiences, trades, and provide assistance to each other when acquiring trades. I keep the other Twin Cities mascots in the loop if I am able to get something that they will benefit from as well. When I acquired my go-kart by trade, I knew that no other go-karts would be offered up so I extended to the other pro mascots, "if you need it, let me know and I'll loan it to you". By working with, and not competing against, the other mascots in your area, you will gain access to their sponsor networks as well.<br />(Besides, its more fun at joint appearances if you are all co-workers and not competitors!)<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Why did trade become an important factor in your appearance program?</span> Trade became an important factor simply because I needed things but had not much to offer other than my services. It surprised me to some extent that people put more value on the appearance I would offer at their location contrasting the offer of in-stadium inventory. For example, I obtained a $1600 go-kart and the sponsor wanted it used in the parades that I did off-stadium. Originally, I had offered in-stadium use but he felt that he would get better impression counts out-of-stadium. Hence, the go-kart was<br />introduced into out-of-stadium operations. I quickly found that both items that I wanted as toys, and additionally, items that would benefit me personally, were available to me where cash may not be. For example, at one point, I had sponsors for my health club, groceries, gas, truck maintenance, and athletic clothing. The grocery sponsor was unwilling to give me cash but was willing to give me gift certificates. So what's the difference to me? I would have needed to pay for groceries out of my own paycheck so in essence, I was getting cash or rather, keeping my own. Even more so, it was a grocery business that delivered your food so I didn't even need to go out to the grocery store anymore!<br />Ask someone to part with money for a cash sponsorship, you will have much more difficulty than if you ask them to part with product. Find that product that allows you to do your job and personally benefit.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">How do trades work for Thunder?</span> The process of trades works quite simple at the Thunder. If it only applies to Thor, I can work the trade any way I wish. For example, if I trade for a product in exchange for an appearance, I do not need any clearance for that. However, if I bring in inventory from the Thunder (ad banners, stadium announcements, material distribution in-stadium), I need to loop in our marketing team who will review the agreement. This is done for two reasons. First to make sure that the inventory is available, and two that we will be able to fulfill all the contract terms.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">What is the most unusual kind of trade you've secured over the year</span>s? The most unusual trade that I have worked on was actually benefit a local fire department fundraiser. My local fire department began selling chicken wings at a summer festival to raise money for community outreach programs and firefighting equipment a few years ago. After obtaining donations for the wings, booth construction and other supplies, they were left with two expenses: the paper boats to put the wings in and wet-naps. Believe it or not, the cost of those two items combined is about $400 (for the amount needed). Knowing my ability to obtain donations and sponsorships, the fire department asked me if I could help them out. After contacting a few local suppliers, I was able to find a soccer fan/store manager who was willing to give me the items in exchange for an appearance and the ability to have a rider in my go-kart in the beginning of a Thunder game.<br />So in essence, the equation is something like this: Paper food boats + 2 boxes of Wet-naps = 1 :30 minute personal appearance + 1 :02 minute go-kart ride.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">How do you approach your sponsors for a trade?</span> This is going to seem like an obvious statement but simply ask. When you contact a company, ask to speak with someone who could help you with sponsorships or marketing and go from there. Be professional and prepared. You should be ready with a brief summary of what you are doing, what you need, and how it will benefit the sponsor. Have details such as how many people will see their donation or will be in attendance of the event(s). The more specific details on benefits that one offers helps the sponsor create a better value for themselves. I will give you two descriptions to the same event. Which one would you consider more valuable and/or more professional?<br /> </small></span> <ol><li><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><small>I need to borrow a convertible for a local parade.</small></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><small>The Minneapolis Aquatennial Grand Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the Twin Cities area. This year, the organizer estimates that over 200,000 people will watch the parade go down the streets of Downtown Minneapolis. The Minnesota Thunder was lucky enough to be once again invited to participate in this year's parade. We wish to make great impact but need some assistance on obtaining use of a vehicle that would help make that huge impression. Are there any vehicles that we could use that day from your stock for the parade? We were thinking something along a convertible but open to any ideas you think might work.</small></span></li></ol> <span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><small> Which one would you answer yes to? With the first one, I limited your choices and impression of the event. The second I gave you a picture of where your benefits will come from: Largest parade in Minneapolis, 200,000 people, and most importantly, I didn't limit your offer. Will I get a convertible, a pickup truck or a Hummer SUV? Each of these will make a great impression and satisfy my needs but even though I would have thought the Hummer SUV was more than I would have thought I could get, the sponsor may feel that its perfect for them to roll.<br />Approach your sponsor with a partnership, not a request for assistance, and<br />you will be more successful.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">What value is a typical trade worth to your sponsor?</span> This is a difficult question to answer because we are attaching a number to non-specific things. I can give you an arbitrary number of what I think my appearance is valued at based on my time and impact that I feel would benefit the business. But conversely, my sponsor will create their own number. For example, I have been asked to answer these questions. What is it worth to MascotNet to have these questions answered? I don't know. I am<br />sitting on my deck, enjoying the sun and tossing a ball to my dog right now. What is this time worth to me or more so - what do you think this time is worth to me? The key to remember is do not make assumptions on what you think the value of a given item is to someone else. Worth is something only each person can answer for themselves, and in a trade each person offers something that they think is worthwhile in exchanged for something they think generally has at least a bit more worth than what they have offered.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">What do you promise your sponsors in return?</span> There are two things that I can recommend in this area. First and foremost, remember this: Under promise and over deliver! This is key to building the possibility of future trades or sponsorships. If your contract calls for a :30 minute appearance, do a solid :45. Doing a birthday appearance? Bring a gift for the birthday child. Throwing in something extra for nothing always leads to good impressions, regardless of the cost (or lack thereof). For example, the situation I cited above regarding the "most unusual trade", initially, the go-kart ride was not included. Since I did not mention it originally, it became "icing on the cake" when I made my appearance for the birthday kid. Let's take a moment to consider what "additional" cost there was to that component. A ride in the go-kart that I would take out anyway at the start of the game... What is the cost for that to myself or the Thunder? Time to explain to the kid what to do, and that's it. However, the impression that it made on the child, the family, and the supporting organization? Immense. Actions like that help create goodwill.<br />The other thing to remember is to use the phrases "What can I do for you in exchange for your assistance?" or "What do you think is fair?" There have been many times where I was prepared to do 5 appearances, for example, for the items that I wanted but instead of saying "I will do 5 appearances for you", I said "How many appearances would you like me to do for you?" and the sponsor asked for 3 appearances. By doing this, you capitalize on two things. 1. Your sponsor knows the value of the product that they are offering you better than you do, and 2. No one wants to appear too greedy (for the most part). Think to your own life. If I were to walk up to you with a bag full of 100 candy bars and say "Take as many as you want but there is a limit so don't take too many" and I did not tell you what that limit was, how many would you take? Think about that for a second. The answer to what the limit was comes in just a moment.<br />So in this situation, you don't want to appear to greedy but want to get the most that you can. So in taking the amount of candy bars you did, you take what you feel happy with but feel modest enough that you don't expect a "Sorry - you took too many." People don't like hearing "no" so they will self regulate in most circumstances. This rings true as well during trades. Unless you are going extremely high dollar (over $2000 or so), I would not approach with a basic offer but rather a "I would like to hear what would make you happy". Anything over $2000, have a basic offer and add "I would like to add some more things to this but would like your input". Understand the concept?<br />(And by the way, the limit of the amount of candy bars you could take was 99, because I wanted one. How many did you take from me? If you answered anything less than 99, I capitalized on your not wanting to appear greedy but made you happy and now have some more candy bars to go offer someone else too. See where I am going here?)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story:</span> Let your sponsors help guide your offer, don't show your cards right from the get-go.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">What is a good suggestion for building long-term relationships with</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> your clients? Can you give an example?</span> Consistency in everything you do and everything you believe. Since day one, my belief is that I am here to help the community. I have consistently been present at community fundraisers, parades, and benefits - all free of<br />charge. The performance I do today places me in contact with the sponsors of tomorrow. No appearance is "not worth it" and no appearance is without a payoff. Each appearance elevates your standing in the community and therefore, your marketability. For example, I attend the Minnesota Special Olympics Games every year. Some of the people I encounter, I see year after year. After about 3 years of attending this event (as well as a few other Special Olympic events), I needed to approach one of the people I met through Special Olympics for accessories for my truck. Instead of cold-calling a bunch of companies, I got a hold of this volunteer directly and asked for his assistance. Since we already had that relationship, I was easily able to get the product I needed with no offer extended by me other than use of the product on the truck. The company name was on the product so advertising was already included.<br />Think about the appearances you do today. Each person in charge or there could be a contact for a future contract. Your local school carnival is run by parents who have jobs "in the real world". Volunteer your time for them and one day it will return to you ten-fold.<br />But consistency does not just mean you continuously support your community alone. Consistency also extends to how you perform. Are you on time? Are you professional? Do you present a product that others would like to invest in? No one buys a stock that is up today and down tomorrow completely at random. People buy stocks that perform consistently well today and increase their performance quality over time.<br />Give your sponsor something that they want to invest and you will only need<br />to ask.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Key points to remember:</span><br />1. Under promise, over deliver.<br />2. Be professional.<br />3. Present quality consistently.<br />4. Don't be afraid to ask.<br />5. Don't be afraid to hear "no".<br />6. Be prepared.<br />7. Don't underestimate your value.<br />8. Don't assume the value of what you are asking for.<br />9. Partner with your sponsor and fellow mascots.<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">But most of all:</span><br />10. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">You are a mascot. </span>One of the most powerful marketing tools out there.<br />Never forget it and don't let ot</small><small>hers forget it either. Use that power to<br />benefit and support your community and companies will want to stand by your<br />side.</small><br /> </span>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-24515467622960319042007-11-25T19:23:00.000-08:002007-11-25T19:28:19.343-08:00April 2005 Mascot Spotlight - Monte, U Montana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://web.montanagrizzlies.com/mtgriz/images/photo_gallery_images/2005_2006_an/Photos/Monte/2004_2005_Ph/monte52.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 329px;" src="http://web.montanagrizzlies.com/mtgriz/images/photo_gallery_images/2005_2006_an/Photos/Monte/2004_2005_Ph/monte52.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-size:+1;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mascot of the Month -<br />Monte, the University of Montana Grizzly</span></span><br /> </span></small> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">MascotNet brings you a featured mascot each month, providing new insights to improve your program. This month we are honored to bring you Barry Anderson, recipient of the Capital One Bowl's first "Mascot of the Year" award.</span></small><br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">What is impressive to note about Barry's collegiate career is that his program was literally built up from nothing when he started. </span></small><br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">After graduating from the U of M, Barry now enjoys his first season as a professional sports mascot in one of the "big four leagues". </span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What first made you interested in performing as Monte? </span>There was an ad in the school paper, I just wanted to see who was trying out. When I got there I thought... "hey, I can do that" So I gave it a shot. Still waiting to find out if I made it or not.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">How was the mascot program set up when you first started?</span> Kinda loose. No expectations or set times during games to perform. I think very similar to most schools.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What skills did you have when you first started out that you found to be</span></span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> helpful in entertaining the crowds? </span>Well, the dancing seems to be what people get all worked up over, but the real asset was the clowning class I took as a theater major in college. Best class I ever took.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">What kinds of resources did you find (pro mascots, UM's administration,</span></small><small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> video boards, working with entertainment, other teams/coaches,</span></small><small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> performance skill training, business classes, etc.) that were helpful in</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> developing the program, as well as yourself?</span> Whoa, big question. Hints</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> from the pros came later on after I was looking seriously into the job</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> as a career. The video board was great during football games. I was</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> lucky enough to be there when it was first being installed so I got to</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> get my feet wet with everyone else when it came to video directing and</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> writing. No one else really wanted to handle that stuff so I said I</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> would love to. I think communicating to the administration my intentions</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> of taking ownership of the character and his image (not just getting in</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> the costume and acting like a fool) let them give me a little more slack</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> on the leash. </span></small><br /> <br /> <small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">You had the opportunity to be a part of a few national championships for</span></small><small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> mascot as well as varsity sports. What things did you learn on the road</span></small><small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> about other mascot programs that were integrated during your tenure as</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Monte? </span>I learned that A. your struggles are the same at every school so</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> you are not alone in the frustration of no budget and crappy costume.</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> And B. there are lots of little details that can make life a lot easier</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> in the suit. I recommend beginning to network with other guys in the</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> NCAA to share skits and costume alteration ideas.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">What was one thing another mascot program does you'd never want Monte to</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> have to do?</span> </span><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">Be the mascot for Montana State.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">As you looked to your pro career how did you market yourself to the</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> teams you applied for? </span>Your first and most important tool is your</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> highlight tape. Take your time and do it right. Doesn't have to be</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> fancy, just good music and great footage. Become friends with the T.V.</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> guys taping the games. They can be your best friend...</span></small><br /> <br /> <small style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">What is the biggest piece of advice you can give an aspiring mascot?</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> Take care of your body. You don't just take your car in when something</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> breaks, you regularly get the oil changed, the belts, keep it clean,</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> rotate tires... your body is the same way. Preventative maintenance is</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> key. </span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What is the biggest piece of adcive NOT TO DO that you can give?</span> Don't</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> skip steps before you earn your stripes. Let the fans and administration</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> get to know your "personality" before firing on all cylinders. Don't</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> rush the process. Give respect before expecting respect.</span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ten years from now, where do you want to be?</span> With the same NBA team I'm</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> with right now. But maybe on vacation in Tahiti. </span></small><br /> <br /> <small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Anything else you would like to add?</span> Be on time, prepared and organized</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> for every game, every meeting and every practice. Your reputation is</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> bigger than you are. Don't give people a reason to make yours an</span></small><small><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"> unprofessional one.</span></small>MASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433079413300961802.post-80060960450551703872007-11-25T18:36:00.000-08:002007-11-25T18:41:50.757-08:00MascotNet SpotlightWelcome to the new, and hopefully regular, installation of MascotNet's monthly spotlight. We will attempt to give you some of the best insights from successful and enthusiastic performers and administrators out there.<br /><br />If you have a suggested interview please WAIT until January. We'll get the ground moving then!<br /><br />Thanks, as always, ErinMASCOTNEThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12242817649441176761noreply@blogger.com0