Staff Writer
They make a hidden contribution to professional and amateur sports alike on the sidelines and in front of the stands. It takes a special kind of fan to embody the spirit of their team and perform as the team mascot. With the return of high school basketball, aspiring mascots have donned the costume to lead the crowds in cheering on the local teams. Mascots have a long history dating back to pre-historic culture. Originally described as any person, animal or object believed to bring good luck, sports latched onto the idea with costumed figures to pep up the crowds. While the figures antics make the job seem simple, learning the nature of the character and crowd takes a certain amount of skill and personality.
A junior skier plays the Tiger in his second-year behind the striped mask.
“I don’t mind making a fool of myself,” said the Tiger. “I make a comfortable atmosphere and make people laugh.”
The Tiger enjoys mimicking the band conductor. When he uses a fly swatter in place of a baton to conduct the musicians behind the conductor’s back, he always draws some giggles. Last year he had a hot hand along with the team making a half-court shot and three three-pointers in a row. He looks to break his record this season.
The mascots get a stuffy workout making bystanders smile but, as the Tiger notes, “It’s worth it.”
Paws, the Presque Isle High School Wildcat, has changed faces several times over the years as wear and tear in game action led to a mascot makeover. As the costume has deteriorated athletic staff have had to purchase new outfits.
Doning the Wildcat suit this year is a PIHS sophomore going into his first year on the job under the mask.
“I heard they were looking and I have no problem acting like a fool so I decided to try it,” said Paws.
The sophomore has learned quickly and takes inspiration from the cheerleaders, 1970s and ‘80s dance moves such as the robot and break dancing and on the spot inspiration to energize the crowds and the kids at the games.
“The suit is really hot,” noted Paws. “You definitely get a nice sweat going on … What I do in the suit is what I do all the time. I dance in the hallways.”
He attempts to get the fans to let their guard down in a similar way. He especially enjoys fooling friends who don’t know about his new occupation by hugging them in the customary Paws manner and not letting go.
The current Paws recommends creativity to up-and-coming mascot stars. “You can’t be too shy and you have to be somewhat outgoing and creative … There’s no just standing there.”
