Mascots: Behind the Mask

Mascots: Behind the Mask

By Matt Conde

Sports Editor

Everyone has a memory as a child of seeing his or her favorite mascot, whether it be at Disney World or at a sporting event. However, have you ever wondered what it takes to be a mascot? Many hours go into planning, so that every spectator can have a positive and joyful experience with a mascot. Reading this will not spoil the secret that remains with a mascot, but it will perhaps give you a better appreciation for the hard work these furry characters give on a daily base.

Mascots are what bring the excitement to people as they perform and sometimes, it can bring an unpleasant side to someone as well. On a recent mascot appearance that Pelham High School's own, “Paws the Panther” was at, "Seeing a child smile is what keeps me going, despite the fact that I have someone's unattended child pulling my tail," Paws said. No matter where Paws may go, he seems to have some obnoxious fan aggravating him and always pulls off quite a popular fan club. "Not every place is like that though," Paws said, "Some places you have tight security where nothing can get to me thanks to the city’s finest," he explained. Being a mascot for a school may never have a dull moment, for it is a symbolic representative. Everyone knows who you are and the attention you get is equal to what a celebrity receives just walking down the street.

Now it is not everyday you see a panther walking down the street, so some mascots have to train a little bit harder to give that unforgettable performance. Between life in the spotlight and "study time, "Staying in shape and drinking your fluids is key to living a life as a hometown celebrity,” Paws said. Many people underestimate the dedication that Paws has for being a mascot. Paw’s love for the sport and his love for kids is portrayed as second-to-none. "With the kids following Paws around, it is hard to not just turn around and growl at them,” one fan explained. “You have to be patient, the ones that help you stay patient are the little children that have a crush on you until you get close,” Paws said.

Paws has made his mark throughout the community and he seems to want people to not be afraid of him. Other high school and college mascots have united throughout the community to help good causes such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). So the next time you hug a mascot or have your picture made, remember the hard hours and dedication these furry characters put in to help make a smile and a memory last a lifetime.