The attitude, not the suit, makes a mascot
When K.D. Zagorcani donned the costume of Glenbard South High School's mascot, he pretty much just stood around and waved.
But an encounter with a bear - make that a Bear - has altered his approach to Arty the Raider.
(Jon Cunningham/Special to The Sun)
Photos by Jon Cunningham / Special to The Sun
"Now I know more," said K.D., a sophomore. "You're a different person in there."
This meeting, however, featured no ordinary bear. This was Staley, the Chicago Bear, the furry mascot who will champion the 15-3 football team Feb. 4 at the Super Bowl.
Staley led a two-hour clinic Jan. 25 at Glenbard South for mascots from District 87 high schools. Three students represented Victor E. Panther of Glenbard North, one portrayed Glenbard East's "Ram" and Mike Daniels and K.D were Arty's alter egos.
"There's some debate about whether Glenbard West (the Hilltoppers) has a mascot," said Betsy Neurauter, assistant student activities director at South.
Staley doesn't speak, so he was aided by Scott Adams, the Bears' mascot coordinator, and mascot assistant Christie Leensvaart.
Leensvaart, a Wheaton resident and the daughter of Glenbard South Principal Bill Leensvaart, also uses degrees in sports medicine and communication studies and certification in speech and theater as emcee of "First and Goal," Staley's elementary school program that highlights health and fitness.
Neurauter saw Adams present a training curriculum for mascots at a state conference for student activities directors.
"Mascots have the power, if they're used the right way, to generate a lot of enthusiasm, and they also encourage attendance (at an event)," she said. "Young children in particular enjoy the mascot and look forward to coming to the high school."
Arty the Raider makes special appearances beyond athletic events, such as at an eighth-grade parents' night. At the school's Battle of the Bands, he grabbed a guitar and crossed the stage.
Neurauter suggested that South's student assembly sponsor a clinic for the district. Adams came to the group's meeting and explained what he did.
"The kids voted to support it," Neurauter said. "I learned from Scott that it's really a skill, so we felt it was an educational opportunity."
Wearing an orange sweatshirt and blue pants with an orange stripe down each leg, Adams began the clinic on the auditorium stage, surrounded by the mascot representatives.
"Come up with a bio for your character," he said. "What motivates him? What character traits does he have?
"Once you put on the costume, that character comes alive, and you're not yourself anymore," he said. "Every one of you will have something different to give."
Stressing that he wants the students to leave behind the "Wal-Mart greeter mode" (just standing and waving), he walked with them in a circle, calling out instructions, such as "Walk like you're cocky," "Do the Funky Chicken" and "Walk like an old man."
He urged mascots to constantly be active, always be in character and leave the audience wanting more.
"Don't feel like you have to appeal to the entire arena all the time," he cautioned, "but remember that somebody's watching you all the time."
One misconception dominates the life of a mascot, Adams said.
"People think anybody can hop in a suit and perform at a higher level. It takes a unique person, and not everybody can do it," he said.
Staley showed the mascot representatives how to incorporate actions: dance with an onlooker, give a shoe shine or a back rub, or prance around with a fan's purse. Or add bits of costume, such as a Superman cape (complete with a Speedo over his round belly), Blues Brothers glasses or scuba pants.
"Every mascot should have a rubber chicken," Adams added.
Staley ended the clinic with a terrific demonstration of how to use any available props. He led the young mascots through South's cafeteria at lunchtime, using just about any item he spotted to add to the students' cheers and squeals of delight.
Mike Daniels, a South junior and Wheaton resident, said he wanted to be an "Arty" this year because he thought the school needed more spirit.
"It's been hardest coming up with original ideas and making sure the crowd is satisfied," he said.
Now, however, he plans to use several ideas from the clinic at a home basketball game Feb. 9 "to get the crowd pumped a bit and a little more involved in the game."
Adams' warning about keeping hydrated during an appearance also made an impact.
"He said you can lose up to 8 pounds of water," Mike said.
Sandy Stevens has lived in Glen Ellyn since 1984. Contact her at ssmamabear@aol.com or c/o The Sun, 1500 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL 60540.