Feb. 7, 2002
I'm living every reporters dream, the opportunity to reveal the hidden fact, in this case about Siena College Athletics. No, it's not the game plan for the Iona game! It's the chance to learn the identity behind that furry, benevolent canine that leads the charge for our Siena teams. . . The Mascot.
Recently I was granted a behind-the-scenes, once in a lifetime opportunity to speak with those who are the Siena mascot. That's right-those. Unlike some institutions where the mascot is one person paid to stand on the sidelines and flap its wings for 40 minutes, the Siena St. Bernard is manned by a collection of Siena students who aim simply to please, or maybe to tease?
"I enjoy it because for two hours, nobody knows who I am," one student boasts. "I can scare my friends, or dive on the court, or do whatever crazy thing I would never think of doing if I didn't have that costume on!"
"No inhibitions at all,-that's the best part," one female mascot wearer claims. "If I see one of my professors, maybe I will try to embarrass them, or maybe I'll go up to that kid who I'm afraid to talk to in class.-It doesn't matter, because nobody knows who I am."
Siena's administration tries their best to conceal the identity of the mascot, providing a list of guidelines as to when and where the costume may be removed. Have you heard of Disney World's underground tunnels, where costumed employees go for breaks or to change back into civilian clothing? Well, the Pepsi Arena offers a similar hiding ground in its court-level locker rooms.
"We have a fairly simple screening process," explains Robert Lee, who among many other duties is responsible for hiring the students who pose as the St. Bernard. "The most important thing I tell them is to never reveal who they are.-We wouldn't want to ruin the experience for the kids."
If anonymity is the primary attraction to those who pose, than pleasing the many children at the games is a close runner-up. "I probably get the most satisfaction in making kids laugh, or signing autographs in the funzone," one explains. "There is nothing like getting a big hug from an adoring fan and feeling like you made someone's day."
This brings me to the final question of this investigative report. What is it like to be the mascot?
"Oh my goodness, you have no idea how HOT it is inside there!" one student exclaims. "It is so unbearable and uncomfortable, not to mention the fact that you can't see more than two feet in front of you."
Another echoes those feelings, recalling an embarrassing incident in which she tripped over a cameraman last season and nearly lost 'her' head. "I was most concerned that my head was going to fly off (the St. Bernard one, I think), as it balanced on the top of the costume so unevenly."
Concerned myself, I asked if that experience would keep her from being the mascot in the future. "Ahh... you'll never know," was the astute response.*
