(above) DU student Scott Fuson and the original Phillie Phanatic, Dave Raymond, at Mascot Boot Camp this weekendLast Thursday, DU student Scott Fuson "escaped" Denver hours before a snowstorm swept through the city. After connecting in Cleveland, Scott arrived in Allentown, Pennsylvania and caught a taxi to Kutztown State University to begin Mascot Boot Camp. The Camp is under the direction of Dave Raymond, the original "Phillie Phanatic," the mascot of the Philadelphia Phiilies major league baseball team.
Scott was selected by an alumni group to become the unofficial Pioneer Mascot and wear a newly designed Pioneer costume. Many DU alums feel its time the university embraced the Pioneer nickname and built a tradition of school spirit and camaraderie around the history of the school and the region.
For the last 10 years the University of Denver has been represented by Ruckus the Red-Tailed Hawk and DU alums grew weary of answering questions about why a school nicknamed the Pioneers would have a hawk as a mascot & logo.
At the Camp this weekend, Scott, along with a dozen other mascot performers, learned the fundamentals of becoming a mascot, including costume care, basic performance skills, working the crowd, the creative process, and the importance of performance fitness.
Mr. Raymond was aware of the situation with DU's "identity crisis" and worked with Scott to begin creating a character and brand image that will be popular with DU students, fans, children and alumni. Scott is going to work with DU's students to create a biography and personality profile of a "Denver Pioneer" and what that encompasses.
Sunday night Scott returned to Denver having completed his training. He wants to thank all the alums who donated to the Pioneer Mascot Fund, giving him the opportunity to attend the camp and bring our Pioneer Mascot to life.
In less than two weeks we expect to take delivery of the mascot costume in Washington D.C. and participate in activities related to the Frozen Four Hockey Championships. Then if everything is in order, Scott will fly back to Denver in time to introduce the mascot at the DU-Notre Dame lacrosse game at Invesco Field on Saturday, April 11th.
Scott was selected by an alumni group to become the unofficial Pioneer Mascot and wear a newly designed Pioneer costume. Many DU alums feel its time the university embraced the Pioneer nickname and built a tradition of school spirit and camaraderie around the history of the school and the region.
For the last 10 years the University of Denver has been represented by Ruckus the Red-Tailed Hawk and DU alums grew weary of answering questions about why a school nicknamed the Pioneers would have a hawk as a mascot & logo.
At the Camp this weekend, Scott, along with a dozen other mascot performers, learned the fundamentals of becoming a mascot, including costume care, basic performance skills, working the crowd, the creative process, and the importance of performance fitness.
Mr. Raymond was aware of the situation with DU's "identity crisis" and worked with Scott to begin creating a character and brand image that will be popular with DU students, fans, children and alumni. Scott is going to work with DU's students to create a biography and personality profile of a "Denver Pioneer" and what that encompasses.
Sunday night Scott returned to Denver having completed his training. He wants to thank all the alums who donated to the Pioneer Mascot Fund, giving him the opportunity to attend the camp and bring our Pioneer Mascot to life.
In less than two weeks we expect to take delivery of the mascot costume in Washington D.C. and participate in activities related to the Frozen Four Hockey Championships. Then if everything is in order, Scott will fly back to Denver in time to introduce the mascot at the DU-Notre Dame lacrosse game at Invesco Field on Saturday, April 11th.
10 comments:
According to my scientific calculations, Scott's performance next year at Magness should yield at least two additional wins.
I really think it should be a priority in the offseason to come up with a plan to generate more enthusiasm in Magness. The mascot can help, but there's so much that needs to be done.
Maybe some kind of party to introduce him to the students. Of course he needs to be there the day the tickets go on sale for the students.
That a great idea and something we can easily do. I hope that we can get some sort of alumni presence at the season ticket sale.
The coaching staff usually gives out donuts, maybe we could do something like pass out $5 food gift certificates. They would certainly create a turnout. Someone of the students campout overnight, a hot meal is also another idea. We need to get that stadium rockin like it was in the "old days".
I'll see if we can line up an "Alumni RV" and give away hot dogs & burgers.
Damien, lets work together on this tailgate idea with the RV.
Two words: "PEP BAND" !!!
Agreed on the Pep Band. We'll mention it again to the AD, but DU is desperate to build atmosphere at basketball games.
This was the first year that the Pep Band played more than a couple of hockey games and I think they were very well received.
Best thing you can do is make a donation to the Athletic Department and tell them how much you enjoy the band at hockey games. :-)
Get a student leader who will lead the cheers every game.
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