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The Way I See It
I know the mascot subject is a sensitive one with the University of Hawaii athletic department. But it doesn't have to be. A team’s personality
is in its mascotThe Rainbow Warriors can have a mascot. And it does not have to be a Warrior.
In January 1999, this column offered the opinion that the old Warrior mascot was "an anatomical beanbag" with a chest that looked like it was built with steroids.
With experts now saying the use of steroids by 10th-graders has doubled in the past four years, I'm sure the university doesn't want that image.
I also said that if I were Hawaiian, I'd be offended by the thing.
By September, it was apparent that Hawaiians were offended and angry about it because UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida removed it from the program.
And then he did what he does best with controversy -- he put the matter "on hold."
Well, take it off hold.
A poll we took last year showed people want a mascot, and some said they don't care if it's not someone dressed as a Hawaiian warrior.
After the Pro Bowl, I talked with Michael Kennedy, coordinator of NFL mascots and the man inside the San Francisco 49er miner mascot.
Kennedy said he sees no reason why the university couldn't choose a creature popular in Hawaii.
The most popular mascots have beaks, snouts, big ears, tails or fins. We've seen them pass through here with visiting teams and some have done a sensational job of interacting with the local crowd.
So why not a mongoose, gecko, shark or dolphin for Hawaii?
I doubt anyone would object to putting a Warriors jersey, lei or puka shell necklace on one of those.
Kennedy said the costume should be professionally designed by one of the better mascot designing companies in the nation.
The cost could run between $3,000 and $5,000, and Kennedy said companies will gladly send sketches for free.
Not too much to pay for something that would go beyond its function of raising crowd noise.
Kennedy said the mascot can also be a "community relations cornerstone," making appearances throughout the state, representing the athletic department.
AN active, charismatic mascot adds to the experience of attending a sports event.
The baseball program could certainly do with a lovable character to cruise the stands and entertain.
Parents would take their kids to the stadium not just to see the team, but to meet the mascot.
Nebraska started the towering inflatable mascot craze with its 10-foot "L'il Red," seen at the NCAA women's volleyball championships in Richmond, Va.
That mascot has had more appearance requests than the school can handle.
The inflatables, which range in height from eight to 12 feet, can take the shape of any character. They have pretty remarkable maneuverability and, most importantly, they relate to their fans.
Kennedy said auditions should be held to find a student with stamina, personality and creativity to bring the mascot to life. He said schools offer their mascots full or partial scholarships and the identity of the student is usually kept secret.
"It can be an ex-cheerleader who knows crowds and when to ignite them," Kennedy said.
With attendance down and ticket prices up for university sports events, the experience of going to a game has to be made more entertaining.
Check other campuses and any number of pro franchises, and you'll find mascots are integral to the ambience.
Pat Bigold has covered sports for daily newspapers
in Hawaii and Massachusetts since 1978.
Email Pat: pbigold@starbulletin.com