And with any kind of great success must come….well, the ladies, right?
On “getting the girls,” Goldman says, “Let’s just say it’s gotten me in trouble before [laughs].”
And Bango, er, Vanderkolk? He was introduced to his wife for the very first time as Bango. In fact, she called him Bango for the first two or three weeks because she didn’t actually know his real name. Didn’t matter. You know what happened next.
Sure, the guys may go through an identity crisis from time to time — but it’s all under control as long as they follow the golden rules — or commandments, if you will — of being a mascot, which Vanderkolk told me pretty much includes the following:
- Thou shalt never take off your head
- Thou shalt never be seen out of character
- Thou shalt never be involved in an altercation
Goldman says one should also have a spotter or handler during each show, but when you’re as active as these guys, it would be hard for anyone to keep up.
Vanderkolk says his goal is to “just keep pushing the envelope and keep developing my brand and trying to push Bango to the next level.” Goldman says being there for his family will always be his number one objective.
“My sisters, who you’ll see in the show are very, very important to me. The first one goes to school in four years – she’s actually interested in being a mascot. She starts high school next year in Texas….that’s the goal, to make sure my family is happy,” says Goldman.
The show will also include Chad Spencer, who plays “Tux” for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins of the AHL and Michael Hostetter, who plays Rooty at Lebanon high school in Pennsylvania. All the characters will give you a first hand look at the success, struggles and personal life that surrounds being part of one of the must unsung professions in sports.
And for those who may be interested in pursuing such an enigmatic career? The guys have a couple pieces of advice:
“If you want to be a mascot, then really dive in and embrace it. Don’t treat it as a part-time thing or something you’re going to do on the side…. really transform yourself into that character…find your specialty that will really set you apart from everyone else,” says Vanerkolk.
Goldman also says to over-investigate schools before choosing a university and find out what needs to be done to be a mascot and if you would be a good fit. Goldman made numerous phone calls at UNLV before landing the position of Hey Reb! and in result went to the university on a full ride five out of six years.
The half-hour series “Behind The Mask” debuted Oct. 29. You can follow the show at http://www.hulu.com/behind-the-mask.
Sure, the crowd will go wild following the next dunk, buzzer-beater….possibly even that smokin’ hot dance team. But I guarantee you’ll never look at a mascot the same ever again.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him @JHelmuth or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
