GREENSBORO - Round three of the ACC Tournament took place Thursday drawing in a massive amount of fans, but the mascots bring just as much excitement to the games as the players, and while it may seem like it’s all fun and games for these mascots it’s actually a lot of work.
NC State fans believe the mascots are an essential part of the team.
“They just need somebody to inspire them and get them warmed up and to get all the noise going so the players can score a lot of points,” said Jonathan Gay.
However, being a mascot requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
“The kids that serve in those foals are practicing year round and at least 4 or 5 times a week and even in the summer months for both men and women’s game,” said Head Spirit Coach for Louisville Todd Sharp. “It is a big job and big commitment for these kids.”
Most mascots are not allowed to talk, but Notre Dame’s leprechaun can.
“You need a lot of energy, I’ve been up since 5 am working with all of these other crazy mascots, you’ve got to keep your eye on them. I can talk so I’m like the head man so I’ve got to keep a short leash on these guys,” said John Dornn. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
These crowd-pleasers have rules to follow, like not talking or coming out of character.
“Something a lot of people don’t think about is how hot it is in the sit. I think in the summer months and early fall it’s really hot for football, but it’s even hot for a game day like this,” said Sharp.
Sharp said the mascots are the face of each program.
And it’s all about enthusiasm.
“There’s a segment of fans that want to get their pictures taken with the mascots and so I think it’s a reminder how much extra they bring to the atmosphere of the game when you see people lining up to get pictures with them.”
The mascots also made a visit to the Brenner Children's Hospital as part of an outreach program with the ACC.
The patients got to take pictures with their favorite mascot