The Mascot

A traditional element of the sports culture is the mascot. Team mascots help to build the hype and increase the fun! Mascots are a symbol of their team and are believed to bring good luck. The word mascot originates from the French word, mascotte, meaning a lucky charm or item. The first references to team mascots were made in the late 1800s in the New York Times. Early mascots were taken seriously and were often children or live animals. The first costumed, human mascot, like we know today, was Mr. Met, from the New York Mets baseball team, who debuted in 1964.

Mascots are usually seen doing impressive stunts or moves to get noticed. They can certainly get away with a lot of dancing and teasing and silliness. The mascot code includes being physically fit, active, and exaggerating every move. Mascots need to keep their identity a secret and use pantomime to communicate their emotions. Their high energy and grand entrances are a mark of the mascot. Let’s take a look at our local mascots.

The Denver Broncos mascots are each exciting and unique. Miles, the Bronco character, is energetic and always ready to cheer on his team. Thunder, a beautiful, pure-bred Arabian gelding, and rider, Ann Judge, make a powerful team. They have ridden onto the Broncos field during games for over 25 years!

Ponderosa High School has had Mortimer, the Mustang, represent their school since its beginning in 1983! He is especially seen at football games. Mortimer’s identity is often a mystery. He adds action and spirit to the crowd experience.

Chaparral High School is the home of the Wolverines. The school opened in 1997. They had a costumed mascot once upon a time, but it is no longer in use. Their rally tradition is a large blow-up Wolverine tunnel which students and athletes can run through.

Legend High School, established in 2008, is represented by the Titan. Their costumed mascot was introduced in recent years. The Titan mainly shows up at football games, along with some appearances at other events.

Lutheran High School has been in Parker since 2004. Their loyalties lie with the lion with purple and silver.

Loyalty and school spirit, live on!