Mascot of the Month

NAME: Joel Carlsen

CURRENT MASCOT POSITION: Retired

HOW LONG: 1987-1994

HISTORY OF MASCOTTING:

John Hershey High School "Huskie" (Arlington Heights, IL)-1987-88: cheerleader and mascot for State Championship football team

Inland Press Association's "Mr. Newspaper" (Des Plaines, IL)-1988-89

Domino's Pizza "The Noid" (suburban Chicago, IL)

"Santa Claus" (Niles, IL)

Meet Me Downtown Festival's "B.R." (Boca Raton, FL)-1989-94

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN MASCOTTING? As a high school cheerleader, the guys on the team took turns rotating doing first and second half.

YOUR INSPIRATION: Getting inside the costume lets the "other side" of you come out. The one that is never shy, always a clown, that loves to perform. When the little kids want to get their picture taken with you, you know you've connected with the crowd!

FAVORITE MEMORY AS A MASCOT: Twice I've been able to meet with popular public officials. As Santa Claus I performed at a Christmas assembly where I asked Senator Paul Simon what he wanted for Christmas. The second and most memorable was dancing with the First Lady Barbara Bush as B.R. in Meet Me Downtown's annual parade. She danced pretty good for a Republican!

WORST EXPERIENCE: Falling off the edge of a stage...OUCH!! But I got right back up and kept dancin'.

FAVORITE SKIT: A simple game of peek-a-boo with the little kids.

WHAT'S YOUR TRADEMARK? "That Rat can Dance!"

WORDS OF ADVICE TO THOSE ASPIRING TO BE A MASCOT OR TO THOSE NOVICES OUT THERE: Be big. Be a blast. Drink lots of water and never let them know who you are.

OTHER HOBBIES, INTERESTS, ETC.: Currently owner and head coach of Cheer Chicago All Stars in Naperville, IL. I enjoy stunting, soccer, volleyball and going to church with my family.

CHECK OUT JOEL'S CHEER CHICAGO SITE AT http://www.cheerchicago.com/

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