Beyond the Costume: A Look Into the Life of a Mascot

Shhhh, I have a secret.  I may or may not know one of the University of Kentucky mascots. But, there’s one rule in mascoting: do not reveal your identity. They are the completely recognizable, but the most unrecognizable athletes of UK. Everyone knows them instantaneously by their alter egos, but would never be able to point out the humans behind the mask if they saw them on campus.

No home game would be the same without Wildcat and Scratch posing for pictures and poking fun at people. Fans get great pleasure when one of them steals the hat of their friend, but loses their sense of humor quickly when they become the butt of the joke. A particular fan favorite, though, is when a UofL fan loses their hat or University gear.

There’s definitely an art to making a giant cat have human expressions and carry on a conversation with people without actually talking. They are essentially mimes without the black and white face paint and outfit. It takes skill to improvise an entire scene that starts with something as simple as being handed a peanut by a kid who wants Wildcat or Scratch to eat it. While this may seem simple, it is infinitely more difficult to enact this scene when the peanut happens to get stuck in the mascot’s teeth. How do you tell a cheerleader that you have a peanut stuck in your teeth without actually saying the words “I have a peanut stuck in my teeth and I need help getting it out!” The crowd breaks out in laughter as he extracts the peanut and hands the now slimy peanut to an innocent cheerleader who is responsible for disposing of said peanut. 

 For some though, the giant furry cat is not an expression of fun and excitement, but a reminder of an intense fear. They never know if the child they are getting ready to take a picture with, whose parent has shoved their child into the arms of the mascot, will laugh and smile or scream, cry, and potentially run away. For some, this fear doesn’t stop when they turn 18 though. There are many, including well known UK basketball players (who will remain anonymous just as the mascots do), who’s fear of mascots extends well into their adult life. I have watched a 6’7” grown man run for his life down a school hallway and hide inside a locked classroom to avoid the mascot because of how intense his fear was. Who would think that a smiling Wildcat or Scratch could evoke such fear? They are potentially risking their life every time they suit up.

Without Wildcat and Scratch, UK would not be the same. They are there to entertain the crowds which may include dancing to popular songs, playing mascot basketball, or taking pictures with people at games and appearances. And while they are very well known, they live in anonymity which is exactly the way they want it. Because the other rule of mascoting is to never ruin the illusion. When the suit goes on, they become the mascot, but even when the suit comes off, they never truly leave the mascot behind. Every one of them has a part of that fun loving, beloved cat in them. It’s the only way they enjoy and excel at being their alter egos. 

     
Staci is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Agricultural Biotechnology.  Her family lives in Kentucky, but comes to us from Virginia.  She is the College of Agriculture SGA Senator, a COA Agriculture Ambassador, and rides horses in her spare time.