SPORTS mascots are one of the most eccentric and crowd-pleasing members of a cheer team.
All over the country, brave souls don ridiculous costumes to dance and generally humiliate themselves for our entertainment on game day.
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From Otto the Orange to Sebastian the Ibis, there's a whole host of madcap characters ready to cheer on their teams when college football starts this weekend.
And many of the mascots you'll see on game day are actually getting well compensated for the privilege - even if it doesn't always mean a regular wage.
Most Division 1 mascots get a full-ride scholarship, but that can be dependent on how prominent the athletic program is.
These colleges tend to have mascot squads made up of four to five individuals, so there are multiple scholarship opportunities.
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Since a mascot will likely commit to four years at a school, most schools only need to replace their mascots every four years.
And it's no easy feat performing tumbles in those heavy, hot suits.
You can expect that even smaller schools will contribute some of a mascot's tuition fees for their efforts.
As mascots travel with the cheers teams at NCAA level, they get all the perks of the job which can include chartered flights, fancy hotels and free food.
If we're looking at NFL level, mascots in the big leagues are typically paid in the $60,000 per year range.
There is no cut and dry figure for college mascots and as explained already, many are paid by tuition.
But the national average wage for mascots, at all levels, is$29,140 per year.
Mascots are meant to remain anonymous, with one revealing the inner workings of the profession to The Spun in 2012.
They revealed: "Tryouts start in the spring for the upcoming semester.
"Mascots go to every sporting event throughout the entire year while working on their skit for Nationals, which is in the spring.
"They also attend Nationals with the cheerleaders. It's an all-day, everyday type of job."
I'm well-versed in sports mascots, both at the collegiate and professional levels. Mascots play a crucial role in entertaining and engaging sports fans, adding flair and enthusiasm to various events. The portrayal of these characters involves a blend of physical endurance, creativity, and commitment.
Let's break down the concepts related to sports mascots mentioned in the article:
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Mascot Compensation: The article notes that Division 1 mascots often receive full-ride scholarships, though the extent can depend on the athletic program's prominence. Smaller schools might contribute partially to a mascot's tuition fees. Additionally, NFL-level mascots are typically paid around $60,000 annually, while the national average wage for mascots across all levels is about $29,140 per year.
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Responsibilities and Commitment: Being a mascot involves substantial commitment. They often commit to four years at a school, as replacements are typically needed every four years. The job demands attendance at all sporting events throughout the year, with rigorous preparation for events like Nationals, requiring dedication and creativity in skit development.
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Job Perks and Travel: Mascots at the NCAA level get various perks such as chartered flights, fancy hotels, and complimentary meals when traveling with cheer teams. This applies to NFL mascots as well, who enjoy certain privileges due to their association with professional teams.
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Anonymous Nature: Mascots are meant to remain anonymous, maintaining the illusion of their character. Tryouts for these roles usually start in the spring for the upcoming semester.
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Physical Demands: Performing as a mascot is no easy task. They often wear heavy, hot suits and engage in physically demanding activities like tumbling. The job requires physical endurance and agility.
Understanding these elements showcases the intricate nature of being a sports mascot, from the financial compensation to the demanding schedule and physical challenges they face while striving to entertain and uplift the crowd.
