Stripes is the newest member of the mascot family for the Hamilton Tiger Cats football team. photos by kaitlyn campanella
helping hands
How some mascots go above and beyond the game
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skee wee wee, oskee waa waa, holy mackinaw, Tigers… eat ‘em raw! A chant that is foreign to many but second nature to Hamiltonians, traditionally led by the original cheerleader Pigskin Pete – Hamilton’s Canadian Football League team, the Tiger Cats mascot. The original Pigskin Pete, Vince Wirtz, led the crowd in the chant for the first time in the 1920s and was followed in suit – top hat and all, by Bill Wirtz, Paul Weilier, and the current Pete, Dan Black. Along with the long running tradition of Pigskin Pete comes the Ticats’ original mascot T.C., first appearing in 1984. Since the summer of 2004, the newest cat on the roster, Stripes, has been pumping up the fans alongside Pigskin Pete and T.C. “It’s a very rewarding feeling to make people laugh and cheer,” says Stripes. Stripes, one of two official Hamilton Tiger Cat mascots, is best known for his game day dance moves and fan engagement. However, this CFL mascot has a number of responsibilities both on and off the field. “There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes on game days. Everyone works to follow a schedule. One minute I might be out on the field, the next I might need to be cutting a promo up in the stands,” says Stripes.
BY: kaitlyn campanella
“There is a whole stadium full of people to visit and entertain, so I try my best to visit as many places as I can.” Stripes’s season does not end following the Grey Cup ceremonies, as it does for the teams. Stripes has become a staple in the Hamilton area and can relate to the importance of community and the excitement that mascots bring to children and adults alike. “I remember watching shows growing up, like Sharon, Lois and Bram, The Elephant Show and Polkadot Shorts, and always thinking how cool the mascot characters were. It’s really cool to think that I can have a similar effect on kids,” says Stripes. Stripes says that going to community events is a very important part of his job; he visits many festivals, sporting events and elementary schools at least once a month. “Sometimes I’ll be at an event with a lot of kids, who might not have had the chance to see a mascot before, so it’s really rewarding to make them laugh,” says Stripes. “Lately I’ve been involved with a lot of events to help promote healthy living choices, which help promote a good message.” Along with staying anonymous beneath the mask–keeping the cat in the bag–Stripes’ main priority is to be a positive influence in the community. “Any event I go to, I try to get involved as possible to help make a difference.”
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