Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 2, 1995 TAG: 9509050035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ADRIANNE BEE AND HALE SHEIKERZ STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
costume, recently claimed the title "Best Mascot" at a competition sponsored by the National Cheerleading Association. According to Danny Monk, associate athletic director at Tech and cheerleading advisor, this is quite an impressive "feather" to put in a mascot's cap.
"I'm looking to become a professional mascot for a pro basketball or baseball team," Dvorak said. The Hokie Bird beat out the UNC Ram, the Georgetown Hoya, Louisville Cardinal, Maryland Terrapin, and three mascots from Davidson College. The mascots judged each other in the competition.
"It takes a lot" to be a mascot, Monk said. "Imagination and the ability to get a crowd going."
It also takes a lot of water. During a game Dvorak, who is starting his second year as the Hokie Bird, loses five to six pounds in water weight.
"You don't eat right beforehand," Dvorak said. "You start drinking water or Gatorade 24 hours before a game. Lots of fluids. Just eat a big dinner the night before - pasta, carbohydrates and the day of the game ... just drink."
At the Myrtle Beach, S.C., competition, Dvorak was not the only Hokie to receive an award. Todd Ronaldo, who subs for Dvorak, won "Most Improved Mascot." Michelle Sherwa and Kelly Shenal won the titles of "All-American Cheerleaders." "That's the top level of cheerleading," Monk said.
Sherwa and Shenal are awaiting the real award, however. All-American Cheerleaders get an assignment to one of the following: the Macy's Day Parade in New York, the Hula Bowl in Hawaii or the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland.
The cheerleaders practice at 6 a.m. three to four days a week in addition to a strenuous regimen of lifting weights in the gym.
The mascots also work out three to four times a week. Ronaldo rides his bike a lot. Dvorak says he does in-line skating every day and runs up the steps at the stadium for a good cardiovascular workout.
There are job hazards. One of Dvorak's poultry predecessors apparently "got dropped and broke three ribs."
Last year Dvorak learned of the danger first hand. "I was doing the dunk at the basketball game" he said. "My hand slipped off the rim and I fell on my back, bruised a couple ribs."
Dvorak has had sprained ankles but "nothing to put me out of commission."
The cheerleaders and mascots practice together and Dvorak feels the group is "kind of like a small family." He feels "a sense of trust" with them.
"I would say that one of the coolest things is being on the field," Dvorak said. Last year, he donned his feathers and beak for the Miami game at The Orange Bowl.
At home in Lane Stadium is where Dvorak remembers feeling the most exhilaration. "You get chills," he says of just being out on the field in front of a throng of fans. He got the most chills at the home game against West Virginia.
Dvorak also enjoys entertaining the children. "It's like being Santa Claus," he said. "The kids really get a kick out of the bird. They're probably some of the best fans for the Hokie Bird."
And the older fans? Females? Does this impress them?
"I haven't explored that opportunity," Dvorak said. "I have a girlfriend."
by CNB