DATE: Jan. 25, 2008
School mascot comes to life :
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A student with school spirit has livened up the basketball games at one intermediate school by dressing up as the school’s mascot – Bentley the Lion. His family purchased the costume through e-bay, and now he’s keeping spectators entertained with his sideline antics. Until recently, Bentley School students had only seen pictures of their school mascot – Bentley the Lion. But after basketball season began in November, he suddenly showed up for a home game and has been returning ever since – entertaining spectators with his sideline antics.
“I thought it would be fun,” explained the cuddly mascot, a Bentley student who decided to keep his true identity a secret because “that’s what mascots do.”
Coaches John Wettergren and Mark Prosise invited Bentley to begin appearing at the home games after receiving a “very professional and convincing letter” from the mascot’s alter ego – a sixth-grader at the New Lenox school.
“He felt that our school needed a mascot for the basketball game and offered his `services’ in that capacity,” said Wettergren. “I thought it sounded like a great idea, so I ran it past (Principal) Michelle Hall and (Athletic Director) Fred Manzi to get their approval.”
They agreed, if Bentley could come up with a costume. Bentley’s mom was happy to oblige and found a costume for him on e-bay.
“He was so determined he was going to get himself out on the court,” she said, explaining how Bentley tried out for the basketball team but didn’t make the cut.
Instead of feeling sorry for himself, the sixth-grader came up with an alternate plan for joining the team on the basketball court. He submitted it to Wettergren for consideration.
“(The team) needs a mascot,” he wrote, “and his name should be Bentley. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I’m available for the position…. I’m eagerly awaiting your response.”
Bentley made his first appearance at the school’s home basketball game on Nov. 27. At first, he was a little “subdued,” recalled Wettergren. “He sat down at the end of our bench, waved to the crowd and held up his team signs.” As the season progressed, Bentley became a little more animated, performing somersaults on the sidelines and running into the stands to give his adoring fans high fives.
“Bentley has really come out of his shell,” admits his mother, crediting a neighbor (who happens to be a gymnast) for showing the mascot a few moves.
The crowd now looks forward to seeing him at every home game.
“Every time he makes an appearance at a home game, you can feel the excitement level go up a couple of notches in the Bentley players and the Bentley fans,” said Wettergren.
Even the opposing teams have taken a liking to Bentley the Lion.
“I often hear visiting players make comments about how cool it is that we have a mascot,” said Wettergren. “Bentley the Lion puts smiles on a lot of faces.”
Bentley is enjoying his time at the games as well – even though it gets a little warm in the furry costume.
“It makes me feel good,” he said. “I know they’re cheering me on.”
The sixth-grader’s enthusiasm has filtered down to his younger brother, who plans to assume Bentley’s identity next year when his creator moves on to junior high.
“He’s already practicing and doing the moves,” said Bentley’s mom.