Unveiling the Big Foam Head: A Deep Dive into Maricopa’s Team Spirit Mascot

Local school spirit is brought to life through the vibrant, albeit furry, mascots of Maricopa and Desert Sunrise High Schools. Rammy the Ram and Gary the Golden Hawk have carved a niche in the hearts of students and sports fans alike.

A recent poll conducted by InMaricopa.com revealed a tie in favor of both mascots’ popularity, illustrating the deep-rooted traditions at the schools, despite their differing histories; Maricopa High School dates back to 1912, while Desert Sunrise is just three years old.

In an exclusive interview with the student volunteers behind these beloved figures, we learned about the challenges and triumphs of embodying a school mascot. Adhering to the code of tradition, these volunteer performers have dedicated time and energy to uphold their school’s spirit.

Allie Krigbaum, a Desert Sunrise counselor and Arizona State University alum, recounted her humorous April Fool’s prank that nearly backfired after jokingly announcing the presence of another Golden Hawk competitor. The jest did not land well with the community, demonstrating the strong attachment locals have to their mascots.

A glimpse behind the scenes reveals the strenuous efforts taken to engage the crowd. One senior, who plays Rammy, recalled a memorable day filled with running laps and friendly mascot rivalry, report antics that truly enliven the games.

“I performed at a huge game and even engaged in a hilarious mock fight with the opposing mascot,” said the student, embodying the energetic and playful spirit required for mascots. The experience demands both physical stamina and creativity, as engaging the audience is paramount.

Gary’s volunteer, a high school senior, articulated the joy of performing at pep rallies and sports events. “The crowds always uplift me,” she said, sharing that even though the costume creates some discomfort, it’s a small price to pay for the joy it brings to others.

Both Rammy and Gary highlighted the physical demands of being a mascot. “After a performance, I’m drenched in sweat,” Gary admitted. “It’s hot, and sometimes hard to breathe, but it’s worth it when I see everyone smiling.”

Meanwhile, Natalie Hanania, a former Vaquero Pete at Central Arizona College, shared similar sentiments about the challenges of being in a heavy costume under the Arizona sun. She expertly navigates the hot confines of the suit while delivering high-energy performances that keep crowds entertained.

“Being a mascot is much more than just wearing a costume; it’s about connecting with the audience through exaggerated movements,” Hanania shared. “And you have to constantly be ‘on’—even on your low days, you must bring energy and enthusiasm to the character.”

The choice of the Golden Hawk as Desert Sunrise’s mascot stemmed from focus groups when the school was founded in 2021. The students desired a unique symbol that resonated with the local environment, leading to the eventual name selection through a student vote.

In the realm of mascots, a common thread is the importance of secrecy and community connection. Mascots often draw smiles and camaraderie while remaining anonymous, embodying school spirit in a way that transcends their hidden identities. This is part of what makes the mascot tradition so special in these schools and the larger community.