ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 1997 TAG: 9702190067
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
TYPE: COMMUNITY SPORTS
SOURCE: CHRIS LANG SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
Radford University undergraduate Paul Rich is not someone who would necessarily qualify as a muscle-bound hulk.
But for more than two hours at every home basketball game, he plays the role well, as the man underneath the kilt-wearing Radford Highlander mascot.
Rich is the first to ever wear the costume, which replaced Rowdy Red as the team's mascot at the beginning of this season.
"It was something that we talked about before this year," RU athletic director Greig Denny said. "The Student Government Association was actively involved."
Rich was a self-professed superfan an avid supporter of Radford basketball before taking on the role of the Highlander, which he won in a tryout. He sat in the stands, often painting an "R" on his chest and a "U" on his back to show support for his team.
Getting into the bulky costume is an effort in itself. First, Rich puts on the padding that is the muscular frame of the Highlander. Next, he adds the kilt that covers the chest and lower torso of the costume.
A belt is added, followed by safety pins that hold the hands to the body of the costume. Finally, Rich adds the boots and the helmet to complete the outfit. The costume is bulky and hot, Rich said.
"I'd say I probably lose about five pounds a game, that's my estimate," Rich said. "It's easier for the girls games, there aren't as many people here. It's not as hot. The guys games can get pretty hot, though. I'm looking forward to the Big South [Conference Tournament]. I'll get to go in front of my biggest crowd then."
"The Highlander nickname comes from the the Scottish immigrants that settled in the highlands here," Denny said. "They were fierce warriors and we wanted to show that. We had some people in house here who designed it and that's basically how we came up with the idea."
The Highlander is not Rich's first mascot gig, either. He got his start as the Hayfield Hawk for Hayfield High School near Alexandria in Northern Virginia. The costume was not nearly as complicated, just a scruffy looking feathered outfit.
Rich said the biggest problem with the mascot costumes is the lack of peripheral vision.
"Kids always attack me," Rich said through the Highlander mask. "They used to kill me when I was the Hawk."
Rich has aspirations beyond the Radford Highlander. He plans to try out to be the new mascot for the Washington's NBA franchise, whose name will change from the Bullets to the Wizards prior to next season.
Virginia Tech already has one of its former mascots in the professional ranks. One-time Hokie Bird Curtis Dvorak graduated from Tech and went on to become the mascot for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rich enjoys his job. Fans, especially children, seem to enjoy him. This is especially true at Radford women's games. When Radford met Coastal Carolina Saturday in Big South women's action, an entire Girl Scout troop pounced at him at once.
"Help! I was just attacked by 40 Girl Scouts," Rich says laughing through the mask.
Rich has already been praised by the athletic department for drumming up enthusiasm to Radford games.
"I think he's been doing a great job," Denny said. "He's been well received by the students and the general public and he looks like he's really enjoying it - and losing some weight."
If you have an idea for a story or note about recreational sports, call Chris Lang at 381-1664 in Montgomery County or Radford or (800) 346-1234, extension 664 elsewhere or fax to 381-1656.
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ALAN KIM STAFF. Paul Rich is the man underneath theby CNBkilt-wearing Radford Highlander mascot. color.