‘Mascot Wrangler’ Keeping Falls Church Kids, Families Smiling

For the last five years Marybeth Connelly, the self-anointed “Mascot Wrangler,” has made sure “Danny the Hippo,” “Mustang Sally,” “Tito the Husky” (also the Henderson Husky) and “TJ Tiger” have appeared at various events.

Connelly can be ready for an appearance by one or all four of the mascots with just a phone call or an email to either of the schools where the costumes are kept. Connelly, community outreach coordinator with Falls Church City Public Schools for the last six years, has only missed a few public appearances with the group of mascots, being replaced by her husband, Michael and friend Stacy Hennessey.

“It’s just so funny to see people interacting with the mascots,” Connelly said.

About 20 students, most of them from Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School including Connelly’s son Andrew, don the costumes each year. Connelly said the students go through an orientation before actually wearing the heavy costumes. The orientation consists of shooting basketballs through hoops and running around to get used to the costume. Besides school functions, the mascots make annual appearances in the Memorial Day Parade. George Mason High had their mascot first, but there is no time frame for when it arrived. The Husky arrived in 2005 and a family in the 2006-2007 school year donated TJ and Danny. The group started appearing together in 2007. Sally represents , TJ represents , Danny Mt. Daniel Elementary School and Tito represents Henderson.

Droves of children rushed the four mascots at the Mason home opener varsity football game Sept. 9 giving them hugs, high fives and handshakes. When the four took to the track surrounding the football field for a race, the crowd erupted in cheers. After the jaunt around the track, the mascots went back to their young, excited fans for more handshakes and such.

“They all take on their own personalities,” Connelly said. “The kids that are shy have a while new level of confidence. It’s very cool to see a kid that’s shy put on that costume.”

Three years ago, Dimitri Venets appeared at different events as “Danny the Hippo.” Venets, a senior on the Mason football team, said he did it to give back to the community. The 6 feet 1 inch tall tight end has long outgrown the costume bust said in a crunch, he would do it again.

“Having the kids think it’s really ‘Danny the Hippo’ and not a person inside is pretty cool,” Venets said.

FCCPS Board Chair Patrick Riccards said he listened to his son speak about going to the “hippo school” for months before starting kindergarten this year at Mt. Daniel. He said for his son and many others, the mascots provide personality to the school appearance.

"Falls Church's four school mascots provide a sense of identity for all of our students and their families,” Riccards said.  “Whether you be a hippo, tiger, husky, or mustang, your school mascot stands as a symbol of excellence, unity, and community.”