EDUCATION
What does it take to be a mascot? “I think genuinely wanting to give your energy to other people is the goal,” said Hanania, who is amid a transfer from CAC to ASU, where she’s majoring in journalism. “You have to have enough energy that is transferred over to people. It takes a lot of social ability. You have to be able to communicate nonverbally. You have to talk with your hands because you’re not allowed to speak.” Being a mascot requires creativity and the ability to stay in character, added Askey. “It takes stamina because the costume is heavy and hot, and you have to keep performing no matter what,” she said. Vaquero Pete can give signals to communicate with other support staff without breaking character, Askey said. So, it’s not as easy as it looks; taking a few 30-second breaks here and there or sneaking off where no one can see you to take a swig of water by lifting Pete’s head a smidge. Hanania said she dresses up for her gigs in the staff restroom at the college to keep it on the QT.
“The costume can definitely get sweaty, especially during outdoor events in Arizona’s heat,” Askey said. “We do our best to keep it clean, but it’s a challenge. If someone has concerns about small spaces, they probably wouldn’t be a good fit for the role since the headpiece can feel tight and warm.” There is a small fan in the head that allows for some air circulation. Costume items, including the head, are sterilized between each use to eliminate odors and germs, Askey noted. Secrecy is part of the tradition Vaquero Pete might as well be in the witness protection program at CAC, as is the case at Maricopa’s two high schools. You’re not allowed to reveal yourself to other students. A few people might know who you are but must unofficially agree to a vow of silence. Secrecy aside, Hanania has endured some challenges as Pete. She said the worst event she ever endured was the Casa Grande Electric Light Parade, which lasted four hours and involved miles of walking. It’s a parade, after all.
The Vaquero embodies strength, resilience and a strong connection to the community, which are
“Surprisingly, the hottest I got was during that Christmastime parade,” she said. So, why does she take on the character of a tall, mustached, rough-and-ready cowboy? (She is, in actuality, the opposite of all those things). “I love seeing peoples’ reactions through the very visible eyes that I look through,” she said. “I like making people’s day. I like communicating with people without them knowing who it is.” Then, she left us with one final secret of her own: “My sister took a photo with me when I was in the costume, and she didn’t know it was me. “I never told her.” qualities Central Arizona College strives to promote.” ANGELA ASKEY, CAC SPOKESPERSON
Clockwise from left: Rammy the Ram at Copper Sky Regional Park. | Vaquero Pete is the Central Arizona College mascot. | Senita resident Natalie Hanania, 20, has played a high school and college mascot in Maricopa.
He has also posed as the high school’s female mascot counterpart, Ramette, wearing pink bows in her horns, just to throw off student detectives hot on his true identity. He said he loves taking on the Rammy role and hopes to continue as the Grand Canyon University Antelopes “Thunder” mascot upon Ram graduation. Rammy said he might reveal his true identity when he graduates. “I think if we find a fun way to do it, I would do it,” he said. Gary said she’s totally into her role when performing, which often entails dramatic wing flapping in the big brown bird suit. “I love being able to bring something special to the school,” she said. “Even though my identity is secret, I am a part of something bigger than myself.” Asked about the most difficult part of being Gary, she said it’s “giving energy and entering a new persona when you are feeling low and like you have nothing to give. It’s hard to push through, but when I’m in costume I have to It’s not hard to feel overheated and claustrophobic inside a heavy costume with a 10-pound head, especially when it’s north of 100 degrees outside. Natalie Hanania of Senita has no problem with the tight quarters, but she agrees the heat can be killer. Hanania is one of the faces hidden inside the head of Vaquero Pete, Central Arizona College’s mascot. become someone else.” Inside Pete’s head
A CAC Cheerleader Club member, Hanania shakes while she bakes inside the costume. She said she wants to be the flame that gets a crowd fired up. “I jump around and dance in the costume,” Hanania said excitedly. “I even do the splits with the costume on. I can’t do a flip because the head will fall off.” Because a Vaquero is a Mexican cowboy, the 20-year-old’s moves require a lot of cowboy lassos and riding imaginary horses. One needs to know how to pony — and rope. She said she must overemphasize her physical movements inside the costume to accentuate the 7-foot character’s bodily motions in a way that’s visible to her audience. Hanania was recruited by a former CAC activities director. She had to be at least 5 feet tall to fit in the Vaquero suit. She’s 5-foot-2. A former mascot trained her to play Pete, said Hanania, herself a former Rammy the Ram. “Vaquero, which means cowboy in Spanish, has been our mascot for decades,” said CAC spokesperson Angela Askey. I jump around and dance in the costume. I even do the splits with the costume on. I can’t do a flip because the head will fall off.” NATALIE HANANIA, VAQUERO PETE
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In 1970, Coolidge resident and technical drafting student Ray Lara was the winner in a contest to select an athletic nickname and mascot. It was the dawn of the Central Arizona College Vaqueros. The process to determine the latest look for CAC’s mascot began in 2016. Students and employees participated in a survey, voting on the face, custom-made chaps and vest for the larger-than-life caricature who represents the Vaqueros. Appearances began in the fall of 2018. “The college wanted a mascot that reflected the local culture and heritage,” Askey said. “The Vaquero embodies strength, resilience and a strong connection to the community, which are qualities Central Arizona College strives to promote.” The Vaquero makes appearances by request at campus events such as orientation, graduation, recruitment events and more. There’s no doubt Hanania loves taking on the role.
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