t-and-f: re: Mascot

[Michael J. Roth]

The Mascot has an equal stupidity look, but kids don't know the difference, so the point is moot. Mascots attract kids, there is no debating this, anything to the contrary is pointless banter. Whether the children are spectators or contestants (we're not talking Millrose here, but JO meets for appearances) this is a positive financial opportunity for USATF & TnF as a whole. Kids will have something else to remember outside of the events they contest. The money to be made from pictures w/ the Mascot is huge, especially if it goes back to the Grass Roots programs (Associations), where it should. This is not an issue of youth participation numbers, as Mascot will not be at local/yocal meets (for the most part), but at Nationals where it will be an attraction piece. For years it has been difficult to make T&F fun for kids, this is a good step in that direction. It just seems like another case where no matter what USATF does, people are going to crucify it.

MJR