The Chronicle stops the presses- Play offers new twist on classic story
- Students create illustrations for Georgia Ports Authority
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Graduate student channels classic horror in thesis film - Alumnus creates mobile gallery
- SCAD libraries hold artist’s book competition for students
- Griffis discusses development of Arthur legend
- Noted author speaks to students
- The Green Scene: 'We have a dream'
- Personnel File: New staff members join SCAD-Savannah
- SCAD hosts regional IDSA conference
- Titus Kaphar to speak at SCAD
- The Bee Line
- Women’s lacrosse sets records in Kennesaw State win
- Athlete Feats highlights for Feb. 22
- Baseball takes series from St. Thomas
- Women’s basketball wraps up second place in Florida Sun
- Athletics updates for Feb. 15
- Baseball off to best start in program’s history
- Big third period leads lacrosse team to victory
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Trivial Pursuits
 Webmaster proves hit as mascot
 Photo by Wayne C. Moore SCAD Webmaster Terri Foote poses with the head and hands of her alter ego, Gnate the Gnat, in her office at the college. During baseball season, Foote entertains Sand Gnats fans old and young with Gnate’s antics. By Monique Bos Published: Friday, April 7, 2006 Savannah College of Art and Design Webmaster Terri Foote has loved baseball since childhood — and as Gnate, the mascot for the Savannah Sand Gnats, she gets to share that love with local children. Foote, an avid Oriole fan, grew up in Baltimore with four older brothers — David, the oldest, is chair of advertising design at SCAD-Atlanta — and a grandfather who served as an usher at Memorial Stadium. She applied twice to become the team mascot but was turned down both times because of lack of experience. So when she met the Sand Gnats’ assistant general manager by chance last year, the first thing she said was, “I want to be the mascot!” As it happened, the team was looking for a new mascot, someone who would appeal to young fans. The timing was so serendipitous that Foote didn’t even have to audition. “He looked at me a bit oddly, but he said OK,” she said. “He wanted a woman who was child-friendly, so that was it.” At the opening game for the 2005 season, she debuted Gnate, a cuddly, teddy-bear-like character who has proven popular with children. “I got to give him personality, which was fun, because now it’s just growing,” she said. “The kids do love him, so it was a success.” As mascot, Gnate replaced Gnic, who sported six-pack abs and fangs. “Gnic was very scary; he’d scare children,” Foote said. “The kids are a huge part. The team wanted to develop a more friendly, lovable gnat, and that’s why they created Gnate.” During the 2005 season, Foote appeared as Gnate at all but seven of the team’s 70 home games — a mark of serious dedication, as she not only works full time but also is halfway through the SCAD Master of Fine Arts program in photography. She managed to juggle the job, school and being mascot last summer, but this year she’s opted to take a spring course so she can have the summer off. Still, there’s a four-week period during which baseball season and the academic quarter overlap. “My day can go from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.,” she said. She’s also enlisted some help on the baseball diamond this season. “I have some backups this year to help out,” she said, but added, “Knowing me, I’ll probably do most of the games anyway because it’s fun.” It may be fun, but the mascot role also presents challenges — such as running around in a heavy costume during the hot summer months. “I almost passed out once last season on the field,” Foote said. She had to leave during the national anthem to cool off. “There’s just the fan in the head, but that doesn’t really cool it.” Still, she has found a silver lining: Last season she lost 28 pounds. “It comes in handy when you want to lose weight,” she said. “You just sweat it off.” The head weighs between five and 10 pounds and the clothes about five, she explained. “The head can cause a lot of back problems so I have to go to a chiropractor during the season,” she said. And some fans can be antagonistic. “There are always the people who kick and punch me,” she said. “I have a bodyguard who walks around with me.” Mostly, though, she said she enjoys the experience, and she is gratified to be able to share her passion for baseball with the kids who attend the games. “It’s a nice change from what I do during the day. I get to throw on a costume and make a fool of myself and make people laugh,” Foote said. “My whole life I’ve loved baseball. Showing the kids the whole environment — in the major league it’s all about money, but I want to show that baseball’s fun.” Given Gnate’s popularity, she’s succeeded in doing exactly that. See Gnate in action April 11, 7:05 p.m., when the 2006 Savannah Sand Gnats season kicks off at Grayson Stadium on Victory Drive. |
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