The Enthusiasm of Mr. Ranger

By: Devynn Brown and Lilliana Aguirre

Redwood’s mascot, Mr. Ranger, reflects the true ranger spirit in campus life and social events. He is the most well-known mascot in Visalia and continues to represent Redwood High School.

“I support Redwood and show school spirit“

Mr. Ranger

Mr. Ranger believes that his job is a “very fun experience. There’s a lot of energy and that’s really fun to be able to connect with the crowd.”

Mr. Ranger’s responsibilities are “to hype up the crowd and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, support Redwood and bring the school spirit.” Mr. Ranger brings the energy to a game or rally by running around waving his arms and being a source of entertainment.

Mr. Ranger’s describes his overall experience on Friday Nights as “really fun being able to dance with flag runners on the field and be the one to bring spirit. However, it can be really hot underneath the mask.”

The voting process for being Mr. Ranger is done by ASB. Even when he’s not wearing the mask he helps set up and take down things for ASB. He attends every football game and attends most school events especially big sporting competitions.

“Our mascot is original and unique just like the school”

Savannah Travis

Rally’s commissioner, Savannah Travis ’20, says “Mr. Ranger is like the summary of the Redwood spirit. He represents our school and what we stand for.”

There aren’t a lot of schools with a ranger as their mascot and certainly not one as hype and excited as the one we have. Travis strongly believes that “We(Redwood) are diverse, exciting, and the hypest school I have ever seen.”

ASB President, Jada Griffiths ’20, explains how it’s exciting to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and how excited they all get when Mr. Ranger interacts with all of the students. “It is important [as a school] that all of us should be like Mr. Ranger and be more involved,” said Griffiths.

Principal Matt Shin believes that what makes our mascot different from any other school’s mascot is the smile on his face, “Sometimes people try to make their mascots look mean and tough and ours is friendly and that reflects how our school is.”

He also added, “Looking back at it and how long its been for Redwood being around, about 60 plus years and we’re still proud to display our mascot.”

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Drama teacher, Mrs. Galvan, believes that being Mr. Ranger is no easy task and that “Mr. Ranger should be a representation of the last 65 years of Redwood. Hardworking, caring, and capable of engaging a crowd.” Some skills that Mr. Ranger should possess are the “abilities to engage a crowd without having to speak. A lot of pantomime a lot of big movements.”

Activities Director and ASB Adviser, Hailey Aston believes that “Mr. Ranger is a great show of school spirit, because it’s not often kids want to put their head in a smelly thing they have to wear all the time. So I think that it is just good promotion to see Mr. Ranger out there, walking around and shaking people’s hands. Mr. Ranger is very fun and interactive. I think the interactive part is the best.”

Not only does Mr. Ranger influence the students of Redwood, but he also influences the little kids that watch the games. Many kids in the bleachers are spotted dancing along with Mr. Ranger and having a good time.

Stellamarie Vaccaro, a young girl that attends the football games, explains how he makes “the crowd hyped up, seem more happy, and a better school.” She also notes that she enjoys seeing him at the game because “his beautiful smile makes me smile.” Based on his appearance, Avery Bratsch, a friend of Stellamarie, tells how even though “his face is a little blocky and still looks like a real person, he seems pretty legit.”

Mr. Ranger will always be at the Redwood varsity football games and rallies during the school year.

Tags: #whenyou'reexcitedforcowhide, cowhide, mr. ranger, ranger pride, redwood high school