Last year, Paul Gargano could not pass up the opportunity when former RMHS vice principal, Michael Scarpitto, went on the morning announcements and sought a new student to fill the vacancy of the RMHS Rocket mascot.
“I approached Mr. Scarpitto at lunch and found out that I was the only one to volunteer for the job,” Gargano, a current senior at RMHS, said.
Gargano was thrilled that he had the chance to represent the school on game days every Friday and other school events throughout the year.
Being a mascot is not easy. It takes skill, confidence, and an unconventional personality that engages the fans in attendance. Gargano concurs that being is such a role is not as easy as it looks.
“Being a mascot takes experience, perfection, and, most of all, a sense of enthusiasm" Gargano said. “You need to be friendly and willing to show school spirit”.
That spirit is on display each Friday not. The RMHS football team holds a 9-1 record and is heading to the Super Bowl. Of course, the tremendous effort from every individual on the football team and the terrific coaching staff led by head coach John Fiore has been pivotal. But, it is also the energy from the crowd, led by the Rocket, that fuels the fight in every player on the field.
Game day is not only exciting for the whole school, but especially for Gargano. Each game day after a long day at school, Gargano reenergizes by taking a nap at home. After, it is time to get pumped up for the game ahead.
Paul Gargano dressed as The Reading Rocket
“I grab a couple of energy drinks and around five-thirty, and I arrive at the stadium with my brother, Matthew,” Gargano says. “ I immediately find Mr.Zaya, who gives me the Rocket costume. I then proceed to the fieldhouse where I am able to put it on.”
Many students often wonder what it is like to be in the Rocket costume and the restrictions that occur. During football season games are played in all types of weather and the Rockets draw an abundant crowd. These variables swirl through Gargano’s mind while he is in the Rocket costume.
“Inside the Rocket costume, it is just a big helmet with a pillow taped to it for cushioning, the pillow gives the Rocket its look. While inside, you can only see a few inches, so when you move around, you have to be aware and readjust.”
Gargano has gained many skills during his time as the Rocket. He has also developed a number of poses and gestures. During the game Gargano can be seen clapping at the crowd to pump them up or doing the Hulk Hogan signature pose. However, his adrenaline spikes when the Rockets score a touchdown; there have been many of those this season. Gargano can be seen immediately going over to the fence and shaking it as hard as he can. This undoubtedly pumps up the crowd according to Gargano.
There are many other thrills that occur as the Rocket. The funniest moment came this year when RMHS teacher Steve Padovani,told Paul do seven pushups on the first touchdown of the playoffs. This came during RMHS’ 42-0 win of Malden Catholic when junior, Corey DiLoreto threw a 46 yard pass to senior, Sam Patterson before DiLoreto
brought it home for the touchdown on the next play. Gargano proceeded to do the pushups Mr. Padovani asked him to, representing both the hard work that he and the team put in each Friday night.
We don’t often know the person who is behind each and every mascot costume, but the RMHS community is fortunate enough to know Gargano. Gargano is an active member of the Drama Club and has played a pivotal role behind the scenes in each school production. Just recently, Paul received the distinguished "High Five" award. This honor is awarded to a select number of members of the Senior class each year. Faculty and Students can concur that Gargano is an overall great kid and his personality fits the bill as the Rocket. Gargano plans to major in Computer Science while in college. And who knows, he could be the person in the mascot costume of the respective school in which he attends.
"I have considered pursuing something similar in college,but I don't know" Gargano said when asked if he would consider being the mascot of the college in which he attends. Then again, we never know who is behind the costume of each mascot.
Paul Gargano has left his mark at Reading Memorial High School. Whoever the next man up is to be the Rocket has tough shoes to fill.