Introducing CAPTAIN SHIELD

Have you ever hastily volunteered for something and a moment later thought "wow - this could potentially be the most embarrassing thing I've ever done"? Well this happened to me. A few weeks ago, one of the relationship managers I work for was telling me about U.S. Bank night at the Races. You see U.S. Bank is a major corporate sponsor of Capitol Racing, the local horse race company, and every year the Bank has a night that they encourage all employees and their family to attend. It just so happened that U.S. Bank night at the Races coincided with Mascot Night. We're not just talking Mascots that walk around and high five little kids - nope these Mascots get out on the track and run a race against each other! Well, it just so happens that U.S. Bank has a brand new mascot and its never been to Boise. But on this special night it would be here. So as Kathy explains to me how the Idaho Powerball, Humphrey the Hawk and many others will be running I quickly exclaim "OH I WOULD SO DO THAT!". And that's how it happened. I had just volunteered myself to suit up as none other than CAPTAIN SHIELD for a night!

I can honestly say it was a blast! I got to mingle with all the famous mascots - and let me tell you they are famous. The Idaho Powerball got screams and hollers - it was amazing. Really I just think people thought they could somehow get money if only they could meet the Powerball. Whatever. Here are some of the Mascots preparing to make our entrance into the grandstands:

After the initial introduction we were quickly escorted out (Mascots aren't allowed in the area of the track during a race. Seems the horses are a wee bit scared of the color red and as you could tell there's LOTS of red Mascots!) We were given a little break - it was only in the 70's but those costumes were HOT. I even had a cooling vest on with ice packs in it and I was a sweaty mess. After a few more horse races, it was our turn to take to the track. There were 3 heats and we really did line up in the horse shoots! The power ball had to be squished and pushed in - I'm still not sure how he fit - I had to stand sideways and someone had to push me out as well. Soon enough the gates flew open and we were off. I soon discovered Captain Shield is not a runner. His "Shield" is a little shifty and there are wood beams all over that can nail a persons nose pretty good if the Captain runs to fast - and with the arms sticking straight out the front there's really nothing to hold onto to steady the"Shield".
Well, I didn't come in first and I didn't come in last, but it was still a blast and we all got to stand in the winners circle just the same!