Leo takes turn as Strike

Lion mascot Sayer Smith grows into Naturals' mascot suit

Leo the Lion, Gravette’s mascot played by Sayer Smith, was dressed for the occasion at last fall's homecoming celebration in Gravette. Smith's experience as Leo the Lion opened up an opportunity for him to work as Strike, mascot for the Arkansas Naturals.
Leo the Lion, Gravette’s mascot played by Sayer Smith, was dressed for the occasion at last fall's homecoming celebration in Gravette. Smith's experience as Leo the Lion opened up an opportunity for him to work as Strike, mascot for the Arkansas Naturals.

— Baseball season is in full swing for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Strike the Sasquatch is busy entertaining fans, but what really makes the playful mascot so entertaining?

Is it his energy, charisma, comical nature or outgoing personality?

Sayer Smith, a senior at Gravette High School, has it all. Smith is one of four people who play Strike the Sasquatch, the Natural’s big and burly mascot.

Smith has plenty of experience playing a mascot and the right personality for the job. He played Leo the Lion for Gravette High School for the past two years and worked for the Naturals as an intern last year.

Smith began working as a mascot when he decided not to play football his junior year of high school. Since he wasn’t going to be playing ball, he decided to try being the mascot instead.

“I tried it and fell in love with it,” he said.

Smith’s 4-H Club leader Kim Yarborough heard there was an internship position opening up to play Strike last fall and suggested he apply. A YouTube video of Smith playing Leo the Lion helped him get the job, he said.

Working inside a mascot suit can be a challenge. It’s extremely hot inside the costume, and it would be easier to play three nonstop basketball games, Smith said with a laugh.

Whether Smith is acting in a play or in a mascot suit, he takes on the character. For example, Strike is outgoing and silly andhe likes messing with people, Smith said.

Much of his work is done by improvisation, but Smith said if there is something new hewants to try, he puts on his head and feet to see how it is going to work.

“You have to know who your character is and what he is and just act your heart out,” he said.

Smith’s acting is not limited to being a mascot.

“Everyday I’m working on my communication, spoken and non-spoken,” he said.

Smith has acted in all but two of the plays put on during his high schoolcareer, playing Romeo in a recent production.

But acting is hardly Smith’s only interest. When asked what other activities he is involved in, Smith said, “Get ready to write.”

He participates in 4-H, FBLA, DECA, FFA, FCA, Key Club, Forensics, cheerleading and drama. He will also be working as a cheer and mascot instructor at a National Cheerleaders Association Camp this summer.

Smith is very involved in his church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He helps lead his church youth group and sometimes uses his communication skills to deliver sermons.

“I like being involved because I’m a very outgoing person and I enjoy being involved with my peers,” Smith said.

Smith’s mascoting skills have also earned him a $1,000 scholarship from Olivet Nazarene University, in Bourbonnais, Ill., to play the school’s tiger mascot.

News, Pages 1 on 05/16/2012