I’ve asked him several times about how he got started in the business but he just kind of shakes his head and gives me this creepy stare so I don’t push it.  I do know that he grew up amongst the trees in the Cascade Mountains so that’s where he must have developed some of his acrobatic skills. 

Let me tell you something, I’ve seen Squatch descend from the ceiling of Key Arena, on a rope, with sparklers coming out of his ears.  He has gone down a flight of stairs on a skateboard and landed in center court.  Oh, last week he jumped 19 feet into the air off a trampoline, caught a basketball and did a flip before slamming it through the rim. 

Don’t sleep on Squatch’s talent because the guy has got skills.  Anybody can play basketball as a matter of fact there is about 435 players in the league right now but only 30 mascots so who really has the talent?          

The most extraordinary thing about Squatch is that he is refined and must have had some type of classical training because it showed that night when he took the hand of a young lady in the audience and began to dance with her in a way that would have made Gene Kelly proud. 

Squatch is also a gifted musician, he plays the drums and I don’t mean like Animal on Sesame Street, Squatch can drive a mean beat and if the crowd gets him amped up, you are in for a real treat. 

The guys like Squatch just as much as the women and children.  Last year when the Washington Wizards came to town and Gilbert Arenas (a.k.a. Agent O) hit the game-winning basket, Squatch had to be restrained. 

After Gilbert yanked off his jersey and placed it at center court, Squatch quickly took it and tried to stomp a hole through it. He’s one tough cookie and is not to be messed with.  

On the day of this photo, Squatch was on hand to pass out toys to children to insure that everyone had something special for Christmas under the tree but this isn’t anything new for him. 

On any given day Squatch can be seen throughout the community at Elementary Schools, Children Hospitals or other events where spirits need lifting.  Being a mascot is serious business and it isn’t something that Squatch takes likely.   

Most importantly, in the best or worst of times, you can count on Squatch to put a smile on your face and make you glad that you came to see the Seattle Sonics.  When I was able to get a word out of Squatch, he asked me to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.