Interview with George Golding

By Kevin Neibauer

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with the very entertaining George Golding. Golding is very much a multi-faceted man. A school teacher by day, lacrosse player and referee in the evening, George also assists with the Phillies ground crew on game days as well as being very involved with the Philadelphia Soul as their mascot, Soul Man, as well as the former Trenton Devils mascot, Scorch. Without further ado, let's meet George Golding.

KMN- Tell us about your officiating background.

GG-"My family connection to officiating starts with my dad. I grew up watching him officiate basketball and football. He brought me on early, at the age of 6, as a scorekeeper/statistician for NESAC (North East Sports Athletic Conference). He then introduced me to football as an official with ARCO, finally working my way up to being a varsity football official (Referee and Line Judge) with the Central Board, with the PIAA. I continued with basketball as a ref and never pursued anything past high school rec leagues. In total I was involved for 30 years (15 years per sport). Once I tore my ACL, I worked the shot clocks for the PBLA and enjoyed it. Joe Fratoni gave me an opportunity to work the shot clock at a Barrage game, and he trusts me to work in the PBLA now. I am breaking into indoor lacrosse and hope to become an NLL official in a few years. My brother became an official as soon as he could and is returning to football after several seasons away from the game."

KMN-What is your sports background?

GG- "I grew up playing baseball and basketball, with baseball being my first love. I truly enjoy the game for the strategy, and the athletic ability it takes to play. I was recruited in high school to pitch in college, but decided to stay local and fulfill my dream of becoming a high school teacher. I began playing lacrosse when I turned 21, but I was a Wings season ticket holder for nearly 15 years. I loved watching the game and antagonizing visiting players. Through this, I became involved with Fann Cup because of two good friends, Keith Hennessy and Mike Barbera. I continued playing in the PBLA and have had opportunities to play in the Ales Hrebesky tournament in Prague and in the PILL".

KMN- How did you get involved with the grounds keeping and mascots?

GG- "While working for the Trenton Thunder (1999-2003, 2011) I gained some knowledge into grounds keeping and joined the Phillies organization in 2004 (2004-Present). I also work part-time with the Trenton Titans (formerly the Trenton Devils) during hockey season. My mascot connection goes back to 1999 when I started working for the Trenton Thunder. I became Boomer’s security guard and helped out when I could. I worked there for 5 years, and eventually had to take my position as a teacher. I was able to continue my mascot career, and help out Soul Man, with the Philadelphia Soul (2004-2008, 2011-Present). I assisted, and was part of, the 2008 Arena Football League Championship in New Orleans. I became a friend of the Trenton Devils (2007-2011) mascot, Scorch, until they suspended operations in April of 2011. I am fortunate now to work with the Trenton Titans and assist with game day duties. I owe my entertainment career to a great mentor, and wonderful friend Paul Devery."

"Attending Holy Ghost Preparatory was the greatest accomplishment of my educational life. I value everything that I have learned there and hold their teachings dear to my heart. Many teachers at HGP inspired me to become a teacher and continue their tradition in helping others as they have helped me. I am proud to say that I have earned my BA in Education, and absolutely love working with students."

KMN- What are your duties with the Phillies? Did you work the World Series? Describe a typical day in the life of a mascot.

GG-"My duties with the Phillies, since I'm game day, are to set up and break down batting practice, drag the field before and during the game, prepare the field (line, drag, paint, water) for the game, pull tarp for rain, and clean the field postgame. During the game we work under the stadium cleaning vehicles or watching the weather for the summer storms that pop up. I worked both World Series appearances in '08 and '09. The '08 win was the greatest moment in my life. Being a loyal Phillies follower since I remember, and suffering with my best friends for those years, winning it at home and celebrating on the field was so wonderful. My two friends I've had since I was 12 shared that experience with me."

“As for teaching I'm currently unemployed, thanks to the political uprisings in the neighboring state, though I teach high school English when I am employed. I worked at Medford Tech for 3 years and formed bonds with the terrific faculty there and taught some of the greatest kids in the world. I coached softball and helped lead the team to the first state playoff berth in school history. I love teaching and affecting lives of students. I believe in a philosophy that a teacher can make the content entertaining and students will want to learn more. So, that's what I try to do. Who knows, maybe one day I will have inspired someone to become a teacher like my teachers did for me at HGP."

"A day in the life of a mascot is tough because some days it embodies a couple of jobs running together. On a normal, school day, with a hockey game after, it involves packing the night before. All the essentials are prepped, packed and left by the door. I complete my job at school (not thinking about the game), and then after prepping for the next day of school, it's off to the arena. I arrive well before the public and before most of the front office. I am able to unpack the costume and personal items, and relax. I think about things that have happened during the day, and focus my energy as to what lies ahead tonight. I take a half hour nap, and then eat dinner. Following dinner, I get together with our emcee, Scott Cooney, and we talk about possible skits that could be interjected into promos. Once that's finished it's time to get dressed. I lead the team out prior to the anthem and then it's all improvisational skills after that. I try to be as crazy as I can be. My goal is to entertain the crowd, shake hands, meet as may people as I can, and leave them with a memory and a smile that they won't soon forget."

Thank You to George for taking time out of his busy schedule.