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Bears unveil new mascot "Staley"
By Larry Mayer
Senior Writer
August 6, 2003
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - He'll never score a touchdown or make a tackle, but the newest member of the Bears' organization will still be a valuable contributor on the field.
How else would you describe "Staley," the team's new mascot who was unveiled Wednesday at training camp?
Team president and CEO Ted Phillips did the honors, introducing the jersey-clad brown bear to dozens of enthusiastic children in the interactive area between practices.
Upon making his entrance, Staley planted a kiss on Phillips' cheek-then promptly wiped off his lips, much to the delight of the kids.
"This was an idea by our marketing people," Phillips said. "They thought it was a good opportunity with the new stadium coming on board to kind of add to the fan-friendly and family-friendly atmosphere we want at the stadium."
Staley will appear at every home game, including when the Bears open the new Soldier Field Sept. 29 on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. He'll perform a pre-game skit and provide sideline entertainment, but he'll also make appearances on non-game days.
"One of his big roles will be getting involved in community relations and being visible throughout the community with youth football efforts and other charitable efforts," Phillips said. "We think it's another extension of keeping the Bears brand and the name and the image out there in the public's eye and in the forefront of their mind."
After being introduced Wednesday, Staley signed autographs, posed for photos and shook hands with children and adults. He even stood near the Olivet Nazarene University dormitories and waved to bemused players.
According to Pat McCaskey, the team's director of special projects, the Bears haven't had a mascot since George Motyka dressed as a Bear through the 1984 season.
Staley's name comes from the Decatur Staleys, the team's moniker when it was founded by George Halas in 1920. The organization became the Chicago Staleys in 1921 before being renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922.
"It seems like the kids have taken to him," Phillips said. "The name Staley has a lot of tradition and importance to the Bears family, so we thought it was appropriate.
"We hope he'll be a nice added value and be a lot of fun for the kids."
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