Fremd finds its man - or, mascot

For the past six school years, drawing large student-section crowds for football games has not been a problem at Fremd High School. At the beginning of each school year, the first home football game proves to be a huge social event where students gather to be together, and the student section at football games takes on an energy of its own.

It becomes the place to be on Friday nights for most students. Many volunteer to be flag runners or leaders in the student section, in order to be part of the spectacle that is fall Friday nights at Fremd.

However, it has been difficult to recruit, and more importantly retain, individuals to take on the role of "Victor E. Viking," the school's infamous mascot. Wearing the Viking outfit that includes a large caricature head proves to be not only uncomfortably hot in all but the coldest of weather, but it is done so in anonymous fashion. Therefore, individuals receive little recognition by their peers for the role they play at the Viking mascot.

In the past, many students have "signed on" for this important job, but most have failed to have what it takes to last, often being no-shows for critical events and leaving the costume empty.

Fremd High School Assistant Principal Eric Dolen approached Special Education Department Chair Katie LaMantia with the idea that she may know a student who would cherish the chance to serve the school in such a vital role. Within seconds she exclaimed, "How about Gaz?" referring to FHS student Michael Gasiorowski. Gaz is one of 17 students at Fremd High School who is diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome. When first asked if he would be interested in volunteering for the role, Gaz said he felt extremely honored to be selected to be this year's individual to become Victor E. Viking.

Mr. Dolen worked with Gaz's counselor, Suzanne Adamski, and one of his teachers, Bill Buelow. Soon, Gaz was prowling the sidelines and leading the crowd at the first home football game as Victor.

According to Adamski, "In the past, Michael had difficulties interacting socially in large groups. When he first arrived at Fremd High School, he became emotional on nearly a daily basis. Today, he is much more confident and enjoys being at school. In fact, he has inspired other Asperger students at the school to talk about becoming more involved in school activities, becoming a positive role model for them."

When asked about his experience as being the mascot, Michael said, "It fills me with pride for my school, pride that I never had before. Personally, it has given me the confidence to be more social."