Athletic ability, charisma, confidentiality, pantomiming and getting away with almost everything are just a few ways to describe Harry the Husky, the UW mascot. Everyone has seen Harry at most UW sporting events, but the man (or woman) behind the giant husky head is a different story. Of course, only a select few — and unfortunately not the readers of The Daily — may know the true identity of those who play Harry. It keeps up the mystery.

"In the spirit of Harry the Husky, that is simply who it is," Steve Smith* said. "It's not Bob or Joe or Steve in there — it's just Harry."

At any given time, there are three to five people who act out the role of Harry. Each person attends at least one event perweek.

To become the mascot, there is an application, interview and tryout process.

"The application was fairly simple, but difficult to write with a paw," Smith said. "And I don't really talk, so the interview was interesting ... At the tryout we dance and show athleticism and abilities to entertain and interact with fans."

Despite being time consuming, playing the mascot has its perks.

"Putting on the suit gives you special powers," Smith said. "You get a sudden rush of energy and you can do things mere mortals can't. Harry can do stuff normal people get arrested for, but with the suit on people just laugh and say, 'Bad dawg.'"

UW cheerleader Robin Luedke agreed.

"He gets away with everything," she said. "He could steal a golf cart and everyone would [just laugh]."

Mike Jones* gets hit-on by the occasional girl. But, due to big paws and not being allowed to carry cell phones, getting or giving numbers can be a challenge.

"A few girls do hit on Harry once in awhile," Smith said. "I guess if dogs are your thing, then Harry's the man for you."

As a reward for being Harry, the mascots are given a book scholarship, free access to games and sometimes clothing.

Each mascot has several moves they like to perform.

"Harry can do a back flip, but it's difficult at times," Smith said. "He enjoys giving kisses, licking his paw and wiping across someone's face ... stealing Cougar stuff if they're wearing it."

Jones likes to do pushups, cartwheels and some big jumps.

"My moves were the donkey kick and the air guitar," said former mascot Adam Michaels.* "I know people are missing those timeless classics."

During halftime shows, Harry works with the cheerleaders who can also act as escorts. Other times, friends or assigned marketing interns stand in to protect Harry.

The mascots have tried to perform with the cheerleaders, but it was too dangerous.

"I was doing a back flip and he was behind me ... almost [killed] him," said junior Christoff Elster, a cheerleader. "He can't hear well even though he's a dog."

Harry tries to stay in constant motion to keep the crowd entertained and interested. But when not giving high-fives or performing other tricks, Harry usually reverts to standing with his hands on his hips. This makes Harry look larger and more like a cartoon, Jones said.

Harry has several costumes including a superhero outfit. Though he mainly does UW sporting events, some of the outfits are used on other occasions. Harry has appeared at children's games, birthdays, nonprofit organization events like Relay for Life, UW alumni events and parades.

"Last year at the women's national volleyball championships, when our Huskies won, I was dancing all over the place in San Antonio dressed up as a 'cowboy' Harry the Husky," Smith said.

As fun as the job can be, it is also extremely taxing. Staying hydrated is key because the atmosphere inside the suits becomes extremely hot and humid. The outfits can weigh as much as 40 pounds.

"Drink lots of water," Smith said. "Also, a mix of Gatorade and RedBull can really help you get through a long event."

Still, some issues may occur with being a mascot.

"My first or second time suiting up as Husky ... I was wearing a sweat band over my head," Michaels said. "The band fell over my eyes leaving me blind and mute (Harry does not talk — cardinal sin number one) ... I never, ever wore a sweatband again."

Fans at some events can also be a problem for Harry — especially children and Cougars.

"Little kids — you can never trust them, they can turn on you," Jones joked.

Other children will get excited at the sight of the mascot from a distance, but, once Harry gets closer, fear sets in and the kid will begin to cry, Smith said.

Yet come Apple Cup, the fear turns onto the mascots.

"This year's Apple Cup, only a few people noticed, but some punk ripped my tail off during the field rush," Smith said. "I would like to think it was a Cougar fan, but I don't know. I didn't get it back, but he got what was coming to him."

For some, though, working with people is a big reward.

"Most kids and fans were great and their reactions were what made the job so amazing," Michaels said.

For those interested in becoming Harry the Husky, look for tryout information on GoHuskies.com in the spring.

As for everyone else, be sure to treat the mascot kindly.

"Let the people know to be nice to Harry," Michaels said. "It is a thankless job."

Reach reporter Doris Wu at features@thedaily.washington.edu.

*names have been changed to protect the large and furry