Last week saw the St. Paul Saints final home game of the season. Seeing as they don't appear to be playoff bound this year, it also means the book is closing on another year for Mini Fan.
Mini and Super, side by side. Brothers from another mother. Revving up the crowds. Stirring up Saints' Fever across the stadium and into the extended general admission seating bleachers.
From the "Na na na na, na naaaa…CHARGEs!" to the stadium wide roller coasters ending with Mini pretending to lose his lunch in the garbage can, those two make quite a pair.
There was a kid at the game, roughly Cole's age, who was hanging out behind the dugout seats, asking Cole repeatedly, then asking me, "How do you get to do what he does? I wanna do that!"
I didn't have a clear path to share with that kid. I mean, telling him the truth, that Cole just started dressing up like Super Fan and was somehow taken into the brotherhood of Saints' ushertainers, well… that doesn't necessarily translate to an "if-then" type of scenario.
I know I'm biased. He IS my kid. But here's the rub: the kid's got chutzpah; the right stuff; the secret formula; the X factor, if you will, to pull something like that off.
And I could not be any prouder of him than I already am.
Cole's motto has been and always will be "total immersion." During the "Inning of Chaos" he sold whatever the hell he was selling with all the conviction any 11-year-old could possibly possess.
The fact that I don't even understand what the Inning of Chaos is even about doesn't matter. Even if there was a full grown man wearing a diaper, and a giant sumo wrestler with a tiny pig's head mask.
Cole is Total Immersion Boy. And even though me and Dan physically made him, it's Cole's amazing and wholly unique life force that makes the magic.
A special thanks to Super Fan (aka Jamie Zuel) who makes the trek down from Fargo, N.D., just to play his awesome role at Saints games. He's been an amazing mentor to our son over these past few years that they've been doing this gig. He really gets Cole, and he really likes working with him. And we love him for that. He's also expecting a little mini of his own soon, and I'm certain he'll add a new title (Super Dad) to his repertoire.
allison says
Seriously, that is one COOL kid! Can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next.
Barb says
I love that he’s got what it takes to do this. Creativity, confidence, passion… he’s gonna do great things in life.
Keianna says
Love this post. Cole seems like a hoot 🙂
Claire says
What a great kid!
Kirsten J says
Hmmmm….”total immersion”….wonder where he gets that from? What a kick in the pants he must be!!!!
Icecat62 says
That’s a kid who will be his own man and not worry what other people think. You’re raising a good one. 🙂
AngMomof3 says
Love this story. Had seen photos of “mini” before, but now I totally get it. And love it. 🙂
Jeanne Pellerin says
Hard not to be impressed!
Carly says
This is SO COOL!
As a Winnipeg Goldeyes fan (from Winnipeg), besides our mascot we are missing a “super fan” Tell Cole if he ever wants to come up to Winnipeg and entertain us he is more than welcome!
Gypsy says
No surprises there. It’s a known fact that: Cole Rocks. From the top of the USA (ie Canada) down to New Zealand- he’s the stuff of legend.
Ronnie Crowley says
Isn’t it amazing that we make these kids and that when they come out the mix brings us a special unique person who is a perfect match to us but brings with them something extra to this world which makes them. I wish we lived closer as my son would love to see him in action!
Tacha says
trop génial bravo Kathy !!!
Kate says
too cute!!
Brooke says
Maybe a book deal is next on his list. Although in true Cole style it might be a series of mini videos. He’s one cool kid!
RobynS says
What a great post and awesome pics(as always). One thing we have never done during our visits to St. Paul is go to a Saints game. We may have to add that in sometime. Same thing happens with the State Fair since my kids start school the second week of August. Here is a bit of Trivia…the Savannah Team is the Sand Gnats. Also my lightbulb moment today when I realized you were the sponser of the 50+ challenge. Thank you so much. I have loved participating. (except when I lost my miles yesterday) You have motivated children because they have such a good example. 😉
cathy says
Robyn, i saw that you lost miles! Ugh. Dont you hate that! : ) Glad youre part of it!
Leslie says
That is just too cool. Cole definitely seems to have “it”. Great for him and what fun it must be for you and your husband to watch him shine.
Michell says
Holy Crap!!! Your kids have character! Rock the world Cole!
women's active wear says
Very inspiring post, the pics are great. I really love it!