SPOONER – Have you ever seen a Hodag? Have you ever dug for Granite? Have you ever visited Old Abe at the state Capitol? Do you know what a Troller is?
These and other Wisconsin high school mascots are the subject of a new book by Carlo Kumpula, a retired teacher and coach from Spooner.
“Wisconsin’s Mighty Mascots” includes stories and images along with reading comprehension questions, word find puzzles, mazes, matching activities, a crossword puzzle, a map activity, and a creative activity where kids can design their own mascot.
“I designed it as an activity book for grades 4-8, but adults and older kids have been enjoying it as well,” Kumpula says.
“With schools having to adjust to COVID-19, I’m hoping this book will help to fill a need,” he added. “Teachers, including parents who have to do some teaching at home, have permission to make copies of activities from the book. It’s another tool for learning about the geography and history of Wisconsin.”
Kumpula states that the book has always been in his mind. “Growing up as a Mellen Granite Digger and competing against the Castle Guards, Trollers, Oredockers, and others; I’ve always been fascinated by unique mascots.”
“About thirty years ago I developed a geography/history lesson using mascots from around the country. Through my involvement in the Wisconsin Geographic Alliance I presented it at teacher workshops around the state as well as at the National Council for Geographic Education in Portland, Oregon in 2011 and at the National Council for the Social Studies in St. Louis in 2013. People would often ask, ‘When will you write a book?’ Well, here it is.”
This is actually Kumpula’s second book. His first, “When All Roads Led to Spooner,” chronicles the history of the sectional basketball tournament held annually from 1943-1971 when all schools, regardless of enrollment, competed in a single class.
For more information or to order the book, go to kumpulabooks.com.