After spending the last eight years being a part-time mascot, 11-year-old Nick Ellerbroek’s name is now mentioned in the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, IN, as the Youngest Professional Mascot. At 4 years old, Ellerbroek started his career, and it’s taken him all across the country. Ellerbroek has performed for many local and national teams, including the Chicago Bulls, the Sioux Falls Canaries, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Harlem Globetrotters, and more.
A couple of the tricks he’s most proud of are his one-footed hoverboard ride and his one-handed cartwheels. Ellerbroek shared with 605 some secrets of his trade, the best concession item he’s tried, and which mascot he wants to be when he grows up.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME A MASCOT?
I really liked the Skyforce mascot, [Thunder], and wanted to see more mascots. My mom looked up mascots for me, and I loved Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls right away. I wanted to be him for Halloween, so my mom cut the head off an Elmo costume and got me a head, tail, jersey, shorts, and gloves. I would wear it all the time. I would also watch Benny’s videos and practice his dance moves every day. My mom sent a note to Benny just to show him what a superfan I was, and he wrote back within the hour. He wanted me to come out to Chicago to meet him and mascot a game with him. It was so fun.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF BEING A MASCOT?
I love to mess around with fans, and they don’t know who you are. I also like to do fun skits and dances and get the crowd cheering.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A MASCOT FOR A SPORTS TEAM WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Heck yeah! I want to be Aubie at Auburn University and then Benny the Bull.
LOCALLY, FANS CAN SEE ELLERBROEK AS PEEP (WITH CAGEY OF THE SIOUX FALLS CANARIES) AND TIPTOE (WITH STOMP OF THE SIOUX FALLS STAMPEDE).
WHAT’S THE BEST CONCESSION FOOD SNACK?
I like the blue raspberry slushie that they named The Peep at the Canaries’ “Birdcage” [Sioux Falls Stadium]. I also like pizza and nachos.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU WANT TO DO AS A MASCOT BUT HAVEN’T YET?
I really want to be able to ride my dirt bike down a big flight of stairs, but nobody will let me. They all think I’ll get hurt… but “Careful” is my middle name, so I won’t.
