He may have been big, but he definitely wasn’t bad.
Clad in bright red and gold, KC Wolf entertained and motivated more than three little pigs Friday as he visited students at Eisenhower, Riley, Jefferson, Lincoln and Park elementary schools in Great Bend.
Wolf is the official mascot of the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs. But, he is much more – a clown, an entertainer and a motivational speaker who makes dozens of visits around the county and the world each year.
“He got the kids very amped up,” said Riley Principal JoAnn Blevins who helped coordinate the mascot’s visit. “It was really kind of neat.”
The wolf, AKA Dan Meers, is more than a cheerleader, Blevins said. He removed his costume and spoke to all grade levels about the ABCs of success – attitude, behavior and character.
“They were very excited,” Blevins said of the students. Even so, they listened intently.
After his talk, he showed a video of how he prepares for game day. He also gave one kid in the audience a chance to put on the wolf outfit.
The students asked question like who was his biggest rival. The answer, as any Chief’s fan would know, is the Denver Broncos mascot Thunder.
But, Meers said, despite their antics and brawls on the field, they are really good friends. What they do during the game is all a show.
It cost about $300 per school to bring KC Wolf to town, Blevins said. The schools found money from various sources, such as box top collections and parent organizations.
 Wolf was first introduced in 1989 as a successor for Warpaint, a horse ridden by a man in full Indian chief headdress, from the mid-1980s. KC Wolf was named after the team’s “Wolfpack,” a group of rabid fans.
According to the Kansas City Chief’s one thing that sets KC Wolf apart from other mascots is the fact that he is also in high demand as a humorous and motivational speaker. KC Wolf is portrayed by Meers, and averages more than 150 speaking engagements each year throughout the United States.
What makes Meers truly special is that he is as equally entertaining out of his costume. He goes to work each day like many other men, dressed in a suit. The only difference is that instead of wearing a tie with his suit, he wears a tail.
“His work as KC Wolf and his experiences as a professional sports mascot have reinforced to him the philosophy that laughter and a cheerful heart are good medicine,” the site notes. “He is also a firm believer that when you learn to think only of the best and work on for the best, you can start to expect the best.”
Meers speaks to audiences of all ages at schools, churches, businesses, banquets and many other gatherings. “His enthusiasm, optimism, faith, and love for life are contagious and make him an inspiration to all those around him.
“Whether he’s dancing, imitating Elvis, or performing one of his hilarious routines, audiences everywhere are guaranteed lots of laughs and smiles,” the site said. “KC Wolf brings energy and enthusiasm to sports competitions, charity events, parties, conventions, or any event that brings people together for fun and excitement.”
KC Wolf has entertained fans of all ages with appearances at major and minor league ballparks throughout the United States and around the world. From Japan to Germany, Mexico to Missouri.