Davis is entertainment coordinator for the Washington Nationals. He oversees pre-game elements and handles the Racing Presidents, costumed caricatures of the four former U.S. chief executives whose faces are found on Mount Rushmore. They now race on the field at Nationals home games.
What does it take to be a racing president?
It takes a large deal of enthusiasm. Stamina is big. It’s just really important to have a good time. These things are really expected to kind of pump the stands up, take pictures and sign autographs. Every stand, every game it changes. You gotta make sure they’re giving 100 percent every time.
How does the application process work?
Basically what happens, once we post and decide tryout dates, people reply if interested. We will then send an e-mail with about five to six questions. Some answers to those questions, as well as the resume and cover letter, narrows down applicants to the top 60 for the actual tryouts. The actual tryouts consist of everyone getting in the costume and running a 40-yard dash, running the presidents race, dance moves and interviews. We typically have 150 to 250 applicants.
Does Teddy Roosevelt have a chance of winning this year?
I say this every year, but Teddy is going to get a win this year. But I think it’s really going to depend on Teddy. Hopefully this year he’s ready to take it seriously and tone back his antics and tone up his body and get ready to give it a good show.
What can fans look forward to this 2010 season?
I think they’re going to see some new wardrobes, some new outfits coming out. We’re always trying to take it to the next level every year with bigger antics on the field and off-season racing on ice skates.
Kaitlin Schluter
