You really never know what Rumble is going to do next.
Our superhuman – er, superbison? – mascot proved today that he’ll do pretty much anything to support our team and our community.
This morning, Rumble went “Over the Edge” for Special Olympics Oklahoma, rappelling down the 30-story SandRidge building (with his handler, Jon, going down right next to him) to benefit one of our great community partners.
Rumble expressed some trepidation before the big event, pacing back and forth in the staging area, gesturing that his heart was pounding and repeatedly shaking his head when people asked whether he was ready. Even though he had made the trip once before – joining the event in 2010 – it didn’t make this trip any easier. But in the end, our bison dug deep and found the courage to make the (controlled) descent.
Of course, having a few Thunder fans – including staff – on top of the building with him beforehand and cheering him on from below surely helped him overcome any anxiety about this feat. Plus, there was a virtual paparazzi watching Rumble rappel – news crews, Thunder photographers and camera-clicking fans were with him every step of the way – and Rumble always rises to the occasion when the cameras are rolling.
The equally brave Jon made the trip down with a little less fanfare, but he’s used to playing second fiddle when Rumble is around. (Heck, we all know we can’t trump Rumble!)
Rumble and Jon were happy to put aside their fears and do this daring deed because they knew it would help some great Oklahoma kids live out their dreams of becoming athletes.
But that didn’t make them any less happy to find themselves back on solid ground.
Check out more great photos and our video from Rumble’s big adventure!
- Karina Henderson
