By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“This is the first time I’ve ever worn a cap to a commission meeting,” said Hays City Commissioner Kent Steward with a grin as he donned an official Fort Hays State University gold cap.

The first item of business during Thursday night’s city commission meeting was not business at usual.

Instead, it was a proclamation read by Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller recognizing the importance of FHSU to the community and the endorsement of  TGOF–Tiger Gold On Friday– in which Hays residents are encouraged to wear gold on Fridays.

The atmosphere in the commission chambers was a little “wild” prior to the start of the meeting.  The TGOF committee members, along with FHSU president Dr. Mirta Martin, were seated in their chairs in the audience area.

Victor E. Tiger, the FHSU mascot, was not.

With camera phones clicking away, Victor “prowled” the room, giving out hugs and making sure everyone had a FHSU TGOF button to wear.

He greeted Mayor Schwaller with a full-frontal hug, lifting the mayor completely off his feet.  Assistant Hays City Manager Paul Briseno got a fist bump along with his gold button.

Victor went back to his seat for a moment, drawing his long tail up so he wouldn’t sit on it.

But he just couldn’t stay still.

Victor mugged for the Hays Post news camera and somersaulted around the room.  He quietly “stalked” up to the commissioners’ desk, suddenly springing up into sight to give a high-five to a delighted commissioner Shaun Musil.

Finally, Victor managed to quell his enthusiasm long enough to listen to the proclamation and then pose for pictures with the TGOF committee and mayor Schwaller.

President Martin thanked the commissioners, who all wished the FHSU Lady Tigers good luck in Friday’s NCAA regional tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Victor E. Tiger, along with his entourage, then left the city chambers, anxious for the next day’s TGOF.