By Andy Loigu

Where are they now, after 20 years? In this week’s case, let’s talk about Gregg Wiseburn!

Gregg Wiseburn was a District 1 champion and two-time Region 1 qualifier during his wrestling career with the Warren Hills Blue Streaks. He also was honored as the Outstanding Wrestler at the John Goles Tournament in 1999 and had success wrestling at the next level, as well. At Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, he finished fifth in his weight division at regionals and was named an alternate for nationals.

Professionally, he is a middle school teacher at Lawrence. in Mercer County, and he’s also worked as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator at Delaware Valley High School in Hunterdon County, at Lopatcong Elementary School and in Baltimore, Md.

He’s also worked for the New England Patriots in the NFL, as a mascot. That’s right, he was the guy in the Patriot Pat costume, which means he did not exactly endear himself to Jets fans. The Patriots did not allow him to disclose his identity in those days, but now that a few years have passed, it can be revealed that he and Tom Brady have both moved on to other places after performing for the dynastic franchise in Foxboro.

Just like Brady, Gregg Wiseburn was also chosen to go to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, joining the mascots of the Ravens, Broncos, Bengals and Colts in hi-jinks, cheering on the AFC squad.

His athletic training served him well when he got his first gig as a mascot when he was a summer intern for the Somerset Patriots. He was chosen to be a substitute mascot for the team’s popular Sparkee character and learned the skills it takes to entertain and energize fans who enjoy the antics of their favorite team’s mascot. He also has amused fans as Boomer at Trenton Thunder games, as the mascot for the Jersey Jackals in the Can-Am League and as the Tiger at Princeton University games and special events like parades and summer camps.

“If I did some of the things I do as a mascot in regular clothes on the street,” he said, “people would think I’m an idiot. It’s cool to have that anonymity to let loose and be funny and entertaining. Without the costume, I’m a different and more subdued person.”

He still has the desire to coach young athletes and train them in individual skills and mental preparations applied to team play. He wants to advance the sport of wrestling. And if someone needs a mascot, he can be of service, too.

An award-winning writer, Andy Loigu has been covering local sports for many years. As always, he ends his columns thusly: Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.