RAPID CITY - The new mascot for the expansion Rapid City Rush Hockey team was introduced to a large receptive crowd during the Range Days Rodeo at the Central State's Fairgrounds on Friday night. Appearing during an intermission, the soon-to-be-named mascot tossed T-shirts into the crowd and mingled with a group of excited children before exiting the arena.

For those not able to make a clear sighting, Rush general manager Jason Rent described the mascot's appearance as a "gold prospector in the form of a donkey." Rent did not wish to supply additional embellishment to that description since a name-the-mascot contest is being arranged by the Rush in conjunction with the Rapid City school system. A lucky Rapid City youth will be chosen to christen the new mascot with its name and an identity as well.

"The student chosen will not only name the mascot," said Rent, "but we want them to tell us what thought pattern went into that selection as well."

As to the details of the naming contest, Rent stated that while exact specifics have not yet been worked out with the school system, the time frame will proceed rapidly.

"We do want to make the selection as quickly as possible and hope to do so as soon as school starts so that our team can begin to publicize its new identity," he said. "A lucky winner will be selected and we will not only have a great prize for that individual, but for their whole class as well."

Rush fans, large and small, will have opportunity for another mascot sighting, and additional Rapid City Rush T-shirts today as the mascot will make a matinee appearance at the rodeo grounds between noon and 3 p.m.

The Rapid City Rush hockey team begins its season on Oct. 17 with its first home game scheduled for Nov. 29.