31Aug/091:28 PM

So you want to work in sports? Visiting the Gorilla Coordinator

By Greg Esposito

We here at Fanster.com always hear fans express how they wish they could work in sports. They always talk about wanting to play, coach or work in the front office of Phoenix sports teams. Although those jobs are all of the dream variety, we thought we’d share the stories of the less publicized but equally as interesting jobs in sports.

Our first edition of So You Want To Work In Sports? focuses on Jose Moreno, Gorilla Coordinator for the Phoenix Suns. Wondering what a Gorilla Coordinator does? So were we.

1) What exactly is a “Gorilla Coordinator” ?

The Gorilla Coordinator is essentially the manager, security, agent, and advisor to the most famous mascot in the NBA. My job duties include, but are not limited to; booking all appearances/events for the gorilla (330+ a year), emcee to all our youth school programs/events (reading, anti-tobacco, Be-Fit), Gorilla donation requests, maintaining all administrative tasks needed, and most importantly keeping “GO” out of trouble at events (he tends to mess around a lot)! . A big part of this position is connecting the fans with the Gorilla on a daily basis; this is ensuring that everyone who comes in contact with “GO” has an unforgettable experience.

2) How did you wind up as the Gorilla Coordinator?

Long story, but basically since I was in high school, I have always wanted to work in pro sports, I got a degree in Sports Entertainment/Event management and marketing and did a year long internship with the Denver Nuggets. After my internship I realized that I wanted to work in Community Relations so when the opportunity came up to have a position in CR I knew I had to jump right on it. I never thought a position like this really existed, and to be able to work with Hall of Fame Mascot “Go” and the Phoenix Suns is such a great opportunity that I am thankful for.

3) Did you need a degree in any Veterinarian sciences to get your job?

You know thankfully I didn’t, this would be a huge problem if I did because I was never good at science in college so I don’t think I would have landed the job if so, but I do watch a lot of Dog Whisperer and shows on Animal Planet if that counts?

4) What is the most interesting aspect of your job?

I think the most interesting aspect of my job is the fact that every day is different, we could be doing an event with a famous celebrity or doing a hospital visit for a sick kid one day and then working on the Gorilla Dunks another day. Every day is exciting and seeing how much of an impact “GO” can make on kids and fans all over the place astounds me.

5) What is the best story from your time as Gorilla Coordinator?
I have two, I think the first one would be when we did and event with Celebrity Fight Night that gave away hundreds of bikes to needy kids and at that event we got to meet and take a picture with “The Champ” Muhammad Ali.

The second would have to be at our Jr. Suns basketball camp we hold every year in Prescott, we did a HUGE Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament with the 220+ kids and when the winner was crowned we had the Gorilla come partake in an epic battle against the champion, we did uniforms and everything!

6) We’ve never seen millionaire Bruce Wayne and the Gorilla in the same place at the same time, just a coincidence (aka can you give us any hints as to his or her identity)?

Unfortunately, the identity of a professional mascot is a very sacred thing and very few people know the identity of the Gorilla, I think by revealing the person behind the mask would eliminate the whole “wow” factor of a mascot. I mean come on if you knew who Mickey Mouse was would you think he is a happy go lucky mouse anymore?

7) Are you the guy who gets to drive the Gorilla’s hummer or is that strictly reserved for him and Robert Sarver?

Yes, that is defiantly one of the coolest parts of my job is that fact that I get to drive a sweet hummer around, all though Mr. Sarver and “GO” are entitled to take it cruising anytime they would like.