How does a truly born-in-the-wild wolf become the ambassador for one of the most exciting NBA teams ever to enter the league? Legend and myth often accompany this question, yet one thing remains the same…his name is CRUNCH…and here is his story.
CRUNCH was born in the northernmost part of Minnesota’s wilderness areas. Deep in the forest, he grew with a love for something never before seen by others in his pack. CRUNCH’S love for the game of basketball puzzled his mother and father, for he seemed to pick up the game on his own. With a makeshift basket built of pine-cones and birch bark, CRUNCH began to refine his game when he was still just a young pup. He learned the rules and techniques that make the game of basketball so great. He studied players and coaches alike, and soon would find himself on a journey like no other.
Years later, when Minnesota’s expansion team, the Timberwolves, came to town, CRUNCH said goodbye to all he had known growing up in the woods, and migrated south to the Twin Cities where the team was to be based.
No one is quite sure where CRUNCH lives, but legend has it he has a den somewhere deep inside the Target Center. He is lured out on game-days by the deafening howl made by Wolves fans. This howl creates an atmosphere in the Target Center that reminds CRUNCH of his days back in the forest, and yet keeps him here in Minneapolis, with the pursuit of helping the team to a victory.
CRUNCH Stats
Height: 6' (ground to to tip of ears)
Weight: 185 pounds
Verticle Jump: 15' (with trampoline)
Favorite Food: A certain kind of Candy Bar...
Favorite Movie: Dances with Wolves
Favorite Book: Call of the Wild
Favorite Dunk: Under one leg, one handed jam!
Did you know that CRUNCH makes appearances throughout the year in all corners of Minnesota’s communities? Well he does. School Assemblies, Grand Openings, Parades, High School Games, Charity Events, and on and on. Then of course there is his Famous-ish Trampoline Dunk Show. Send your event details to crunch@timberwolves.com, for availability and pricing info.
NEW this year CRUNCH has an Anti-Bully School Assembly that is geared towards teaching kids about the importance of understanding what Bullies do and how they hurt people. It's an upbeat and interactive program with a great message.
If you'd like to hear more about this show simply send an e-mail to crunch@timberwolves.com
Delta Dental of Minnesota is pleased to be partnering with the Minnesota Timberwolves to sponsor the professional basketball team’s official mascot, Crunch in order to bring access to oral health messages and education to underserved children and youth throughout Minnesota.
CEO and President Rod Young said, "Crunch is a readily identifiable representative of what we are all about at Delta Dental of Minnesota – improving oral health – through the celebrity, goodwill and fun of Crunch’s active outreach to children and fans throughout Minnesota."
"We are proud to be associated with Timberwolves and to be the sponsor of Crunch, the official mascot," said Rod Young. "With Crunch’s nearly 200 school, parade and community and charity appearance’s each year, this is a perfect fit for us.”
Through this partnership Delta Dental will distribute oral health supplies and educational materials to more than 100,000 children over two years.
About Delta Dental of Minnesota – An independent, non-profit health services company, we take seriously our mission to serve Minnesotans’ oral health needs. Since 1969, we’ve accomplished this mission by providing the best access across the state to oral health care through affordable dental plans. We also know the importance of doing right by the communities we serve. We’ve partnered with community organizations and social service agencies to address the dental needs of Minnesota’s underserved and uninsured populations. In 2012, we contributed more than $850,000 in grants and donations to support a range of programs addressing oral health and community needs. Delta Dental of Minnesota is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Delta Dental is a registered mark of Delta Dental Plans Association. Delta Dental of Minnesota is an independent nonprofit dental services company and is an authorized licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association of Oak Brook, Illinois. For more information, visit www.deltadentalmn.org
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