RHINOS SUPERFAN? Grandfather makes his own hat to support Gaston College softball team

Tony Spivey wanted a hat to wear to Gaston College Rhinos softball games. But not just any hat. He wanted something that would stand out in a crowd.

So, the grandfather of Rhinos pitcher/infielder Tessa Hunt went to Google in search of an image and a plan.

What he found online was a template that could be used to build a head covering worthy of the slogan, "Fear the Rhino."

Spivey printed out the template on poster paper and used the directions to stick the sections together. For the finishing touches, he spray-painted the hat grey, painted the tusks white, and sketched the letter "G" onto the side of the structure.

Now, when Spivey and his wife, Teresa, attend Rhinos games, their granddaughter will find the couple easy to spot in the bleachers.

"She'll know where to find us," Spivey said. "We have to keep her on her toes."

A craftsman by nature, Spivey worked in the upholstery business for 30 years. When Tessa played high school softball at North Lincoln, Spivey designed a hat he could wear to represent the Knights.

The Rhino head garb proved to be more of a challenge than a knight head, but Spivey is proud of his handiwork. He hopes the hat will become a trendsetter in the area of Rhinos apparel.

If not, Spivey still has himself a makeshift umbrella to keep dry during rain delays. Plus, it's a good conversation starter.