New children’s book highlights Richmond community and Spider mascot

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new children's book, written by the wife of the University of Richmond's president, details how the university became the only spider mascot in collegiate sports.

Author Tina Hallock often travels with her husband, University of Richmond president Kevin F. Hallock, and was inspired by her frequently asked questions regarding how the Spiders mascot came to be, according to a release from Wednesday, April 16.

“The basis of the mascot story is that in 1894, a sports writer in Richmond used the term ‘spider’ to describe the baseball team’s pitcher, who had lanky arms and legs, and the nickname stuck,” Hallock said. “What started as a tale became part of a larger story that celebrates this incredible university community.”

(Photo Courtesy: University of Richmond)

(Photo Courtesy: University of Richmond)

Hallock is a former elementary school teacher who "has been a champion for reading from an early age," according to the release, and also wanted to write a children's book for all ages to read.

“As a teacher by training and a proud parent of two, I find reading paramount in a child's development, and there are few things more special than a child being read to by their loved ones,” Hallock said. “I hope the story and vibrant illustrations promote this love of literacy in our greater community.”

The Hallocks will donate all net proceeds from the book, now available to purchase here and through online retailers, which will go toward the University of Richmond scholarship fund.

Kaitlin Jones Stasiunas, the University of Richmond's health promotion coordinator and an artist, illustrated the book.