Wendell Clendennen, a dedicated Dallas Mavericks enthusiast, has found a remarkable outlet for his love of basketball. Through the combination of his talent for crafting balloon animals and his passion for sports, Clendennen has garnered recognition among Mavericks supporters.
Originally from Corpus Christi, Clendennen began his journey in the art of balloon sculpting in 1989. Without the aid of instructional videos, he relied on literature to master the craft and subsequently developed his own distinct style. His relocation to Dallas in 2000 unveiled a novel opportunity that had yet to be explored.
Seeking to intertwine his dual interests, Clendennen approached various local sports teams, and it was the Mavericks who wholeheartedly accepted his proposal. Since 2001, his business, Stretch & Company, has played a pivotal role in the game day experience at the American Airlines Center, where he operates a booth to showcase his remarkable balloon creations.
While children commonly request traditional balloon animals such as dogs and butterflies, Clendennen has cultivated a special niche catering to ardent basketball aficionados. In response to popular demand, he adeptly fashions lifelike representations of Mavericks players using balloons, employing a sharpie to incorporate intricate details that accurately depict their jersey numbers and facial features.
For Clendennen, the pleasure of engaging with young fans and the fulfilment of expressing his artistic talents motivate his distinctive venture. Despite the recent setbacks faced by the Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Clendennen maintains an optimistic outlook on the team’s future prospects, citing the resilience of their core lineup as a reason to remain confident in their ongoing success.
As the Finals progress, Clendennen anticipates a surge in business and is already contemplating unveiling some unexpected surprises should the Mavericks defy the odds and secure a championship victory in the near future. His ingenuity and commitment to his craft have cemented his role as an integral part of the Mavericks fan experience, and his balloon sculptures continue to captivate and delight fans of all ages.
In a realm where sports fandom often adheres to conventional forms, Wendell Clendennen emerges as an exemplar of how a unique passion can evolve into a source of joy and inspiration for others. As the Mavericks push forward in their pursuit of championship glory, Clendennen’s steadfast support and innovative spirit serve as a testament to the myriad ways in which adoration for a beloved team can be expressed.