Q & A

Hanging Out With Dartmouth's Newest Symbol

Conceived by Nic Duquettte '04 and Chris Plehal '04 while hiking last fall in the White Mountains, Keggy the Keg has attracted national interest. DAM caught up with him between appearances.

Did it ever occur to you that you would become a mascot?

I've always wanted to be a mascot. As a kid I always watched the mascots. I felt that being one was the coolest thing ever. They're goofy and full of team spirit a lot like me. Being a keg isn't exactly what I had in mind. I was more of a Mr. Met fan.

How do your friends and family feel aboutyour newfound fame?

My friends at home think it's the best thing since sliced bread. My mom thinks it's "interesting" and my dad thinks it's okay as long as I don't get into any trouble.

How many games do you go to in a week?

Well, it really depends on who's playing, who might need support. I always try to go to the Big Green Army's big game of the week. But there isn't a specific number. It's a lot of time but it's fun.

Do you feel like you're helping the teams?

Well, I think my record is 9-0-1. I went to women's hockey, which is such a good team but doesn't usually have a huge crowd, and really gave them some pep. I get Blitzmails from teams asking me to come to their games.

How do fans react to you?

They're pretty excited when they see me. Everyone pretty much loves me. Some people in town think I'm a bad influence. But most people are pretty gung-ho.

How do you respond to negativecomments?

I haven't gotten many. It's so surreal that more people don't dislike me. I congratulated the first person to complain at a hockey game. She must have thought I was nuts!

What's it like in that keg?

It depends. At football, I'm freezing. If it's hockey, I'm sweating. My keg is pretty heavy. I get arm bruises, but they go away. I've been kicked, and someone tried to "pants" me or maybe I should say "de-pants" me!

Are you a beer drinker or just a beer dispenser?

Drinking beer would be cannibalism!

Are you trying to make a statement?

I'm poking fun at Dartmouth's ineptitude at finding a mascot. The goal is to find a mascot to replace me.

How long do you think that will take?

I don't know. I guess until the joke gets old. I want it to end on my terms, not someone else's.

Who did you vote for in the StudentAssembly's mascot search?

I voted against "the moose" the first time. I didn't vote for anything in the second survey because I didn't think any of the options were good.

Shortly before Christmas you werekeg-napped. Why? Are you okay?

The guy who stole me thought it would be a funny practical joke. So many people thought it was just a publicity stunt. I'll be fine. I'll be getting a new nose and my eyes will be repainted.

Can you reveal who performed thenapping?

I do know, but I'd prefer not to say.

What do you do for fun?

I have an AM radio show and I work for The Jack-O.

Is it hard for you to get a date?

Kind of hard. I'm shy, I guess.