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Mask-to-mask Buzz content sharing spotlight at Georgia Tech
In this space each week CNNSI.com will feature an exclusive one-on-one interview with some of college football's most famous mascots. Purdue Pete, the legendary mascot from Purdue University, recently chatted with Georgia Tech's Buzz for this hard-hitting, mask-to-mask interview. Purdue Pete: Hi Buzz. Thanks for taking time out while you prepare for the No. 1 team in the country to talk with us here at CNNSI.com. Buzz: It's good to be here. Thanks for having me. Purdue Pete: Buzz is one of the most famous college mascots, but there is also this famous car at Georgia Tech. What's the deal with this car? Buzz: The Ramblin Wreck is a Model-T Ford car that is decorated GT style. Purdue Pete: So are you a little jealous having to share the spotlight with an inanimate object? Buzz: (Laughs) The car is an icon of Georgia Tech and Buzz is the mascot -- plain and simple. Everyone loves the car and it is highly respected. But you can't walk up and hug the car. Plus the car can't walk into the stands and steal your hat, take away your girlfriend or drink your drink. I'm able to do those things. So we each serve a different purpose. I'm not jealous. Purdue Pete: What's all this about stealing people's hats and women? And what kind of drinks are you putting away at games? Buzz: Wow -- two-part question. Purdue Pete: It's something I learned at Larry King's hard-hitting interviewing class I took here at CNN. Buzz: Well, it seems any attractive woman I see in the stands at a game is sitting with a guy who wears a baseball cap. So what I like to do is grab the guy's hat and throw it higher into the stands. As soon at he leaves to retrieve it, I slip into his seat to work my magic with the young lady who remains sitting alone. The girl is mine at that point. As far as the drink...let's just go with Coke. We sell a lot of Coke at our games. Purdue Pete: Sounds like a good pick-up strategy. Remind me never to go double-dating with you. But back to the car, is that like your own personal Batmobile? Do you cruise around campus in it or take it out on dates? Buzz: I can't do that. But I do have my own replica of the Ramblin Wreck that I drive around campus. Purdue Pete: What, is this like "Mini Me" from that Austin Powers movie? Buzz: It's a miniature car -- almost like a go-cart that looks exactly like the Wreck. It has been passed down from mascot to mascot over the years. Purdue Pete: Let's move to a different subject. As a Yellow Jacket, you must be one of the few insects flying around out there in Mascot World. Buzz: There are probably some hornets or spiders out there somewhere. But for the most part, I think you're right. There are not a lot of us. Purdue Pete: That must be a problem. You have to go against Gators and Bulldogs all the time. Don't take this the wrong way, but it doesn't seem like much of a contest. Buzz: I'm tougher than you would think. I'm quick and sneaky. I have my way with these bigger characters. Purdue Pete: Plus your stinger must be a dangerous weapon at your disposal. Isn't that a little unsafe when you're at games? You could accidentally bump into a kid or something. Buzz: I never walk backwards. That's the rule. You're right, Pete, the results could be disastrous. Purdue Pete: Of all the non-insect mascots you face, who is your biggest rival? Buzz: Definitely Hairy Dawg from the University of Georgia. Purdue Pete: What's your opinion of your intrastate rival? Buzz: He's a pretty pathetic-looking mascot. I mean, he looks fierce, dominant and tall. But all he can do is strut and draw imaginary lines for you to cross. One time I crossed his little line and ducked down right in front of him so he couldn't see. He ended up tripping over me -- falling flat on his face. So he's a pretty clumsy mascot. He's all talk. Purdue Pete: Well, you have a little while before you face Hairy but this week you face No. 1 Florida State -- in their house. That must be pretty exciting for you. Buzz: When two Top-10 teams clash like this, you know it's going to be good. Florida State is a tough place to play. Their fans are one of the toughest to play against. Chief Osceola can be intimidating, but I'm ready to face him. Purdue Pete: That should be a good game. Buzz: It should be. I'm looking forward to the trip. Purdue Pete: Thanks for taking time out and joining us on CNNSI.com. Have fun and good luck at Florida State. Buzz: It's been a lot of fun. Take care. Go Georgia Tech! |
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