INTERVIEWER: Welcome to your first Capital One All-American Mascot Challenge. You must be proud of yourself for making the team.
ZIPPY: I am very proud and honored.

INT: Are you planning anything special to get a jump on the competition?
ZIPPY: Well, Zippy always likes to be one hop ahead of any competition. Our goal is to have Zippy’s presence everywhere. We are planning on making every town a “Roo Town.”

INT: Could you explain your name for me, please? Does it have something to do with being a marsupial, or is it more about your agility and speed?
ZIPPY: The University of Akron has one of the most unique nicknames in all of intercollegiate athletics. The Zippers, the original name of Akron’s athletic teams, is a reference to a specific type of rubber overshoe that was manufactured in Akron, which was at one time the rubber capitol of the world. The name was later shortened to Zips and “Zippy’” the kangaroo was officially declared the University’s mascot in 1953. Why a kangaroo? Because a kangaroo is an animal that is fast, agile and powerful with undying determination – all the necessary qualities of a great athlete.

INT: What’s your favorite move/routine that gets the fans excited?
ZIPPY: Kangaroo crowd surfing. The fans love it, but I don’t think the Athletics Department is so crazy about it.

INT: I hear you like to box. Pull any punches, lately?
ZIPPY: You ever get in the way of a 7-foot kangaroo with a mighty right hook? Zippy may appear friendly to fans, but any opponent who gets in his way quickly learns first hand to “Fear the Roo!”

INT: What is a typical game day like for you? For example, do you start with a balanced breakfast?
ZIPPY: First, I pound down a few stadium hot dogs. Then I crank up a little rock music. Next, I visit with Ohio’s pride, the greatest marching band in the world, pull out the stretch bands with the cheerleaders and pump up the AK –ROWDIES, the craziest student section the nation has ever seen. Then, it’s show time!

INT: After a big game, where do you go to unwind, and what do you do?
ZIPPY: I head back to the Zippy clubhouse, which is buried deep inside the arena, and down a couple of sports drinks, then change into my favorite clothes. Then, it’s off to get some delicious hot wings with the cheerleaders!

INT: What’s your funniest, most embarrassing moment?
ZIPPY: While attending a 2005 championship game for football in Detroit, I decided to do the Zippy Crowd Surf. It was great and lasted about five to 10 minutes! I nearly made it around the entire Zips’ section! The fans were passing me from row to row to row, until suddenly we hit an empty row and I came crashing down!

The crowd held their collective breath. Then, just like a great Akron athlete, Zippy shook off the bumps and bruises, bounced back up and the fans went crazy! The cameras caught the whole thing! It made headlines the next day! It was a memory I will never forget!