Rowdy the Redhawk's identity is shrouded in secrecy. No one is supposed to know Rowdy's real identity, other than the one as Southeast Missouri State University's mascot.

There are two people that are Rowdy at Southeast sporting events. Rowdy's job is to pump up the crowd and get people on their feet.

One of the people who wears the Rowdy costume is a sophomore biology major. The Arrow talked to the other student who plays Rowdy who is a sophomore education major and hopes to be Rowdy the rest of the time this person attends Southeast.

Q: Why did you want to be Rowdy?

A: I wanted to become Rowdy for a couple of reasons. I've done a couple of other mascoting jobs within high school and, like, a baseball team back home. But I really love to just do it for the fans and just the excitement of the games, and I love getting everyone involved during the games. So that's my most favorite thing to do at the games.

Q: What was the process to become Rowdy?

A: The process actually was a tryout with the senior last year and my boss now. They literally had me put on the costume, then I had to run through all these different obstacles. I had to run up and down the stairs at the basketball court. I had to run up and down the stairs at the football field. I had to run to the 50-yard line and back. I had to catch a ball and then throw it back. Somebody had to grab my tail, and I had to get out of it. That was basically it. I also had to show him dance moves and stuff like that.

Q: How many Rowdys are there?

A: There's two, basically. So if I can't do an event the other Rowdy does another one. If there's multiple events at the same time, like on one day, a Saturday, there will be a women's [basketball] game at the beginning of the day, and a men's game at the end. So, it's kind of so I don't get tired.

Q: Any stories about little kids?

A: I have made multiple kids cry. That's the hardest part about the job. I actually have two little kids for every game that I go see and they make me cards for Rowdy's birthday. They make all different signs that I keep all the time or kids will bring me candy and things like that, so it's fun to see the kids at the games every day.

Q: Any stories about college students?

A: There's some kids that are obnoxious. They will pull my tail, but none of them have been rude and pushed me or anything. But a bunch of groups of guys are funny, so they're fun to be around.

Q: Are you ever allowed to reveal your identity?

A: No. Basically, it's like all other mascots in baseball or the NFL or NBA, they don't reveal themselves ever. So it's kind of like people don't know who you are inside, so it kind of makes the effect for the character.

Q: How hot does it get in the Rowdy costume?

A: It is unbearable sometimes. I did one of the Show Me Days and I went on a tour into the aquatic center, and that was the worst idea I've ever done before because it just drains me. I come out [of the suit] and it's disgusting.

Q: Why do you love being Rowdy?

A: I just love it because of the fans that I have, and basically everyone that supports me with what I do. And I just love getting everyone excited because in high school I got voted "most school spirit," so I've always been that person to get people excited about things.

Q: What sporting events does Rowdy appear at?

A: Basically all of them. We're actually starting gymnastics. That's coming up, so I'll be going to gymnastics ones. And baseball and softball, we're starting to get [Rowdy] to go to this year, so that's exciting.

Q: Anything you'd like to add?

A: Get more people to come out to the games because that's one of the biggest things. I've seen other mascots at other schools and their student section is huge, so it's kind of sad to see ours sometimes because it sucks. But I feel like we're getting better, so that's a good aspect of it. Go Redhawks! Oh, and don't hit Rowdy's head at games because my head is hard and I have a helmet on and it really hurts sometimes. Don't hit the head.