Arizona is often regarded as just a lonely stretch of Route 66 on the way to California. But the northern part of the state is all steep hills and pine forests -- the perfect terrain for rugged mountain man Louie the Lumberjack. The mascot of Northern Arizona University, nestled in the town of Flagstaff, gets the school's student body pumped for playing against its Big Sky Conference Rivals.

More comfortable cheering on the hardwood than cutting down trees, Louie nonetheless is a link to the region's timber-industry past and a potent symbol of university pride. He also knows a thing or two about the ladies. Playboy.com talked to the axe-swinger about Monty Python, environmentalists and his non-grunge wardrobe.

Playboy.com: Do you always carry around that massive axe?

Louie: Yeah, I always hold onto it, because it reminds me of my roots. It's also a good way to get the crowd's attention and get the fans going.

Playboy.com: Is the axe used in any routines on the field?

Louie: A little bit, but not too much. We do play the sound of a chainsaw over the loudspeaker when something good happens.

Playboy.com: But you don't have a chainsaw. Wouldn't that be a little more appropriate, not to mention easier, to chop wood with?

Louie: I guess I'm old school with how I approach my job.

Playboy.com: Have you ever gone The Shining on someone and chopped them up?

Louie: No. The axe is a prop. If I carried a real axe, it would be dangerous.

Playboy.com: Do you ever get hassled by environmentalists?

Louie: I'm aware of things and make sure to keep the environment clean. But people recognize I have a job to do.

Playboy.com: Who are your big rivals?

Louie: We're in the Big Sky Conference, which stretches out all across the West. Our main rivals are the Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats.

Playboy.com: Ever get into a fight with another mascot?

Louie: No, man. I would have a serious advantage with the axe.

Playboy.com: Are you a ladies man, Louie?

Louie: Come on. I'm a big, burly mascot that could probably beat up most other mascots. I think I'm a ladies man.

Playboy.com: I notice you don't wear a plaid shirt. Isn't that pretty common lumberjack gear?

Louie: That is pretty traditional, but I've updated my wardrobe. It's blue to match the school colors. I guess you could say I'm the fashionable type.

Playboy.com: Do people ever bring up the Monty Python lumberjack sketch and make fun of you?

Louie: Sometimes they do. But we play it here over the loudspeaker at games sometimes, so I'm cool with it.

Playboy.com: So, you are okay?

Louie: Yeah, I'm okay.