A well-regarded private university in Houston, Rice may seem like a genteel campus compared to other tradition-crazy Texas colleges, but this institution has always been about excitement. Even its origins are the stuff of movie screenplays: Rice's wealthy namesake, William Marsh Rice, was murdered by his lawyer and valet who were plotting to change the aristocrat's will and steal the seed money destined for the university. And wherever there's excitement at Rice University, there's Sammy the Owl, the school's winged, quick-witted mascot. Sammy has always pumped up the Rice faithful, be it a preseason football game or the final game of the College Baseball World series. The avuncular owl recently spoke to Playboy.com about rambunctious Rice fans and Sammy's life after the stadium shuts down.

Playboy.com: How do you get fired up on game day?
Sammy: I don't really have a pre-game ritual. All I need to do to get ready is spend some time mocking the other team.

PB: How do you get the Rice fans fired up?
Sammy: Rice is a smaller school, so it gives me more opportunities for one-on-one contact with the fans. Honestly, I think our fans do a good job of getting hyped. I just try to feed off their energy.

PB: Do you do anything to intimidate the other team's fans?
Sammy: I try not to intimidate; I antagonize. For instance, I'll beat up on the Houston University Cougar look-alikes to show the crowd who's the boss.

PB: Do you ever get into fights?
Sammy: I don't get in fights. I have enough stuff thrown at me by fans that I don't need any fights. And besides, every five-year-old or drunk coed at the game wants to tear off my tail feathers.

PB: How would you describe yourself?
Sammy: I'm a six-foot-tall fighting owl who's ready to go at a moment's notice and get Rice fans pumped up. I also have some of the best dance moves in the state.

PB: Who are your biggest rivals?
Sammy: University of Houston is the biggest. Rice plays them every year, and every year they embarrass themselves.

PB: Were you there when Rice won the College Baseball World Series in 2003?
Sammy: Yes, and it was amazing. For a small school like Rice that isn't always on the radar; to win something that huge was a great experience for the whole school. I was there for every game, and I even was interviewed by ESPN. That was pretty exciting.

PB: How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?
Sammy: Sammy is a wise old owl, but that's a question that will remain unanswered.

PB: Are you friendly with the Lady Owls?
Sammy: They can't seem to get enough of old Sammy. As a dutiful servant of Rice, I do what they want. I think they're attracted to the bright yellow beak and the tail feathers to be honest.

PB: Do you have a pretty active night life?
Sammy: I have been known to be a night owl, but I don't think Rice wants me to go into any more detail. Let's just say my night doesn't end when the game does.