You see him every home game in the Metrodome normally riding a motorized something or grabbing a cheerleaders pom poms or harassing the apposing team... Yes we all know I’m talking about Ragnar and his antics... but what do you really know about him?

BigGun @ VikingsValhalla.com got the opportunity to interview Ragnar this year and we thought we would share what we learned with you the Valhalla Faithful.

SKOL RAGNAR, Thanks so much for doing this interview:

VV: It seems (especially to younger fans) that you have been with the Minnesota Vikings forever... but I bet not many people know the full story as to how you got the unique position of being a human mascot in professional sports. Please tell us how this came about with the Vikings organization.

RAGNAR: My wife and I both worked at schools in the neighboring districts. The bus drivers drove students to both districts and got to know my wife and I. They mentioned to Laurie that the Vikings were hiring and asked if I was going to apply for the position. My wife was very persistent on sending out a resume of my background and a picture of what I looked like.  Before long I received a letter from the Vikings wanting more information about myself and then cut it down to 16 finalist to try out at the Mall of America during the draft in 1994.

They encouraged the finalists to "dress up" and be creative as possible. My mom went to antique stores and located a raccoon rug for my cape and a sword. My wife made me a shield and I got my boots from Steiger muklucs in Ely Mn. (they still supply my boots every year).  The principal at my school made announcements in the morning to come down to the Mega mall at support Joe as he is trying out for the Vikings Mascot. The pastor from my Church also encouraged the congregation to support me.

During the 1994 draft, the Vikings told the 16 finalist to mingle around with the fans. They had people watching how we interacted with everyone - but we did not know who they were.

 When it came down to voting time, they had us stand on stage and went down the row 1 by 1 and had the fans cheer for their favorite. My real competitor was Hub Meed's son. He was also trying out and the announcer was really trying to encourage people to vote him in so the torch would be passed.

When they came to my #7 the fans on all 4 floors of the Rotunda room let loose with loud screaming and clapping. The announcer was astonished at the applaud and went through the 16 members again and the same response came out with #7.

So that was my first appearance as "the new Official Vikings Mascot".  The next week the Vikings did a more in depth background check on me to make sure I was who and what I said I was. Lets face it, I don't look like main stream society. After that cleared, I became  their Official Mascot.


VV: How did you come to adopt the name 'Ragnar'?

RAGNAR: The vikings said what name are you going to use. I had no idea at the time. So we came across a old Movie called the "Viking" and there was a fellow in there named Ragnar who was fun loving and adventuress. So thats were I acquired it from.

VV: Did Hubb Meeds have any roll or influence in how you carry yourself today?

RAGNAR: I never had the opportunity to meet Hub Meed's  until recently when the Vikings called him in for a Alumni game.  Very early on it was very difficult for the first couple of games as the fans were not quit ready to give up thier icon who has been there since the late 1960's. The fans were very verbal on how they felt about me taking the place of Hub.  I reminded them that Hub Meed's could never be replaced, he was one of a kind!!!


VV: Do you ever travel to away games?

RAGNAR: I only travel to neutral sites. The last game was in San Antonio Texas with the New Orleans Saints.  Most teams have there own mascots and some fans are not respective to other team mascots coming in to support the opposing fans.

VV: What was your favorite reaction from people when they found out you are the Vikings mascot?

RAGNAR: It's funny to watch it unfold. Some people don't go to the games much so they have not been accustomed to watching me. When they see me out of costume in a store or something they tend to have there guard way up and don't have the time of day for me. But when their buddy tells them who I am then all of a sudden they are really friendly with me and want my autograph.  BUT the Favorite reaction was just recently from a 4 year old girl that was at the Tailgating Lot. I was bending down on 1 knee talking to her and her family and for no reason she  came up and gave me a big hug. It took everyone by surprise to see this little girl give a hug to a big hairy guy in a fur coat.

VV: What is your most memorable experience inside the dome?

RAGNAR: It was last year at the end of the Green Bay game 2006 when Brett Farve came walking over to me with that little boyish grin "saying I'm not sure I will be making this trip again, if I don't, I really enjoyed messing around with you through out all the years and best of wishes to you.

VV: Do you ever visit the fans that are tailgating before/after the games? Any interesting stories there?

RAGNAR: I am dressed and usually out at tailgating by 8:15 or so. Since I have to walk to the Tailgating Lots this year, I try to allow plenty of time so I can visit all the lots and take time talking to all fans.  I love coming across the fans that have decorated there vehicles up. From cars to RVs to buses. It's amazing how creative our fans are. They really enjoy their game and put a lot of effort into showing it.

VV: Who is your biggest influence in your life?

RAGNAR: Matt Vertin. He was a business owner up in Ely and he hired me when I was 17 to be a cook at his restaurant even though other people said that I was not worth hiring cause I was irresponsible. He was a very strict and tough boss, but he wanted to give me a chance a prove to everyone that this was a diamond in the rough. Thanks you Matt!! (a.k.a. Sonnie)

Ragnar intimidates the Cardinals

VV: You have driven many a vehicle into the dome before kick off. Which was the most unique/memorable/fun for you?

RAGNAR: The Texas Chopper. It was a very unique bike and the design was different than the others.

VV: Who's idea was it to ride in on the St Paul police motorcycle (in week one) in honor of Frank Foster?

RAGNAR: Frank Foster was one of the Vikings security people at Training camp and other events. So when he passed away, the Vikings wanted to honor Frank at the game. He loved motorcycles-so what better way to honor him then to ride the bike on a opening game.

VV: Most people remember Vikadorus Rex... and now with the addition of Viktor... what will be your role with the Vikings?

RAGNAR: I have been informed by the Viking Organization that Viktor is a ADDITION to the Club. And they have reassured fans that Ragnar will still continue to be the Vikings Mascot and continue his role at all the games in the future.

VV: What do you say to the fans that think you should loose the pom poms and pick up a weapon?

RAGNAR: As a educator in the school system for 21 years, I keep away from encouraging any type of violence and prefer to get people to get some humor at the games. Enjoy the pom-poms and dancing for what it is- its ENTERTAINMENT!!! (You try dancing with boots and a fur coat on- that's talent at its finest)

VV: When you are not in the thick of things what do you like to do for fun/on vacation?

RAGNAR: My lovely wife and I usually spend the weekends deer hunting if there is not a game. We also love fishing and outdoor adventures. I also enjoy working with welding metal and doing wood work. BUT at the top of my list has to be AUCTIONS. So if any of you Viking fans know of any up coming Auctions don't hesitate to drop Ragnar a e-mail.

VV: If challenged, would you take on Viktor in a duel to the death? Could you take him?... I mean... look at his muscles?!?  ;)

RAGNAR: We wouldn't have much of a team left if Ragnar "dueled it out" with Viktor or anyone else on the team that people have negative opinions about. If thats the case only Ragnar and Adrian Peterson would be left - and Matt Birk (he has a great restaurant).  And NOTE: Ragnar's muscles are all REAL!!!!

VV: What is your favorite Viking memory?

RAGNAR: My wife and I going to Tokyo with the team. It was my first year as the Vikings Mascot. Also when I boarded the plane, I got a very strange look from a player (Fruad Revez). Later on during the week,I realized what that look meant.  He was in fear of his life for a moment as he thought I was a terrorist that snuck on to the plane. He asked Henry Thomas who is that guy and Henry informed him that I was the new mascot.

VV: Once again, thanks for taking the time for this interview.... Is there anything you would like to add?

RAGNAR: Anytime, I always have something stored up in my head to say. I would like to add that in my 14 years as the Official mascot for the Vikings-every game is just as exciting as my first game and the fans are just as fun and exciting. Keep it up!!!

----

Make sure to Visit Ragnar's Website http://www.ragnartheviking.com/