Ken Carlson at work
The previous T-Shirt Guy missed a game, and I filled in. After a season of lobbying Andy [Ruge, associate athletic director of marketing], he finally caved and gave me the job. You can say the previous guy got “Wally Pipped.” (Pipp is the New York Yankees pitcher who infamously lost his starting job to Lou Gehrig.)
That T-shirt gun looks pretty hefty. What’s the recoil like on that?
It’s like shooting a bazooka. Not really—Sally Merten [wife of university president Alan Merten] has even shot it.
Ever practice shooting?
No need to. The shirts rarely go where they’re aimed.
You’ve never shot a T-shirt at me. So what are you looking for in your “victims”?
I’m looking for our fans in the highest rows. Always trying to get the biggest bang for our buck.
What are the biggest perks of the job?
Dr. Merten gets ready to "send" a t-shirt to a happy Mason basketball fan.
Having Dr. or Mrs. Merten shoot the gun is a blast. And being able to congratulate [men’s basketball head coach Jim Larranaga] on the court after each win and present him with shirts to throw to the students is truly an honor. But the best is getting every third shirt to a kid who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get one because bigger kids and adults get in the way.
So, you have a Mason tattoo?
I now actually have two. Mason will now always be a part of me.
What’s your favorite memory in your five years as the official T-Shirt Guy?
Having Dr. Merten hit the scoreboard repeatedly with shots from the gun.
Ken is one of the biggest Patriot fans I know and is also a great person. I’m glad to see that the Mason Spirit selected him to feature in this issue.
Comment by Josh Holman — November 15, 2010 @ 7:38 pm
Ken –
you are awesome!!
Comment by Paula — November 16, 2010 @ 10:49 am
Loved the article! Am very proud of GMU for reasons like this! Ken is a great guy.
Comment by Donna Davis — November 20, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
KUDOS to Ken! You’re no doubt the best person ever to be the Mason Basketball T-Shirt Guy! Go Ken!
Comment by Claudia Lindsey — November 23, 2010 @ 7:43 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mason Spirit and gmuhoops, Tina Cipara. Tina Cipara said: Best job ever! RT @MasonSpirit Meet the guy who launches T-shirts at Mason b-ball games: http://tinyurl.com/39e89wo […]
Pingback by Tweets that mention Seven Questions for the Mason Basketball “T-Shirt Guy” Ken Carlson – The Mason Spirit -- Topsy.com — November 23, 2010 @ 11:39 am
Ken, my favorite move is when you put your hand to your head, as if to block out the bright lights to see the rafters. Its awesome.
Comment by Brian — November 23, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
More Kudos to Ken and his wife. Great article on both. A wonderful couple to know. My grandson Wally (even though he now lives out of state) always asked about Ken. He loves the T-shirt man! He still has the T-shirt you gave him when he was 6. I remember those years at the old gym. Thank for giving him the job Andy.
Comment by Bernie Hite — May 1, 2012 @ 9:31 pm