These are important characteristics as Tusk should be able to interact with people with his own unique personality. Tusk IV started his duties in 2011 and is set to retire April 2019. In the past eight years, he has attended numerous football games, pep rallies and Razorback clubs and met fans from all across the state and country. During Tusk IV’s tenure, the biggest responsibility is football games. Game days usually last 16 to 18 hours for Tusk IV and his family. “It’s something we can do as a family, and it’s something that we love. But, it takes all of us,” said Keith. The Stokes travel to Fayetteville on Friday night for the pep rally and parade on Dickon Street. Afterward, they go back home to Dardanelle where Tusk IV can rest. On Saturday, they leave six hours before the game and attend two fuel stop pep rallies along the way. These pep rallies allow fans to come and see Tusk IV without having to travel to the game. The trailer goes into the stadium about 45 minutes to an hour before the game and will not leave until two hours after the game. “Once he steps foot on the trailer, it’s go time for him,” said Keith. “Tusk IV knows his job and loves the attention.” The Stokes know Tusk IV is not just the mascot for the university, but really for the whole state. Tusk IV will continue his mascot duties until the spring, when he will assume a well-earned retirement. Upon retiring, he will get to enjoy the farm life of relaxation on the Stokes’ place in the Arkansas River Valley. With the retirement of Tusk IV, Tusk V will take over and bring his own unique personality into the stadium. There will be a new Tusk in the Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, but the hog call will continue to be just as loud and proud as ever. Woo Pig Sooie and Go Hogs. 62 ARKANSAS GROWN Tusk V Keith Stokes & Tusk IV
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