Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 9, 1994                   TAG: 9411090069
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DWIGHT FOXX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

JAMES MADISON'S DOG HAS HIS DAY

VMI has agreed to pay James Madison University $3,500 for a new mascot uniform after an incident during the third quarter of the Dukes' 38-15 football victory Saturday in Lexington.

The VMI freshman students, known as ``Rats,'' ran across the field in pursuit of the Dukes' mascot, the ``Duke Dog,'' after he allegedly stole their guideline (flag).

But Wade Branner, VMI's sports information director, said that's not what happened.

``There was nothing to precipitate it on James Madison's part,'' Branner said. ``The whole thing was VMI's fault.''

Branner, who also helps out with the Keydets' radio broadcasts, said he speculated on the air that the Dukes' mascot might have stolen the guideline after observing the incident from the press box. The mascot, a freshman male who declined to be identified, left the field after his uniform was damaged and did not return.

VMI was assessed a 15-yard penalty when the Rats pursued the mascot onto the field during play.

VMI officials said security will be beefed up this week when the Keydets battle The Citadel in the Oyster Bowl at Foreman Field in Norfolk.

``VMI doesn't condone what happened,'' Branner said. ``We're planning to do everything we can to prevent further incidents like this from happening - again.''