The Story of ZEGRET
Although the Spanish discovered Puerto Rico in 1493, and the island has been well know to the Western World since that time, some areas of Puerto Rico's jungle interior have been unexplored by all but a few of the native Indian islanders.
In 1968, the brothers of the newly founded Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi decided to seek further wisdom. On the advice of some elders, they left San Angelo and journeyed across the Gulf to the sun-drenched beaches and mosquito-infected jungles of Puerto Rico on a soul searching pilgrimage. While visiting a small village they came upon a young woman named Lupe. From her they learned about a mythical temple where an ancient god taught loyalty. They traveled deep into the jungle, and after days of wandering, they came across the ancient temple buried by undergrowth. The Brothers cut their way into the temple and stumbled across a stone idol supported by statues of young men. While exploring the temple, they took pictures of the many ancient writings and left everything undisturbed. Then they traveled back to the quaint village, and enjoyed the hospitality of the beautiful young woman named Lupe. When the Brothers returned to San Angelo, they did extensive research on ancient South American pictographs. From their photos, they discovered the teaching of ZEGRET, the god of Brotherhood.
According to the ancient writings, ZEGRET was permanently crippled when his evil brother allowed him to fall from a cliff. As a result his brother was exiled, and ZEGRET used his handicap as a way to teach young men the responsibilities of Brotherhood. Male youths approaching manhood were taught that no matter what, they had to be there for their brothers. To force this idea into their minds, they were impressed into the service of moving ZEGRET from place to place without his falling down and risking further injury. The penalty for allowing ZEGRET to fall down was severe and usually consisted of the villagers beating the youngster with blunt objects. After learning the secrets of ZEGRET, the Brothers of Epsilon Kappa realized that they needed the god of Brotherhood to help strengthen their own bonds of loyalty. They then returned to the ancient temple to pay homage to ZEGRET and to take a tree from the nearby jungle. From this tree, they carved their own idol and followed the ancient trials of Brotherhood.
The ZEGRET of Today
Since then, ZEGRET has served as the official mascot of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter. As part of his duties he aids in the education of candidates, and works to keep the brotherhood of the chapter strong. He occasionally writes articles for EK's official newsletter, The Epsilon Kappa Connection, as well as for the Southwest District's official publication, The New ALTO. He is also known for his complicated relationships with other mascots around the District and Nation, primarily Bohica (mascot of the Epsilon Delta Chapter at Texas A & M - Kingsville), and he has become a minor celebrity of the Southwest District. ZEGRET is always excited to meet candidates and brothers, and as such he has set up a page on Facebook.com where brothers from around the nation can interact with him between conventions and workshops.
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