| Cocky is one of 12 college mascots recently named to the Capital One All-America Mascot Team. The honor provides $5,000 for USC's mascot program and qualifies USC's fine feathered mascot for National Mascot of the Year.
Being named an All-American comes with its fair share of perks: recognition, photo shoots, a national television advertising campaign, bragging rights, and cash (each member of the mascot team receives $5,000 for its school's mascot program).
"Last year, college mascots flocked to join the All-America mascot team, and this year the contest for the 12 coveted spots was even more ferocious," said Pam Girardo, mascot spokesperson at Capital One. "We look forward to watching the finalists go beak-to-beak and snout-to-snout to claim the Capital One National Mascot of the Year title beginning in September. May the best mascot win!"
The 12 members of the second annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team are:
- Albert, University of Florida
- Aubie, Auburn University
- Big Red, Western Kentucky University
- Brutus Buckeye, Ohio State University
- Chip, University of Colorado
- Cocky, University of South Carolina
- Hairy Dawg, University of Georgia
- Harry the Husky, University of Washington
- Monte, University of Montana
- Scratch, University of Kentucky
- Smokey, University of Tennessee
- YoUDee, University of Delaware
This year's team was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. Nomination kits, which were mailed to the Division IA & IAA athletic departments in March, were due back June 6. A panel of judges, including original Phillie Phanatic David Raymond; mascot guru and historian, Roy Yarbrough; and representatives from ESPN and Capital One, selected and notified the 12 finalists in June. Judging criteria included interaction with fans, sportsmanship, and community service.
The selection of the team sets the stage for a fierce battle for the coveted Capital One National Mascot of the Year title beginning in early September. Fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite mascot of the 12 through real-time, online polling at www.capitalonebowl.com. The winner will be selected based on the judges' ranking (50 percent) and the on-line voting results (50 percent).
The Capital One National Mascot of the Year will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2004, and will receive an additional $5,000 (for a total of $10,000) for its school's mascot program.
07/03
|
Cocky takes on 11 other college mascots this fall in a bid to be named National Mascot of the Year. Fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite mascot through real-time, online polling at www.capitalonebowl.com. The winner will be selected based on the judges' ranking (50 percent) and the on-line voting results (50 percent).
