Aug. 31, 2005
Georgia Tech mascot Buzz, the popular Yellow Jacket, has been named to the fourth annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team, made up of 12 lovable, hard-working and oddly-proportioned characters deemed the best of the beasts.
Now, Buzz is up for an even bigger challenge as he goes on to compete for the coveted title of “Capital One Mascot of the Year.”
Starting September 1st, fans can begin casting votes online at www.capitalonebowl.com for Capital One Mascot of the Year, who will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on January 2.
Buzz will be competing in a weekly head-to-furry-head face-off among this year’s All-Americans:
The Contenders
Auburn University - AubieUniversity of Miami - SebastianBaylor University - BruiserUniversity of Nebraska - Herbie HuskerUCLA - Joe BruinPurdue University - Pete the BoilermakerGeorgia Tech - BuzzUniversity of South Carolina - CockyUniversity of Kansas - Big JayUniversity of Tennessee - SmokeyUniv. of Massachusetts - Sam the MinutemanWashington State - Butch T. Cougar
“We created this contest to celebrate the unsung heroes of college football,” said Pam Girardo at Capital One. “These lovable characters have been cheering on their teams relentlessly, and now they need the favor returned.”
The fan vote is the sole determinant of the winner; the people choose. Voting consists of 11 weekly match ups between the All-Americans. The mascots with the best win/loss records face off in online playoffs in December. The winner will be pronounced Capital One National Mascot of the Year on January 2, 2006 during the Capital One Bowl.
“Mascots work as hard as anyone on the field, but are lost in the shadows of the flashy all-star quarterbacks and running backs,” said David Raymond, mascot expert and original Phillie Phanatic. “This is a great tribute to them, and fans should show their support. Bragging rights are on the line.”
This year’s fuzzy crew was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. They made the squad after being ranked on mascot musts such as interaction with fans, originality and pedigree. The panel of judges included mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough, and representatives from ESPN and Capital One.
Over the past three years, Capital One has helped thrust the spotlight on these unsung heroes of the gridiron. Buzz will be starring in a national advertising campaign, which this year features the mascots participating in the M Games, a series of unusual (and fictitious) competitions. In addition to the hoopla, Buzz received $5,000 for the school’s mascot program. The Capital One Mascot of the Year receives an additional $5,000 scholarship.
MASCOT MOBILE TOUR
Get ready for mascot mayhem. Capital One’s Mobile Mascot Tour will be traveling across the country throughout the Fall, stopping at each All-American’s campus to offer fans the ultimate mascot experience, including photo opportunities, mascot facts and statistics, voting stations, interactive games and more. “The mascot tour is a celebration of mascots, and should inspire more fans to support their mascot and vote,” said Girardo. The tour will be in Atlanta on November 5th.
