Vote for Sebastian as National Mascot of the Year
Oct. 10, 2002
Falls Church, VA (www.hurricanesports.com) — University of Miami’s Sebastian was selected to the first-ever Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Sebastian will be featured in an upcoming television advertising campaign and compete against the other 11 mascots for the title of National Mascot of the Year to be announced during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2003.
Named to the inaugural mascot team are:
Albert – University of Florida
Big Al – University of Alabama
Big Red – Western Kentucky University
The Bird – U.S. Air Force Academy
Buzz – Georgia Tech
Monte – University of Montana
Nittany Lion – Penn State
Otto the Orange – Syracuse University
Sebastian the Ibis – University of Miami
Seymour – Southern Mississippi University
Smokey – University of Tennessee
Victor E. Bull – University at Buffalo
Starting today, these 12 feathered, furry and lovable creatures will compete for the title of National Mascot of the Year. Fans across the country now can vote for their favorite mascot through real-time, online polling at www.capitalonebowl.com.
The Capital One All-America Mascot Team was opened to all NCAA Division IA & IAA school mascots representing football programs. Nomination kits, which were mailed to the Division IA & IAA athletic departments in late August, were due back on Sept. 18, 2002. A panel of judges, made up of representatives from ESPN, Capital One and the mascot community, selected and notified the 12 finalists on Sept. 21. Judging criteria included fan interaction, demonstration of good sportsmanship and community service involvement. Each of the 12 mascots will receive $5,000, payable to its school’s athletic department, for use in scholarship and funding of the mascot program. The National Mascot of the Year winner will receive an additional $5,000 (total of $10,000).
