Aug. 8, 2007

Coral Gables, Fla. (www. hurricanesports.com) – – Hurricane fans can vote for Sebastian the Ibis on The Mascot Hall of Fame 2007 Ballot for Induction.

Go online at www.mascothalloffame.com to cast your vote for your favorite professional and collegiate mascot!

These Mascot characters have entertained and inspired millions of fans through the years and the Mascot Hall of Fame executive committee is proud to include them on the ballot. The following nominees are in two categories, Professional and Collegiate. All twelve nominees have a chance to be inducted in the 2007 class. If inducted, these characters will join the Phillie Phanatic, the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, and Famous Chicken who were inducted in 2005 along with last year’s class made up of Clutch the Bear, KC Wolf, The Jazz Bear, YoUDee, Aubie, and Bucky Badger.

Who: The 2007 Ballot candidates are below.

CollegiateCandidates:

1. Lil Red (University of Nebraska)

2. Sparty (Michigan State University)

3. Sebastian the Ibis (University of Miami)

4. Smokey (University of Tennessee)

5. Brutus Buckeye (Ohio State University)

6. Big Red (University of Western Kentucky)

Professional Candidates:

1. Hugo The Hornet (New Orleans Hornets)

2. Mr. Met (New York Mets)

3. The Coyote (San Antonio Spurs)

4. Mariner Moose (Seattle Mariners)

5. Youppi (Montreal Expos/Canadians)

6. The Oriole Bird (Baltimore Orioles)

When: Voting is open from August 6th thru September 6th 2007

Where: www.mascothalloffame.com

Why: To recognize the art and skill of great characters. Their performances have entertained kids and adults alike for generations and have inspired their teams and communities. Join these twelve characters on their chase for the “Golden Silly String Award!”

What: “The Mascot Hall of Fame has been created to honor great mascot performers, performances, and character branding programs that have inspired tradition and positively affected their communities,” said David Raymond, president of the Mascot Hall of Fame executive committee and the original Phillie Phanatic. The Mascot Hall of Fame Executive Committee came together to review all the nominations sent into the Mascot Hall of Fame and these great characters were chosen to make the ballot. This committee includes such sports luminaries as Mike Veeck of the Goldklang Group; Dennis Lehman of the Cleveland Indians; Suzy Kolber, ESPN host and anchor; Jon Spoelstra, Author of Marketing Outrageously, along with other prominent figures in the world of sports.