If you think college students are excited to be heading back to campus, consider how freaked out a few school mascots will be. Based on their fan interaction, sportsmanship and community service, the 2004 All-America Mascot Team was announced by Capital One this week, and, thankfully, the swimsuit portion of the contest has been eliminated.
Fans can vote for their favorite mascot in the annual competition. Voting will take place at capitalonebowl.com, and the winner is announced Jan. 1, 2005.
And now, this year’s All-America team:
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Aubie, Auburn University
Playboy.com once asked Aubie if the uniform ever helped him “get some lovin.” Aubie replied, “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say anything about that.”
The Bird, Air Force Academy
Don’t confuse The Bird with the real trained falcon. The falcon can fly. The Bird cannot.
Big Red, Western Kentucky University
Mush-faced mascot turns 25 this fall, but Big Red doesn’t look a day older than 1.
Cocky, University of South Carolina
The 2003 Mascot of the Year smells a repeat. Or, we dare ask, is that something else?
Goldy Gopher, University of Minnesota
Goldy’s dance team has won back-to-back national dance team championships.
Hey Reb, UNLV
The only human caricature on the ’04 team, Hey Reb fits in among the fur-bearers with his huge mustache.
Hokie Bird, Virginia Tech
Evolved from a turkey, there are three Hokie Birds at work at all times. And they never reveal their identity.
Monte, University of Montana
His Web site says he can break dance. Even odder, the site also says Monte “makes women swoon.”
Scratch, University of Kentucky
UK has two mascots: a Wildcat and then Scratch the Wildcat. Ironically, the cat named “Scratch” is described as “kid-friendly.”
Testudo, University of Maryland
He’s not your ordinary Diamondback terrapin. What’s extraordinary about Testudo? First off, he walks on two legs.
Duke Dog, James Madison University
If you wish to request an appearance from the royal Duke, you must do so at least three weeks in advance, according to his Web site.
Hairy Dawg, University of Georgia
When asked in an interview about Georgia’s live dog mascot Uga, Hairy Dawg said, “I have more personality in my paw than Uga has in his whole body.”
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Edited by the Sports staff of RedEye.
