ODU's Mascot Big Blue in tight race to repeat as national champion

Old Dominion University mascot 'Big Blue' is in a close race for another national championship!  But, time is ticking away for 'Big Blue' to retain his title as "Mascot of the Year'!  The voting ends on Monday at 12 Noon EST.  You can go to www.capitalonebowl.com to vote.

Can 'Monarch Nation' rise to the occasion two years in a row?  The school spirit at Old Dominion University appears to be high!  But, Big Blue is trailing Wolfie Jr. of the University of Nevada by over 30,000 votes.  It is not impossible for the ODU fans to pull off another win. 

Last year, ODU fans demonstrated to the country their enormous amount of school spirit and sense of pride.  More importantly, they did it all with class.

In the nine years of the program, Big Blue's run was one of the most memorable and spirited campaigns for the Capital One Mascot of the Year.  ODU's spirit was enough for 'Big Blue' to beat a talented pool of 15 other Capital One All-America Mascots, bringing fame, glory and $20,000 to Old Dominion University’s mascot program. 

Many ODU alumni from Portsmouth have mentioned this 'furry-head to furry-head' competition to me.  They all say this is great for Old Dominion and Hampton Roads.  They're absolutely right!  If Big Blue can pull off a win this year, he will be the first mascot to win back-to-back championships.  Only one mascot has won the championship twice.

Make no mistake.  This is a different kind of national title.  It's not about athletics or academics!  It's all about school spirit.  Big Blue made other schools around the nation green with envy by the support he received last year.

Any competition can be tough.  But, In the end, it was 'Monarch Nation' that came through last year.  The season long competition ignited a school spirit at Old Dominion University that could not be matched. 

Time will tell if the 'Monarch Nation' gives Big Blue has another chance to become King.

About 'Big Blue' - 2010 'Capital One Mascot of the Year'

In January, the Old Dominion University mascot was named the 2010 'Capital One Mascot of the Year'.  Big Blue was crowned champion at halftime during the 2011 Capital One Bowl.  The New Year’s Day classic was televised nationally by ESPNf rom the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando. 

'Big Blue' joined a prestigious list of winners, including the 2009 winner - a ruggedly handsome Bearcat (University of Cincinnati).  Other winners include: a giant bird from the heartland (Iowa State Univ., 2008), a kangaroo from the Midwest (Univ. of Akron, 2007), a cougar from the Northwest (Washington State's Butch T. Cougar, 2006), a working man (Nebraska's Herbie the Husker, 2005), a grizzly bear (Univ. of Montana's Monte, 2002 and 2004) and a gamecock (Univ. of South Carolina's Cocky, 2003). 

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Thanks, for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

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