Mascot Politics Series: Breaking Down the Final Four

The 2010 Capital One Mascot Challenge is coming to a close and there are only two mascots remaining.

The winner will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on New Years Day. The winner will receive $15,000 to go to the winning school.

There are only 2 mascots left, so make sure to vote for your favorite before it is too late.

http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

Meet Old Dominion's Big Blue

Meet Big Blue

Big Blue has excited fans at Old Dominion University since 1930. Just a cub when he joined ODU, he’s since matured into a full-grown lion and natural leader (he looks phenomenal considering he’s 80 years old). 

As king of the school, he loves wearing his blue-and-silver robe all over campus, but come game time, he can be found wearing his ODU jersey on the sidelines cheering on the team.

 

Big Blue's Experience

Big Blue is one of the most experienced mascots out there. He understands what it takes to run a strong team, and started the campaign to bring football back to Old Dominion in 2009. Big Blue doesn’t quit on his people, and he continues to fight for ODU, the players and fans every day.

 

Big Blue's Leadership Abilities

Big Blue was originally cast to play Mufasa in the Lion King, but declined due to his responsibilities to the ODU faithful. It takes a big-heated lion to turn down a blockbuster film in favor of being with the people he loves. 

Often thought of as a hunter, Big Blue is also a gatherer—he can often be found at local supermarkets shopping for family and friends. 

 

What Distinguishes Big Blue From the Rest?

Big Blue might be the loudest mascot in all of college sports, with a roar that can be heard form coast to coast.

Plus, try and find a mascot with a better head of hair than Big Blue—I dare you. Big Blue and his fantastic mane can be seen in various shampoo commercials (print and television).

 

Big Blue's Campaign Promises

Big Blue promises to give every student on campus the opportunity to be “King for the Day”. As king, the student will work alongside Big Blue to help lead the campus to bigger and better things, and the lucky student gets to wear Big Blue’s crown. 

Big Blue: You cannot ignore the roar!

Meet UTEP's Paydirt Pete

Meet Paydirt Pete

Paydirt Pete may not look like much. He may be several decades behind the gold-mining curve. But I’ll be darned if he ain’t the best dang mascot in the Union!

Paydirt Pete hails from the University of Texas, El Paso, where he’s served as the school’s head prospector since 1974.  He’s been through a lot of changes in that span—quitting smoking, trying out different hats, etc.—but he’s never lost his insatiable love of gold and mining.

Pete’s Experience

Two words: Border relations. Paydirt Pete is a diplomat, as the man can practically see Mexico from his house. Juarez is just around the corner, and Pete knows the town like the back of his soot-covered hands.

This diplomatic experience, coupled with his high-profile event-hosting skills (Pete helms the Sun Bowl festivities every year) make for a savvy veteran of a mascot that commands respect.

Pete’s Leadership Abilities

To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt: Speak softly and carry a pickaxe. Pete does both of these things. He might not even speak at all!

Since he follows Roosevelt’s leadership style, doesn’t it follow that he’s a great leader like Teddy?

Of course it does!

What Distinguishes Paydirt Pete From the Rest?

Determination. Pete’s been mining the hills of El Paso for decades, and has yet to find any gold. But does he stop trying? Nope. He just keeps on going, year after year. That’s the kind of resilience that other mascots dream of—but only Pete’s got it.

Pete’s Campaign Promises

If elected, Pete promises gold for everybody. And if that fails, he’ll throw a kickin’ party in Juarez for all his new friends. He’ll even upgrade his 10-gallon hat to 11 gallons if it helps.

In Summary

Paydirt Pete is the gold standard of mascots. Take that to the bank.