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12:01 a.m., July 31, 2003--UD's Blue Hen mascot, YoUDee, has been selected to the second annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team, Capital One announced today. YoUDee joins 11 other B.M.O.C.s (that’s “Big Mascots on Campus") whose fur, feathers and scales will be featured in an upcoming national television advertising campaign showcasing their competition for the Capital One National Mascot of the Year title.

YoUDee and the other members of the Capital One All-America Mascot Team

The 12 members of the 2003 Capital One All-America Mascot Team are

• Albert, University of Florida;
• Aubie, Auburn University;
• Big Red, Western Kentucky University;
• Brutus Buckeye, Ohio State University;
• Chip, University of Colorado;
• Cocky, University of South Carolina;
• Hairy Dawg, University of Georgia;
• Harry the Husky, University of Washington;
• Monte, University of Montana;
• Scratch, University of Kentucky;
• Smokey, University of Tennessee; and
• YoUDee, University of Delaware.

“Last year, college mascots flocked to join the All-America mascot team, and this year the contest for the 12 coveted spots was even more ferocious,” Pam Girardo, mascot spokesperson at Capital One, said. “We look forward to watching the finalists go beak-to-beak and snout-to-snout to claim the Capital One National Mascot of the Year title beginning in September. May the best mascot win!”

Being named an All-American comes with its fair share of perks—the recognition, the photo shoots, a national television advertising campaign, the parties, adoring fans, bragging rights and the cash (each member of the mascot team receives $5,000 for its school’s mascot program).

Capital One started the All-America Mascot and National Mascot of the Year contests last year to pay homage to the top college mascots in the country. Mascots traditionally have been the Rodney Dangerfields of the sports world.

“Capital One is all about challenging the status quo,” said Girardo. “While most people glorify the star quarterback or lineman, Capital One wants to recognize the unsung hero of college football—the mascot. They embody the true spirit of college football, and it's time they had their day in the sun.”

This year’s pack of characters was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. Nomination kits, which were mailed to the Division IA and IAA athletic departments in March, were due back on June 6. A panel of judges, including original Phillie Phanatic David Raymond; mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough; and representatives from ESPN and Capital One, selected and notified the 12 finalists in June. Judging criteria included interaction with fans, sportsmanship and community service.
The selection of the team sets the stage for a fierce battle for the coveted Capital One National Mascot of the Year title beginning in early September. Fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite mascot of the 12 through real-time, online polling at [www.capitalonebowl.com]. The winner will be selected based on the judges’ ranking (50 percent) and the on-line voting results (50 percent). The Capital One National Mascot of the Year will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, and will receive an additional $5,000 (for a total of $10,000) for its school's mascot program.

“We are extremely proud of YoUDee’s selection to the 2003 Capital One All-America Mascot Team,” Sharon Harris, UD mascot program coordinator in Public Relations, said. “We look forward to supporting our Fightin’ Blue Hen’s quest for the title of Capital One National Mascot of the Year beginning in September."