Jan. 16, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
Fans attending Gamecock basketball this weekend will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Cocky, the Capital One National Mascot of the Year. In honor of showing appreciation for the thousands of fans that voted, Cocky will hold a photograph session on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., prior to the USC vs. Tennessee men’s basketball game. A second session will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18 from 1:00-1:30 p.m. prior to the USC vs. Arkansas women’s basketball game.

The photograph sessions will be held inside the main entrance of the Colonial Center and fans are asked to bring their own cameras to take their picture.

Below is a letter from Cocky addressed to the Gamecock fans and supporters thanking them for their strong support during the All-America Mascot campaign:

Dear Ever Faithful Carolina Fans,

The year 2003 has sure been a roller coaster ride for us all. The peak
of my roller coaster ride came when I was announced to the Capital One
All-Mascot Team, and from there my little coaster car just picked up
speed.

Early in the voting period, I took a commanding lead due to the
response of you, the faithful Gamecock fans! We held that first place
position for a while too. Even though Ohio State did pass us, I didn’t
fret because there isn’t much you can do when the school itself is
populated by 50,000 students. The Carolina faithful stood their ground
though, sitting through by far the longest voting season ever. We stuck
together. The mere fact that Gamecock fans never gave up on me, means
the world to me.

For this, I wanted to extend my most heart-warming thank you. Each Carolina fan that voted, especially those that voted daily, showed the nation just how loyal you are.

In addition to the entire student body, staff and faculty at the University of South Carolina, I also want to thank all Gamecock Club members, the USC Athletics Department and the USC Student Government for their continued support and efforts during this process. It doesn’t matter the circumstance, we all stick together, and the support I received from you exemplified that.

While I may be the one crowned, this title is just as much yours as well. Thank you for sticking with me through this and showing your love. You will never know just how much this is appreciated. Thank you once again, and I’ll see you at the games! Go GAMECOCKS!!!

Your All-American Gamecock,

Cocky