Aug. 17, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
For the second year in a row, USC’s Cocky has been nominated to the Capital One All-America Mascot Team. After being crowned Top Mascot in January 2004, Cocky will compete against 11 other college mascots as he defends his title of Mascot of the Year.

The 2004 team consists of: Monte (Montana), Hokie Bird (Virginia Tech), The Bird (Air Force), Hey Reb (UNLV), Scratch (Kentucky), Hairy Dawg (Georgia), Aubie (Auburn), Big Red (Western Kentucky), Testudo (Maryland), Duke Dog (James Madison) and Goldy (Minnesota).

Last week, Cocky and the team traveled to Los Angeles to socialize amongst the Hollywood stars. For the next few days, Cocky will share with Gamecock fans all over the country the fun he had with the other mascots while shooting the commercials for the campaign. It is a hard job for such a busy bird, but some bird has to do it.

Monday August 9, 2004

Hello Gamecock fans!!!!! A little over eight months has passed since I was crowned the Capital One National Mascot of the Year and already it’s time to defend it. Time sure does fly!! However, I must report heart-breaking news…We do not have the opportunity to beat Ohio State again. Shucks! The team this year is really good, and I have some really tough competition. I will really need everyone’s votes in order to pull it off again! The birds of the group (Hokie Bird, Air Force’s The Bird, and myself) immediately made good buddies. Bird’s fly together you know. The rest of the team is great and I think it will be a lot of fun. I still want to whip them though! You know, show a little tough love. Well, Kentucky’s Scratch just called me up to eat some pizza with the team, and you know Cocky never misses a meal! Quite obvious I must say. I’ll keep everyone informed of what’s going on day by day! Wish me luck and GO COCKS!!!