Sept. 15, 2007

South Carolina fans are encouraged to visit Capitalonebowl.com and vote for Cocky, the University of South Carolina mascot, in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. Cocky is one of 12 mascots in the running to be named national mascot of the year.

For the next 11 weeks Cocky will be matched up against other mascots from around the country in what Capital One is labeling the “Mascot Open.” Each week the votes are tallied and the mascot with the most votes in each match up is considered the winner. On November 26th, the six mascots with the best win/loss record will move into the playoffs and battle for the top mascot award.

Capital One began the Mascot Challenge in 2002 in an effort to reward mascots for being “the unsung hero of collegiate athletics.” Each mascot participating in the challenge receives $5000 and the winner receives an additional $5000 to go towards its school’s mascot program. To help Cocky achieve the status of “ace” mascot for the second time in the last five years, go to capitalonebowl.com and vote.

For more information on the 12 mascots involved and the current standings, please visit capitalonebowl.com.