North Dakota State University's Thundar Finishes Second
MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 1, 2009--After months of fierce competition, Iowa State University's Cy proved to
be the 'big bird' of the gridiron, having pulled in the majority of the
millions of votes cast to earn the coveted title of Capital One Mascot
of the Year. Cy edged out the fierce and feisty Thundar from North
Dakota State University in the championship round. The highly
anticipated announcement was made on air during halftime of the
nationally televised Capital One Bowl. Cy bested 11 deeply talented (and
oddly-proportioned) All-American mascots to bring glory (and $10,000) to
Iowa State University.
"This was one of the most closely watched and fiercely fought
competitions to date, featuring two mascots with varying talents. The
fans have spoken, and named Cy as the BBOC - Big Bird on Campus," said
Steve Schooff at Capital One. "This contest was designed to recognize
the unsung heroes of college football, so we're thrilled to see so many
fans get behind their mascots with over 4.5 million votes cast."
Last summer, 12 eye-catching characters were named to the Seventh Annual
Capital One All-America Mascot Team, and have since been embroiled in an
intense competition to be named Capital One Mascot of the Year. Since
September 8th, fans have come out in force casting their
votes at www.capitalonebowl.com.
The Contenders
Auburn University - Aubie
Boise State University - Buster Bronco
Brigham Young University - Cosmo Cougar
Iowa State University - Cy
Louisiana State University - Mike the Tiger
University of Maryland - Testudo
North Carolina State University - Mr.Wuf
North Dakota State University - Thundar
UCLA - Joe Bruin
University of South Carolina - Cocky
University of Tennessee - Smokey
United States Air Force Academy - The Bird
"We're proud of all of our All-Americans, who sacrifice their tail
feathers, sweat, fur and tears to support their schools," added Schooff.
This year's eclectic crew of birds, mammals and reptiles were chosen
from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams.
They made the squad after being ranked on mascot musts such as
interaction with fans, originality and pedigree. The panel of judges
included mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough, and
representatives from Capital One.
Over the past six years, Capital One has helped thrust the spotlight on
these unsung heroes of the gridiron. Team members starred in a national
advertising campaign, which this year featured the mascots participating
in the Capital One Mascot Challenge - Top Tailgater, a series of
unusual (and fictitious) grilling, cooking and tailgating competitions.
In addition to the hoopla, each mascot received $5,000 for its school's
mascot program. Cy, the Capital One National Mascot of the Year,
received an additional $5,000 scholarship to help fund Iowa State
University's mascot program.
"Cy joins a prestigious list of winners, which consists of Division 1A
and 1AA winners spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic," added
Schooff.
Prior winners included a kangaroo from the Midwest (Univ. of Akron,
2007), a cougar from the Northwest (Washington State's Butch T.Cougar,
2006), a working man (Nebraska's Herbie the Husker, 2005), a grizzly
bear (Univ. of Montana's Monte, 2002 and 2004) and a gamecock (Univ. of
South Carolina's Cocky, 2003).
2008 COMPETITION RECAP
We said farewell to six of the mascots as we entered the playoffs.
During week one of the playoffs (Nov. 24 - Dec. 1) past champion,
Maryland's Testudo (#6) continued his underdog run to the semifinals by
upsetting Boise State's Buster Bronco (#3), as South Carolina's Cocky
(#5) kept his hopes alive by defeating Air Force's The Bird (#4) in a
beak-to-beak fight to the finish. Week two (Dec.1 - Dec.8) featured
North Dakota's Thundar (#1) and Iowa State's Cy (#2) against Testudo and
Cocky. Thundar continued to showcase his number one seed by stomping
Testudo, while Cy continued his flight to the finals by defeating Cocky.
The final round (Dec. 8 - 15), featured Thundar and Cy battling for
bison vs. bird supremacy, as well as the ultimate title.
About Capital One
Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) (www.capitalone.com)
is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries collectively had $98.9
billion in deposits and $147.3 billion in managed loans outstanding as
of September 30, 2008. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Capital One has 739
locations primarily in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Louisiana. It is
a diversified bank whose principal subsidiaries, Capital One, N.A. and
Capital One Bank (USA), N. A., offer a broad spectrum of financial
products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial
clients.
CONTACT: Capital One Financial Corporation
Steve Schooff
972-295-1676
stephen.schooff@capitalone.com
Source: Capital One Financial Corporation
