Big Blue Roars to Mascot of the Year Title

Congratulations to Old Dominion University's Big Blue, who bested 15 other university mascots to be crowned Capital One Mascot of the Year!

I had the pleasure of being on hand when Big Blue received his award from former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando New Year's Day. (See video announcement here.) In addition to bragging rights, Big Blue won $20,000 for the university's mascot program.

His victory not only demonstrates his hard work, but the passion of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters of Old Dominion, who have been voting non-stop since the competition began Aug. 31 and swept Big Blue to an undefeated victory.

In fact, folks from Capital One told me that this year's campaign was one of the most spirited since the competition's inception in 2002 and Big Blue's nearly two million votes was a record.

So congratulations to Monarchs everywhere!  Our pride is strong, hear us roar!

(Visit the Capital One Mascot of the Year web site for additional videos and the full list of competing mascots.)