I actually started playing REAL close attention to the Capital One All-America Team around 2005, when The Bird was a member. I've been voting like crazy for him, but he fell one game short of the playoffs in '05 and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2007. One year, he'll win, I can feel it.
But I wanted to share my early thoughts on the mascots that so far have been announced as members of the 2009 Challenge. Two spots have left to be announced as of this posting. I'll list first the ones I definitely DON'T want to see win and my reasons why, then save for last the ones I really wouldn't mind seeing win. But as of this moment, I do have one favorite that I'll be voting like crazy for.
DON'T WANT TO SEE WIN
Sebastian the Ibis, Miami - Only because he just looks so boring. I understand the tradition with the ibis and stuff, and okay maybe being able to do a "U' with your hands is cool, but other than that I'm not impressed.
Mike the Tiger, LSU - Only because the live one is SO MUCH COOLER than the costumed one, and I'm partial to it because Mike VI was raised in Indiana.
Bucky the Badger, Wisconsin - "Shouldn't have to give a reason why..." Seriously. I'm a Purdue student and Bucky just looks weird, that's my reasons why.
WOULDN'T MIND TO SEE WIN...BUT NOT MY FAVORITES
Bearcat, Cincinnati - You have to admit, a bearcat's kinda cool, and he's a rookie. I can't remember the last time a rookie won this thing, but we shall see.
Butch T. Cougar, Washington State - He's already had one shining moment in the spotlight, winning in 2006. But I guess I wasn't surprised when he won that year because he was toward the top most of the way. Something about him is just striking with people.
Big Red, Western Kentucky - This is his SIXTH time making the team in the last 8 years! Talk about consistency! It has to be either his amazing dance moves or his big giant mouth. It would be nice to finally seem him get "over the hilltop" (figuratively speaking) and get the win.
MY FAVORITES (from lowest to the ONE I'LL BE VOTING LIKE CRAZY FOR)
Bill the Goat, Navy - I know, I know, this seems kinda odd because I'm a fan of Air Force, but really I think the goat is somewhat cool. The head reminds me of Rameses from UNC, and just the overall appearance is neat. But it wouldn't break my heart if he didn't win.
Testudo, Maryland - TURTLE POWER! Wait, I should say 'terrapin' power. Or FEAR THE TURTLE! This is his 4th year joining the team, and usually he's only made it in even-numbered years but he broke through this time. It would be pretty cool to see the terrapin overcome and win.
Jack Rabbit, South Dakota State - But here comes the hare as the underdog! Well, okay, number one he's not REALLY a hare. But he is kind of a longshot coming from a smaller, lesser known school, except their women's basketball team was darn good last year, so maybe that's why he was the write-in winner in 2008. I just love the ears and the whole ensemble. Who knows. But for me, the one I'll be voting for is...
SUPERFROG, TCU - I couldn't believe it! FINALLY the Horned Frog got some respect and now he's made his first appearance on the team. It would be most excellent to see him win as a rookie. He'll be the one I'll send most of my votes to, this is for certain.
Stay tuned to see who will claim the final two spots. You can follow the Capital One All-America Mascot Challenge on Facebook and Twitter.
UPDATE 8/31: The last two members are Boomer from Oklahoma and Hairy Dawg from Georgia.
So, here are my rankings.
1. SuperFrog, TCU
2. Jack Rabbit, South Dakota State
3. Bill the Goat, Navy
4. Testudo, Maryland
5. Butch the Cougar, Washington State
6. Big Red, Western Kentucky
7. Bearcat, Cincinnati
8. Hairy Dawg, Georgia
9. Mike the Tiger, LSU
10. Boomer, Oklahoma
11. Bucky the Badger, Wisconsin
12. Sebastian the Ibis, Miami
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