After months of fierce competition, University of Akron's Zippy proved to be the colossal kangaroo 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. Zippy edged out the feisty Goldy Gopher from the University of Minnesota in the championship round. The highly anticipated announcement was made on air during halftime of the nationally televised Capital One Bowl. Zippy bested 11 deeply talented (and oddly-proportioned) All-American mascots to bring glory (and $10,000) to the University of Akron.
"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 Zippy as best beast with an unprecedented, undefeated record, 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.
Last summer, 12 eye-catching characters were named to the Sixth 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 10th, fans have come out in force casting their votes at www.capitalonebowl.com.
 | The All Americans | |||
 | ||||
University of Akron - Zippy |  | Univ. of Southern Mississippi - Seymour | ||
Brigham Young University - Cosmo Cougar | Syracuse University - Otto | |||
University of Georgia - Hairy Dawg | UCLA - Joe Bruin | |||
University of Minnesota - Goldy Gopher | University of Virginia - Cavman | |||
University of Montana - Monte | Virginia Tech - HokieBird | |||
University of South Carolina - Cocky | Western Kentucky University - Big Red |
"We're proud of all of our All-Americans, who sacrifice their tails, sweat and tears to support their schools, added Schooff.
This year's fuzzy crew was 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 ESPN and Capital One.
Over the past five 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 Open, a series of unusual (and fictitious) golf competitions. In addition to the hoopla, each mascot received $5,000 for its school's mascot program. Zippy, the Capital One Mascot of the Year, received an additional $5,000 scholarship to help fund its school's mascot program.
"Zippy joins a prestigious list of winners, which now consists of winners spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic, added Schooff. Prior winners are a cougar from the Northwest (Washington State's Butch T. Cougar), 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).
2007 COMPETITION RECAP
We said farewell to six of the mascots as we entered the playoffs. During week one of the playoffs (Nov. 26 - Dec. 3) perennial contender, Otto from Syracuse (#6) attempted his underdog run to the semifinals by upsetting Virginia's Cavman (#3), as Minnesota's Goldy Gopher (#4) buried South Carolina's Cocky (#5) in a fight to the finish. Week two (Dec. 3 - Dec. 10) featured Akron's Zippy (#1) and Georgia's Hairy Dawg (#2) against Otto and Goldy. Zippy continued to hop along to the finals with an undefeated record by stomping Otto, while Hairy Dawg (#2) was upset by the under-gopher Goldy. The final round (Dec. 10 - 17), featured Zippy and Goldy battling for the MAC vs. Big Ten bragging rights, as well as the ultimate title.
About Capital One
Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One Financial Corporation (http://www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company, with 732 locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas and Louisiana. Its principal subsidiaries, Capital One Bank, Capital One Auto Finance, Inc., and Capital One, N.A., offer a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients. Capital One's affiliation with college football began with the sponsorship of the 2001 Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl (now the Capital One Bowl) and ESPN's Bowl Week. In addition, Capital One sponsors the ABC College Football Halftime Report and numerous other college football programs.