Zippy Wins National Mascot Competition
Story courtesy of Akron athletic media relations
AKRON, Ohio ? Thanks to an unprecedented outpouring of support from University of Akron fans, friends and alumni, Zippy rang in the New Year with a national championship by defeating Goldy Gopher, from the University of Minnesota, in the Capital One Bowl Mascot of the Year Challenge.
Zippy was recognized as the winner of the exclusive competition during halftime of the Capital One Bowl between Michigan and Florida in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday afternoon.
“We are honored by the outcome of today’s competition and grateful to the thousands of Zips’ fans across the country who made this possible,” said UA Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades. “This award is testament to the strength and loyalty of our fan base and is something we can all share and be proud of.”
The victory capped off a perfect season for the UA marsupial, who went a combined 13-0 including a perfect 11-0 mark in the regular season. As the top seed, Zippy earned a first-round bye in the playoffs before defeating sixth-seed Otto from Syracuse University in the semifinals and eventually Goldy Gopher.
In addition to the Mascot of the Year title, the victory secures a $10,000 scholarship fund from Capital One to help support the University of Akron mascot program.
"This was one of the most closely watched and fiercely fought competitions to date, featuring two mascots with varying talents,” said Capital One spokesperson Steve Schooff. “The fans have spoken and named Zippy as best beast with an unprecedented, undefeated record. 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."
Zippy was one of 12 mascots selected this year to the sixth-annual Capital One All-America team, thus earning the opportunity to compete in the unique national event. The squad was chosen from Div. IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. The panel of judges included mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough, and representatives from ESPN and Capital One.
Of those 12 mascots, six qualified for the playoffs based on win-loss totals from the regular season: No. 1 Zippy, University of Akron (11-0), No. 2 Hairy Dawg, University of Georgia (6-5), No. 3 Cavman, University of Virginia (6-5), No. 4 Goldy Golpher, University of Minnesota (5-6), No. 5 Cocky, South Carolina (5-6), No. 6 Otto, Syracuse University (5-6).
Fans showed their support by voting on-line in the competition at www.capitalonebowl.com.
Quarterfinals
No. 6 Otto def. No. 3 Cavman
No. 4 Goldy Gopher def. No. 5 Cocky
Semifinals
No. 1 Zippy def. No. 6 Otto
No. 4 Goldy Gopher def. No. 2 Hairy Dawg
Finals
No. 1 Zippy def. No. 4 Goldy Gopher
