NORFOLK -- Big Blue, the mascot for Old Dominion Monarchs, has won the Capital One Mascot Challenge, a national competitionheld annually since 2002.
The announcement was made on ESPNduring the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. The winner is selected by voting on Capital One's Web site.
In addition to the national exposure, ODU's mascot program receives $5000 as a participant in the competition, and an additional $15,000 as the first-place winner.
Lisa Sinclair, social media coordinator for ODU's University Relations office, said Big Blue's success is partially due to a Facebook campaign which garnered 2 million votes over a four-month period to get to the finals.
'We are immensely proud of `Big Blue' being named the Capital One Mascot of the Year,' said Dr. John Broderick, President of Old Dominion University. 'His victory not only demonstrates his hard work, but the passion of students, alumni, and supporters of our university. This is a wonderful honor and we are thrilled.'
