Duke Dog battles for national crown

Madison enters final found of Capital One Mascot Challenge

JMU’s mascot, Duke Dog, has advanced to the final round of the Capital One Mascot Challenge.

As a member of the Capital One All-American Mascot Team, Duke Dog is in the hunt to claim the title of "National Mascot of the Year."

Beginning Oct. 11, Duke Dog will go head-to-head each week in a mascot competition and needs JMU students’ votes to hang with one of the other 11 All-American mascots. Every week until Dec. 26 brings a new opponent.

The mascot boasting the most head-to-head wins will be proclaimed "National Mascot of the Year" on national television at the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2005.
The University of South Carolina’s mascot, "Cocky," is the reigning champion.

A two-part voting process will determine the winner of each weekly match-up. Half will be determined based on fan voting and half by a panel of judges, including representatives from Capital One and ESPN. Voting criteria includes interaction with the fans, sportsmanship and community service.

"We’re working with the Athletic Marketing department, Alumni Relations, Student Duke Club, Dining Services, among others, to promote Duke Dog," said senior Mike Keown, athletic marketing intern. "It’s really been great to see everyone pitch in to support the cause. Now we need all the students to support it by voting."

The student vote section may be one of Duke Dog’s biggest disadvantages in the competition. With just over 15,000 undergraduates, JMU is smaller than eight other opponents.

Director of marketing Brad Edmondson added, "We’re looking for our students and alumni to vote every day so we can be a success in this competition."

To vote, visit www.capitalonebowl.com. All six weekly matchups must be voted on for a ballot to count. Supporters can vote once a day.