USF's Rocky the Bull Crowned Champion of the 2013 Capital One Mascot Challenge

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The stampede of support from Rocky the Bull's rabid fans trampled Raider Red's "Wreck 'em" crew in the championship finale of the Capital One National Mascot of the Year competition. The newcomer claimed an improbable title in the 12^th year of the storied program. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140101/NY39416)

Rocky was projected to finish last in the competition in college football and mascot prognosticator Phil Steele's Mascot Meter rankings, but the famed University of South Florida mascot lowered his head and plowed through the 15 other Mascot Challenge competitors to finish with a perfect record and forever claim his place in mascot lore. "The entire University of South Florida community is thrilled for Rocky," President Genshaft said. "All of the mascots competing in this year's challenge were a wonderful reflection of the pride and passion of their respective universities. Rocky has always been first in our hearts, and now the rest of the nation can see how wonderfully he represents our exuberant and unstoppable USF students and alumni."  With the win, Rocky received $20,000 from Capital One for his collegiate mascot program, and was honored at the Capital One Bowl game on January 1, 2014 in Orlando, Fla. 

"The enthusiasm and dedication USF fans have sustained during this 16-week competition has been inspiring," said Doug Woolard, University of South Florida Director of Athletics.  "Rocky the Bull is truly loved, and we are thrilled with the fan support he received during this challenge that helped him be crowned the champion."

This year, Capital One introduced a new element of voting in the competition that took fans to a whole new level of mascot fandom.  The addition of 25 and 100-point social media challenges allowed fans to show their creative side and go all-out for their mascots.  Fans were asked to upload unique content to their social media channels using a special hashtag for their mascot to earn additional points.  The unique weekly challenges – from creating a cheerleader-style cheer to snapping a picture while eating their mascot's favorite tailgate dish – showcased how far fans would go for their mascot.

 "The outpouring support for Rocky the Bull in the Mascot Challenge was astonishing," said Marc Mentry, Senior Vice President at Capital One. "Rocky's fans bulled over the entire competition giving this rookie competitor an undefeated record in the challenge!  We're excited to add his name to the famed Capital One Mascot Challenge Winners list."

The complete 2013 All-America Capital One Mascot Team® included:

Throughout the competition, fans also had the chance to participate in a "write-in" vote at www.capitalonebowl.com to determine which mascot would receive an invitation to join the 2014 Capital One Mascot Challenge team roster. This year's write in winner is Buzz of Georgia Tech.

About Capital One

Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N. A., had $206.9 billion in deposits and $289.9 billion in total assets as of September 30, 2013. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has more than 900 branch locations primarily in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index.

Capital One, an NCAA Corporate Champion, began its affiliation with college sports with the sponsorship of the 2001 Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl (now the Capital One Bowl) and ESPN's Capital One Bowl Week. In addition, Capital One sponsors the ABC College Football Halftime Report, Capital One All-America Mascot team, Capital One Academic All-America Program, and supports all 89 NCAA Championships including the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, and numerous other collegiate athletics programs.

NCAA is a trademark owned or licensed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.  All other licenses or trademarks are property of their respective holders.

Contact:
Patrick Mendoza
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SOURCE Capital One