Howl Finishes Sixth at National Championship
JONESBORO — Howl, Arkansas State University’s official mascot, turned in a sixth-place finish among the nation’s top 10 mascots at the 2015 Universal Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championship in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 16-18.
Howl is in good company after finishing behind winner Brutus Buckeye of Ohio State, Aubie of Auburn, Goldy Gopher of Minnesota, Herky the Hawk of Iowa and Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger.
Arkansas State finished ahead of Southeastern Conference member Tennessee’s Smokey in seventh. Rounding out the top 10 behind Howl were Butch T. Cougar of Washington State at eighth, Boomer of Oklahoma at ninth and Mike the Tiger of LSU at 10th.
"I am extremely proud of all the hard work from our mascots this year,” said A-State Spirit Squads Coordinator Paige Pauley. “Howl placed the best he's ever placed at nationals since moving to the 1A Division. Our mascots represent Arkansas State University in such a positive way. Everyone at nationals knows exactly who Howl is and where he's from.”
Howl was selected to participate in the championship at Walt Disney World after ranking eighth in the UCA’s top-25 mascot video competition in November 2014. The Red Wolves’ mascot advanced to the national competition after finishing in a tie with Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger.
Highlight videos showing a mascot’s range of participation in game day, in game, community service, athletic department special events and skits were judged to set the top 10 for the competition in Orlando.
Pauley wants to thank the Design Shoppe for assisting Howl with props for the national competition.
