According to Capital One, “Washington State’s Butch T. Cougar proved he’s king cat of the gridiron, having clawed in the majority of the millions of votes cast to earn the coveted title of Capital One Mascot of the Year.” Butch defeated 11 other mascots to bring the win (and $10,000) to Washington State University.

“This was one of the most closely watched and fiercely fought competitions to date. The fans have spoken, and named Butch T. Cougar as king of the gridiron,” said Steve Schooff at Capital One. “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.”

Butch’s competition

The 2006 Competition

Last summer, twelve collegiate characters were named to the Fifth Annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team. According to Capital One, the struggle went this way:

During the first week of the playoffs (Nov. 27 – Dec. 4) Washington State’s Butch T. Cougar (#6) began his march to the championship by upsetting Auburn’s Aubie (#3), as Western Kentucky’s Big Red (#4) smoked Tennessee’s Smokey (#5) in a fight to the finish.

Week two (Dec. 4 – Dec. 11) featured Mr. Wuf and Testudo against Butch T. Cougar and Big Red. Butch continued to claw his way to the top by devouring Mr. Wuf (#1) in the largest upset of the competition, while Testudo (#2) continued his steady climb to the championship round by outlasting Big Red.

The final round (Dec. 11 – 18) featured Butch and Testudo battling for West Coast vs. East Coast bragging rights, as well as the ultimate title.

There can be only one reason for Butch’s victory—the remarkable support of WSU students and alumni, the most faithful fans in the land.

Congratulations to us all.

Go Cougs!