Georgia Tech mascot Buzz has been busy on the sideline and online, as frontrunner in the Capitol One Mascot Challenge. For five more weeks, the fuzzy yellow jacket takes on other university mascots. Fan votes decide the winner.
So far, my closest competition has been from Wolfie Jr. at the University of Nevada. I am glad to see that he recovered from his infamous fall off a dugout to put up such a good fight, but Tech fans were still too much for Wolfie.
Aubie, Big Blue, Sparty, Wilbur and the Duck — they are all great mascots. We have caused major mischief together.
Our fans have been more than enthusiastic about this competition. I represent the hard-working Techies, and they are the ones who motivate me.
As far as personal reasons for domination, I would have to say it’s because I am super fast and super strong. ... Did you see how many pushups I had to do against Kansas? 333 of them!
Oh, that’s right, we have the best weight room in the ACC — no big deal. I’m in the gym all day, every day getting stronger.
My best moves? Well, there are a few that are always staples at any event Buzz heads to, especially during football season.
I am always known for my “buzz flip” before the first quarter. Keep your eyes open for a new “buzz pyramid” on the sidelines with the cheerleaders.
The biggest challenge of this online contest is not having the Ramblin’ Wreck enter with me. It could go up in the stands with me, but no one ever listens to me.
My toughest opponent every season — no ifs, ands or buts — is [UGA’s] Hairy Dawg. Regardless of how each of our seasons is going, this match-up is what Buzz lives for.
Facing Hairy online adds a whole new element to our rivalry.
Not only are we competing in our football games, we are competing to be the best mascot, period. And he is in dead last ... a foreshadowing of Nov. 26 when he brings those Dawgs into Bobby Dodd Stadium!
Me worried? No. And like I said before, the annual “Good Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry is the biggest game of the year, no matter what. You can bet this [online] competition adds to the fire and makes it an even greater honor to show the nation that Georgia Tech has the best students and fans.
Reported by Michelle Hiskey, with an assist from Georgia Tech Athletic Association director of marketing Mindy Hylton.
