Monte takes third at national mascot championships

With stunt skills and a distinctive sense of humor, UM’s mascot, Monte the bear, won third place at his first appearance at the Universal Cheer Association/Universal Dance Association National Championships, held Jan. 16-18 in Orlando, Fla.

The two-time National Champion Mascot of the Year came in second out of 11 mascots in a video qualifying round in November. Monte then traveled to Florida with the top five mascots to present a 90-second skit showcasing his abilities.

In “Monte’s Top People of 2008,” the local celebrity parodied some of the year’s biggest names. His subjects included Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and New York Giants’ Plaxico Burress, who made headlines after accidently shooting himself in the leg.

Monte also made a foray into politics with a satire of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, but kept the skit grounded in entertainment with depictions of Michael Jackson and Britney Spears. And, no, he didn’t forget the rumored Madonna and Alex Rodriguez affair.

The mascots were judged on crowd appeal, creativity, enthusiasm, crowd interaction, use of props and overall impression.

The University of Delaware’s YoUDee took the top prize, but Monte’s still No. 1 at UM.

“While Monte may have taken third in this competition, Grizzly Athletics feels that the antics and athletic ability that Monte showcases
on the field at sporting events
and in the community are second to none,” said Kenny Dow, UM Intercollegiate Athletics assistant marketing director.