Three years ago, I was lucky enough to cover the ACC men’s basketball tournament. On display that year in Greensboro was not only some of the best college basketball in the nation, but some of the finest – and some of the worst – mascots in college sports.
Right then and there I decided this column was inevitable. Now with a week before graduation, it’s time to rank the ACC’s mascots.
Take heart in the fact that this column has been tirelessly researched now for the past three years – from the ACC Tournament, to football games from Charlottesville to Tallahassee.
The greatest mascots have the perfect combination of toughness and humor. The best can pump up the entire crowd then play with the school’s youngest fans moments later. I’d love to hear your feedback. Let us know online who your favorite ACC mascot is.
1. Sebastian the Ibis, Miami
Sebastian’s swagger perfectly embodies Miami’s style – probably more so than any other school. And from his Soulja Boy dance to the C-A-N-E-S cheer he leads, the Ibis can get a crowd going.
2. Demon Deacon, Wake Forest
The best mascot intro goes to the Deacon, cruising on his motorcycle across the field to “Enter Sandman,” leading the football team out of the gate. Plus, the guy wed Mr. and Ms Wuf. How cool is that?
3. Mr Wuf, N.C. State
I try not to think of myself as biased here, but Mr. Wuf has to have some of the best dance moves in the nation, especially the Mr. Wuf from three years ago. Plus, you’ll never see him back down from a mascot fight — unlike others on this list (see bottom).
4. Testudo, Maryland
I completely respect the Terrapin for his chill mood. When he visits Carter-Finley, you won’t see him cheering often, instead the Terp stands, arms crossed, watching the game — you have to respect that. And based on his dance moves, it’s a good decision.
5. Rameses, North Carolina
Other than leading the band at basketball games in the Dean Dome (which is always cool), Rameses isn’t very animated. In my book, you better have a lot of personality or none — like the Terrapin. No middle ground for mascots.
6. The Blue Devil, Duke
I’m very disappointed in this year’s Blue Devil mascot change. Duke went from a happy, cartoonish Blue Devil, who surfed at basketball games, to an overly dramatic “tougher” looking Devil. Hint for Duke: stick to what works.
7. Chief Osceola and Renegade, Florida State
The live person mascot slams his flaming spear into midfield as an intro, but even that doesn’t get the crowd as hyped as it should. Osceola should take a lesson from Sebastian in keeping a crowd pumped from start to finish.
8. HokieBird, Virginia Tech
Football HokieBird — who bench presses for points in the end zone after scores and leads the Hokey-Pokey dance — is great. Basketball HokieBird is lacking. Time for the gobbler to find some original acts, or more personality.
9. Baldwin the Eagle, Boston College
Although Baldwin has the cool cartoon look going for him, he’s a wuss when it comes to mascot interaction. Mr. Wuf ruthlessly pesters Baldwin each time they face each other. Just look at the photo for Baldwin’s Wikipedia entry — there’s no denying it.
10. The Tiger, Clemson
For an entrance like Clemson’s football team, shouldn’t they have a great mascot to run down the hill with? I’m afraid not. While an actual tiger would be amazing, Clemson substitutes that with a guy in orange and black pajamas. Too bad.
11. CavMan, Virginia
Nothing sticks out in my memory of that ACC Tournament more than CavMan. He never seems to know what’s going on in the game and definitely doesn’t know how to handle his sword or take on an opposing mascot.
12. Buzz, Georgia Tech
Situation: Mr. Wuf walks up to Buzz, pushes him, agitates him, pesters him, etc. What does Buzz do? Shake his index finger back and forth in Mr. Wuf’s face, turns and waddles away while wagging his stinger. Seriously? You’re a mascot. Live up to it. It’s a disgrace.
