BU's Bruiser Named to All-America Mascot Team

McLean, VA. - "Bruiser" from Baylor University has been named to the fourth annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team, made up of 12 lovable, hard-working and oddly-proportioned characters deemed the best of the beasts. Now, Bruiser is up for an even bigger challenge as he goes on to compete for the most coveted title in the land -- "Capital One Mascot of the Year."

Starting Sept. 1, fans can begin casting votes online for Capital One Mascot of the Year, who will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 2, 2006.

"We at Baylor University are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic nationwide event that promotes school spirit," said E.J. Williams, Baylor's spirit coordinator. "We have much to be proud of at Baylor, with our most recent accolade being home to the 2005 Women's Basketball National Champions. Bruiser is the picture of school spirit and Baylor Bear pride at our university."

"This is such an honor to be among the 12 best college mascots in the country for 2005," Bruiser said. "Last year, Baylor had its best athletic year to date...and we're only getting better...so watch out, America! Baylor is back!"

Bruiser will be competing in a weekly head-to-furry-head face-off among this year's All-Americans:

The Contenders

Auburn University - Aubie
University of Miami - Sebastian
Baylor University - Bruiser
University of Nebraska - Herbie Husker
UCLA - Joe Bruin
Purdue University - Pete the Boilermaker
Georgia Tech - Buzz
University of South Carolina - Cocky
University of Kansas - Big Jay
University of Tennessee - Smokey
Univ. of Massachusetts - Sam the Minuteman
Washington State - Butch T. Cougar

"We created this contest to celebrate the unsung heroes of college football," said Pam Girardo at Capital One. "These lovable characters have been cheering on their teams relentlessly, and now they need the favor returned."

The fan vote is the sole determinant of the winner; the people choose. Voting consists of 11 weekly match ups between the All-Americans. The mascots with the best win/loss records face off in online playoffs in December. The winner will be pronounced Capital One National Mascot of the Year on Jan. 2, 2006, during the Capital One Bowl.

"Mascots work as hard as anyone on the field, but are lost in the shadows of the flashy all-star quarterbacks and running backs," said David Raymond, mascot expert and original Phillie Phanatic. "This is a great tribute to them, and fans should show their support. Bragging rights are on the line."

This year's fuzzy crew was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. They made the squad after being ranked on mascot musts such as interaction with fans, originality and pedigree. The panel of judges included mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough, and representatives from ESPN and Capital One.

Over the past three years, Capital One has helped thrust the spotlight on these unsung heroes of the gridiron. Bruiser will be starring in a national advertising campaign, which this year features the mascots participating in the M Games, a series of unusual (and fictitious) competitions. In addition to the hoopla, Bruiser received $5,000 for the school's mascot program. The Capital One Mascot of the Year receives an additional $5,000 scholarship.

MASCOT MOBILE TOUR

Get ready for mascot mayhem. Capital One's Mobile Mascot Tour will be traveling across the country throughout the Fall, stopping at each All-American's campus to offer fans the ultimate mascot experience, including photo opportunities, mascot facts and statistics, voting stations, interactive games and more. "The mascot tour is a celebration of mascots, and should inspire more fans to support their mascot and vote," said Girardo. The tour will be in Waco on Oct. 15.

About Baylor University

Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Baylor is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state and the largest Baptist university in the world.

While remaining true to its heritage, Baylor and its 735-acre campus on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, is home to nearly 14,000 students, who come from all 50 states and some 70 countries. Its nationally recognized academic divisions provide 146 baccalaureate, 73 master's, and 22 doctoral degree programs through 11 academic units: College of Arts and Sciences, Hankamer School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Honors College, Law School, School of Music, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, School of Social Work, George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Graduate School.

Committed unalterably to character and leadership development with a service orientation, Baylor encourages students to become involved in one or more of the 303 student organizations on campus. Exemplifying Baylor's commitment to lead the way in both learning and living, Baylor's alumni serve as ministers and judges, doctors and teachers, artists and business leaders.

For more information about Baylor, visit the web site at www.baylor.edu.

About Capital One
Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries, Capital One Bank and Capital One FSB, offer consumer lending products. Capital One, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in McLean, Va., trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 500 index. Capital One's affiliation with college football began with the sponsorship of the 2001 Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl (now the Capital One Bowl) and ESPN's Bowl Week. In addition, Capital One sponsors the ABC College Football Halftime Report and numerous other college football programs.

Media Contacts: Pam Girardo, Capital One, (703) 720-2351 or pam.girardo@capitalone.com
Lori Fogleman, Baylor University, (254) 710-6275 or Lori_Scott-Fogleman@baylor.edu