After five spirited rounds and thousands of votes cast, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announced Thursday that Red is officially the winner of SUNY’s 2021 Mascot Madness competition and "New York's favorite college mascot!"
Red was crowned champion after besting SUNY Jefferson mascot Boomer the Cannoneer by more than 600 points in the final round of a four-bracket tournament involving 34 SUNY schools.
SUNY created Mascot Madness in 2013 to foster school spirit among students, alumni, faculty and staff throughout the SUNY system. Oneonta made it to the finals in 2015, but this is Red's first time winning the tournament.
Although not able to campaign in person because of COVID restrictions, Red has been spotlighted across the college’s social media and on SUNY’s website throughout the competition. Special content has included a look back at Red’s makeovers over the years as well as a list of reasons Red’s the best, including the fact that the mascot has its own video game, is an avid zipliner and kayaker, and loves getting crowds fired up, whether that’s at a sporting event or new student orientation.
In Round 1 of Mascot Madness, Red defeated Oakie Acorn from SUNY-ESF. In Round 2, Red took on Mo Mustang from SUNY Morrisville and, again, dominated the competition. Round 3 was a closer contest, with Red facing – and ultimately beating – SUNY Adirondack’s Eddy Rondack. In the semifinals, Red faced the toughest competitor yet, SUNY Empire’s Blue the bluebird. Red and Blue were neck and neck until the very end, when Red came out on top by just 14 points.
“It’s been really fun for us as students to vote for Red in each Mascot Madness round and see our mascot advance over all these other schools," said SUNY Oneonta Student Government Association President Gabby Cecere. "Having Red win the whole thing is a bright spot in the semester for us and for our campus community.”
Thank you to the students, staff, alumni and community members who supported Red and voted each day!