1/22/04

AUBIE TAKES SECOND IN NATIONAL MASCOT CHAMPIONSHIPS

AUBURN -- Aubie, the mascot of Auburn University, finished second in the Universal Cheerleaders Association's 2004 competition in Orlando, Fla.

The lovable and mischievous costumed Tiger, who was No. 1 in 2003, finished second to Michigan State University mascot "Sparty."

"YoUDee" of the University of Delaware, "Big Al" of the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee's "Smokey" rounded out the top five.

"It's always tough to work so hard and come so close, but not come back with the championship," said head Aubie Trey Mock. "We work hard to be the best every year, but the competition is fierce and you can't get (the title) every year.

"Still, there's not a better group to be around than the mascots. The competition is fair, we respect each other and it's just an honor to be invited to the championships and finish well."

This year's Aubie "team" is made up of Mock, a junior in the College of Sciences and Mathematics from Marietta, Ga.; Matt Grainger of Homewood, Ala, a junior in secondary school/mathematics education; and Chris Keenan of Spanish Fort, Ala., a sophomore in pre-business.

Aubie has taken top honors in the UCA national championships five times -- 2003, 1999, 1996, 1995 and 1991 -- and has finished fifth or better 15 of the past 17 years.

Aubie, began as a cartoon created by Birmingham artist Phil Neel and featured on Auburn home football program covers from 1958 through 1976, came to life as the official AU mascot in 1979. Aubie never speaks, but his animated antics entertain Auburn fans of all ages at sporting events and other special occasions.

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CONTACT: Debbie Shaw, 334/844-3820.