Nov. 5, 2010
NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University's Big Blue is ranked third in the 2011 College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championship preliminary rankings that were released on Friday.
Big Blue is competing in the Open-Mascot category and ranks behind University of Delaware's "YoUDee" and University of South Alabama's "South Paw". In 2009, Mascot Nationals was divided into two categories; Division 1A and Open Division. Mascots from Colleges and Universities without a Division 1A Football Program compete in the open category.
This is Big Blue's second time competing for a National Championship, finishing 27th overall in the 2004-05 Season.
The National Championship is divided into two parts: a video entry and an interactive skit. The video is based on categories of character development, game situations, crowd interaction, community service and cheer, band and dance integration.
The second part of the competition is held in conjunction with College Cheer and Dance Nationals where the top five mascots in the open category and top-10 mascots in the 1A category put on interactive skits in front of a live audience. This years National Championship takes place in Orlando, Fla., January 14-16.
You can keep up with Big Blue by searching and liking "Big Blue"on Facebook or by following him on Twitter@BigBlueODU.