Jan. 16, 2004

Orlando, Fla. - Spike the Bulldog, Samford's mascot, will compete in the Universal Cheerleading Association's National Championship on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. Spike is one of 18 finalists competing for the title of National Champion.

Participants for the championship are chosen based on a video of everything that the mascot does all year. This will be the first time that Spike has competed for the Mascot National Championship. The video will consist of 50 percent of the final judging and a live skit will account for the other 50 percent of the competition.

Michael "Magic" Milton is the Mascot Director and serves as the head Spike this year. Other Spikes are: junior Scott Boyken, freshman Josh Bordas and freshman Jordan Simpkins.

"We are all very excited for the opportunity to compete and show off Spike to the rest of the nation," Milton said. "We are the only private school in the competition and are really looking forward for are chance at a national championship."

Other mascots in the competition are: Harry the Huskey (Washington), Goldy Gopher (Minnesota), Gus the Gorilla (Pittsburgh State), Sparty (Michigan State), Smoky (Tennessee), Tommy Cat (Northern Illinois), Bucky Badger (Wisconsin), Sammy the Bearcat (Sam Houston State), Aubie (Auburn), Knightro (Central Florida), Herky the Hawk (Iowa), Nittany Lion (Penn State), Big AL (Alabama), Rhett (Boston University), Scratch (Kentucky), Wildcat (Kentucky), YoUDee (Delaware).