Sept. 12, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Testudo, the University of Maryland's official mascot, was named today to the All-America Mascot Team. Along with 11 other representatives from schools across the country, Testudo will compete for the title of "National Mascot of the Year" for the first time since 2004.

"Mascots bust their tails every game, but are lost in the shadows of the flashy all-star quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and coaches," said David Raymond, mascot expert and original Phillie Phanatic. "This is a great tribute to them, and fans now have an opportunity to show their support. Bragging rights are on the line."

Terrapin fans can vote for Testudo by logging on to www.capitalonebowl.com starting today. Online voting consists of 11 weekly head-to-head matchups between the All-Americans. The six mascots with the best win/loss records will face off in online playoffs starting in November, with the winner to be announced on January 1, 2007 during the Capital One Bowl.

Think you have what it takes to be Testudo? The Sports Marketing Department is holding mascot tryouts on Wednesday, September 20 at 7pm in Heritage Hall in Comcast Center. For more information, please call 301-314-7072 or email johnson@umd.edu.