Sept. 20, 2005

PULLMAN, Wash. - Butch T. Cougar came back from a 3,000+ vote deficit to snatch his first Mascot Challenge win away from Purdue Pete of Purdue University. Butch (1-1) is currently facing Cocky (0-2) of South Carolina in week three of the Mascot Challenge match ups.

"We are excited that Butch got his first win," WSU Spirit Program Coordinator Amanda Hoppert said. "Cougar fans really showed their support last week and came through for Butch in the clutch. I hope that same excitement and supports continues because Butch has nine match ups left! Butch continues to be a top vote-getter each week so we know the Cougar Pride is going strong. Fans can contribute everyday and make Butch a big winner at www.capitalonebowl.com."

This week's match up pits Butch against Cocky, a bright red gamecock with an attitude to match his tail feathers out of South Carolina. Butch faces stiff competition from the winless fowl as the two mascots look to improve their overall standings.

Butch continues to lead all mascots in total votes as the Cougar nation turns out in support of his bid for Capital One Mascot of the Year. Butch faces nine more weeks of head-to-head competition taking on each of the 11 other mascots in the challenge. The top six mascots with the most individual wins move on to the finals.

Visit www.capitalonebowl.com to cast your vote, read mascots bios and check the standings as Butch continues his bid for Mascot of the Year.