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Big Blue is the official mascot for the Old Dominion Monarchs. The nickname and mascot for the "Monarchs" was adopted just prior to ODU's split from the College of William & Mary system in 1961.[1] In 1971, Old Dominion officially crowned Big Blue as their mascot to represent symbols of pride and courage for the expanding athletic program.[2]
| Big Blue | |
|---|---|
| University | Old Dominion University |
| Conference | Sun Belt |
| Description | Royal Lion |
While the first iterations of the mascot created split reactions from Monarchs fans, a more friendly appearance of the mascot was introduced in the 1980s.[3]
In 2011, Big Blue won Capital One National Mascot of the Year, which awarded $20,000 to Old Dominion's mascot program.[4]
In 2013, A statue of Big Blue was placed in the university's Webb Center, where students are encouraged to rub his belly for good luck and prosperity.[5]
Big Blue is incorporated within the university's athletic foundation, which includes a kids club and locally sponsored 5K run named in his honor.[6][7]
References edit
- ^ "ODU Athletics History Timeline". Old Dominion University. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
- ^ Old Dominion University Magazine | Fall 2011
- ^ "The Many Faces of BIG BLUE · Celebrating BIG BLUE · ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions". exhibits.lib.odu.edu. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
- ^ "ODU's Big Blue is Mascot of the Year". The Virginian-Pilot. 2 January 2011. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
- ^ "Big Blue Gets His Own Statue". Old Dominion University. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
- ^ "Big Blue's Kids Club". Old Dominion University. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
- ^ "Charities". Big Blue 5k. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
External links edit
- Big Blue statue unveiled WAVY-10