1:02 p.m., Nov. 13, 2008----The academic achievements of 279 University of Delaware Honors Program students were recognized at an afternoon ceremony Sunday, Nov. 9, at John M. Clayton Hall, where they received certificates and public congratulations for their accomplishments over the past two years.

Poe made a victory trip to UD's Newark campus on Friday, July 11, showing off the jersey of UD alumnus Joe Flacco, who recently joined the Ravens.

“This was a win for the organization that is the Baltimore Ravens, a win for the city of Baltimore, a victory for Ravens fans near and far, young and old!” Poe exclaimed.

“This is a victory for all us with feather laden wings, thick flowing manes, rigid scaly fins, jagged sharp claws, long pointy horns,” Poe said. “This is for those of us with the oversized shoes to fit our paws, hooves and talons in. This is a victory for true mascots of the NFL!”

Poe, named after Edgar Allen Poe, took down Steely McBeam, the Pittsburgh Steelers' mascot, and T.D. the Dolphin, Miami's mascot, in each case with an overwhelming 70 percent of the votes. His final foe in the conference finals was Billy Buffalo, representing the Bills, whom Poe plucked out with 53 percent of the votes.

Several former YoUDees have gone to careers as mascots for professional sports teams, including:

Robert Boudwin, Clutch, Houston Rockets;
Ryan Hughes, Swoop, Philadelphia Eagles;
Christopher Bruce, Reggy, Raymond Entertainment Group;
Nicholas Tennant, Wool E Bull, Durham Bulls;
Kevin Giambi, Screech, Washington Nationals; and
Frank Ventresca, Air Swoop, Philadelphia Eagles.
Article by Martin Mbugua
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson