YoUDee ranks number one in national mascot competition

While YoUDee has always been number one in the hearts of UD fans, now the irrepressible Blue Hen is truly number one in the nation, having placed first in the Universal Cheerleading Association, Dance Team and Mascot (UCA) Nationals Championships, held Jan. 10-12 at Disney World in Orlando. UD’s Dance Team came in second in the nation, and the cheerleading squad came in third in the prestigious spirit squad competition.

YoUDee’s award honors the demonstration by a mascot of the most school spirit and pride as well as the best representation of a home school among mascots competing in a UCA event. On the way to number one, YoUDee smoked past Smokey from the University of Tennessee, who finished second and proved who can really go for the gold, trumping Goldy, the University of Minnesota’s mascot who came in third.

To earn an invitation, each squad had to submit a video highlighting skill levels demonstrated through individual and team performances.

“We’re very pleased with the achievements of our mascot program and its tradition of excellence,” Sharon Harris, UD mascot coordinator, said. “Over the years, YoUDee has received a number of spirit and technical awards and has consistently been recognized among the best mascots in the country. In fact, we receive inquiries from staff at other institutions who want to know more about our program and how to develop a similar one at their school.”