Otto the Orange is officially a member of the class of 2023 Mascot Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Otto! On Aug. 12, in a ceremony at the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana, Otto the Orange was inducted as part of the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Otto is now among 29 Mascot Hall of Fame inductees, only nine college mascot inductees and the first Atlantic Coast Conference inductee. Joining Otto as a 2023 inductee was Slugger the Sea Dog from Portland, Maine. During the ceremony, Julie Walas ’07, mascot coach of the Otto program, and Ben Youngerman ’09, former Otto performer and team captain, introduced Otto to the crowd gathered to celebrate as Otto accepted their Hall of Fame ring.
“We send a huge Otto high-five to each of the thousands of Syracuse Orange fans who cast votes from every corner of the globe! The most votes of any Mascot Hall of Fame nominee this year,” said Walas during the ceremony.
The day included a fan fest celebration, with an official ring ceremony. Fans were able to enjoy live entertainment by the Chicago Bulls DJ, DJ Riel; a kid zone; local vendors; meet and greets; autographs; giveaways and more.
“It’s the one-on-one interactions that have made Otto beloved around the world to every person that meets our favorite character,” said Youngerman during the ceremony. Fans in attendance were able to celebrate one-on-one with Otto all day.
For those who could not join the celebration in Indiana, fans will be able to get their photo with Otto and their championship ring during the tailgate at upcoming Syracuse Orange football games and especially during Orange Central weekend.
“Otto is a bright, smiling face in a sometimes dark and scary world. Otto is pure joy rolled up into a four-foot ball. An orange best friend for everyone, no matter who you are. That’s why Otto is a Mascot Hall of Famer,” said Walas.
Slugger the Sea Dog and Otto the Orange standing arm in arm before the event started at the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Julie Walas (standing with microphone), mascot coach of the Otto program, and Ben Youngerman (in white suit jacket), former Otto performer and team captain speak to the crowd before introducing Otto.
Otto being welcomed on stage with confetti.
2022 Mascot Hall of Fame inductee, Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox, presented Otto with their official Hall of Fame ring.
Otto celebrates on stage after receiving their Hall of Fame ring.
Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox, Otto the Orange, Slugger the Seadog and Reggy from the Mascot Hall of Fame all celebrate together on stage.
Reggy from the Mascot Hall of Fame, Otto the Orange and Slugger the Seadog and friends celebrating after the ring ceremony.
Ben Youngerman, Julie Walas and and Nick Notario ‘08 posing with Otto’s Hall of Fame ring.
Otto alumni from classes ’91 through ’23 came from all over the county to celebrate Otto this weekend during the festivities in Whiting, Indiana.
Photos by Julie Walas and Otto the Orange.
