Otto in the JMA Wireless Dome during the men’s basketball game vs. Duke (Photo by Ross Knight)
Syracuse University’s very own Otto the Orange will be one of only two mascots to be inducted into the Class of 2023 Mascot Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 12. The hall of fame made the announcement today following a two-week online vote in May.
Otto and their fellow inductee, Slugger the Sea Dog from Portland, Maine, beat out 16 other mascots for this incredible honor. The induction ceremony will be held at the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana.
Otto and the Chancellor after A Race to Remember during Orange Central weekend (Photo from @chancellorsyverud’s Instagram account)
“The Mascot Hall of Fame is recognizing what Syracuse fans have known for years—Otto is one-of-a-kind and embodies what it means to be Orange,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Otto’s spirit and joy are infectious, and part of why Otto is beloved by Orange faithful everywhere. This honor gives us one more reason to be proud of one of the greatest mascots in sports.”
Since the early 1980s, Otto has been a passionate supporter, enthusiastic ambassador and inclusive unifier that consistently strengthens the entire Orange community.
“Otto and Syracuse are synonymous,” says Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “One of the most recognizable mascots in all of athletics, Otto brings smiles to faces everywhere. Otto supports all 600 Orange student-athletes and teams at home and away games, and the postseason. When Otto is not cheering on the Orange, Otto is in the community making people smile at local schools, festivals, fundraisers, celebrations and in television commercials. Otto is the best.”
Otto marching in the Syracuse Pride Parade (Photo by Randy Pellis)
Otto would have never been able to achieve this without the help of the over 19,000 ballots submitted by alumni and fans from 67 different countries around the globe.
“I am beyond thrilled and excited to see Otto be honored, especially after the many years of Otto being there for everyone else’s big moments,” says Julie Walas, mascot coach of the Otto program. “This honor is a testament to the large Otto alumni network, who year after year invest their time to bring Otto alive and spark joy, spirit and pride in not only our university community but the larger Central New York community and beyond.”
Otto the Orange with their fellow ACC Mascots (Photo from @theottoorange’s Instagram account)
This honor is especially exciting because there has not been a college mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in four years. With this honor, Otto is now among the first 10 college mascots ever inducted and will be joining:
Otto not only attends events at the University but also makes appearances at events in the community, like they are seen here dancing with guests at a wedding. (Photo by Leo Timoshuk)
The University is planning a special celebration for Otto during Orange Central this fall. As more details become available, they will be shared with our community. In the meantime, to help celebrate this achievement now, share your favorite photos with Otto for a chance to be featured in an upcoming photo story on news.syr.edu and in SU Today by using the hashtag #SyracuseU or by emailing them to us.
