INDIANAPOLIS – The 2022 Horizon League Mascot Challenge wrapped up on Friday with Pete of Youngstown State defeating Oakland’s Grizz through fan voting on Instagram to earn the crown and successfully defend his 2020 title. Pete earned 53 percent of the vote in the championship round.
“Winning the first title was an unbelievable feeling, but I think this one is even more rewarding. It's true what they say, that defending a championship is always harder because every other mascot puts a target on your back. We were challenged in all three rounds, especially in the finals. Grizz is well-coached, worked hard and put up a great fight, but we prevailed behind our amazing fan base here in Youngstown,” said Pete after the victory. “Penguin Nation is the best, and I can't wait to see our fans again when our fall sports begin next month. Thank you to the Horizon League for running another great contest, and we look forward to going for a "Three-Pete" at the next Mascot Challenge!”
Prior to the championship round, Pete earned 61 percent of the votes to defeat Milwaukee’s Pounce in the semifinals to punch his ticket to the final round. Pete also bested Northern Kentucky’s Victor E. Viking in the quarterfinals.
https://horizonleague.org/documents/2022/6/22/Bracket.pdfBracket Above
