Flucos top the state for mascot unique-ness

McLEAN — The Flying Flucos have done it. The USA Today High School Sports contest for most unique mascot in Virginia has the Flying Flucos taking the top spot.

“We’re very excited and we think it is going to be something we can be proud of,” said FCHS principal James Barlow after the state voting totals were announced.

The Caisson of Fishburne, Crabbers from Hampton, Phantoms of Phoebus and the Tabernacle of Prayer Christian Revelators didn’t stand a chance. Three of the schools (Hampton, Phoebus and Tabernacle of Prayer Christian) came from the Tidewater region.

“Love it! Love it for the kids, love it with the community. I’m ok with unique,” said Fluvanna superintendent Gena Keller.

In fact, Fluvanna had the largest percentage of votes for any state. The vote total though was just over 18,000 while other state winners had over 100,000.

“We’re that type. We get involved in things, we get excited. As a group of people, we come together real well. I didn’t expect anything less,” said Barlow.

“I can say that my daughter and I probably voted 250 times and that’s probably not a stretch,” said Keller.

Regional voting began on March 6 at 11 a.m. The 51 state (and Washington D.C.) winners will be divided into six regions. The six regional winners will advance to the national competition. The grand prize is $10,000 for the winning school’s athletic department.

As of 10 p.m. on March 6, the Flying Flucos had 2.8 percent of the Region 2 voting. The leader, the Key Obezags of Maryland, are sitting at 26.9 percent. Voting ends the morning of March 14.