MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama mascot, SouthPaw, will travel to Orlando, Fla., Jan. 15-18, to compete in the 2010 Universal Cheerleading Association College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at Disney World's Wide World of Sports.

SouthPaw enters his first-ever national championship competition ranked first in the open mascot division, ahead of Delaware's YoUDee, who won last year's championship.

"This is what we've been working for," USA cheerleading head coach Steve Clanton said. "We're trying to make sure SouthPaw is a very visible part of this community, not just the university. It's the face of our university, and we need that."

To qualify for the competition, schools submit video of their mascot which is scored based on seven categories, including character development, game situations, crowd involvement, community service, school activities and overall impression.

"This will put us on the map a little more," Clanton said. "It brings a little more recognition not only to our athletic department, but our university. I'm really proud, because I know what it takes to do this and how much patience you have to have. The fact that we're going to walk into the competition at number one, there's no way I can describe how proud I am of him."

ESPN will televise the event, and will announce scheduling once the competition is completed.

"The athletic department has been exceptionally giving and supportive," Clanton said. "The athletic administration and school administration have been amazing, and it's unbelievable how much support they have given us this year."

 For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

-USA-