Hunter the Ridgeback named OUA’s best mascot
Hunter the Ridgeback is the recipient of the Ontario University Athletics’ best mascot award for the second time. (Photo courtesy Ontario Tech Athletics)
Ontario Tech’s mascot has received the best mascot award.
Hunter the Ridgeback has received the Ontario University Athletics’ (OUA) best mascot award for the second time as part of the CHAMP (Celebrating and Honouring Achievements in Marketing and Promotions) awards.
Hunter was recognized for the spirit he brings to the campus and his involvement in the local community. He also has a popular Instagram account that featured more than 250 posts this past season.
“We are all Ridgebacks and this award really comes back to a collective award on campus,” says Athletic Director Scott Barker. “Hunter is a focus of our school spirit on campus and as our mascot, gives us one of many rallying points as a community,” Barker continues, adding Hunter has been involved in events all over campus and the community, including playing a role in the Ridgebacks’ social media.
“When you’re at an event and Hunter shows up, you can see everyone’s spirits lifted almost instantly,” says Barker.
Hunter last won the award in 2018, making him the first two-time mascot award winner. This also marks the Ridgebacks’ fifth CHAMP award. Other awards previously won by Ontario Tech include Best Competitive Championship – Badminton in 2019, Best High-Performance Championship – Women’s Soccer in 2018, and Best Video Feature – Top Play Showdown in 2017.