MSU's favorite tough guy met a rare defeat this summer.
Sparty, the MSU mascot, was denied induction in the Mascot Hall of Fame's inaugural collegiate election this year.
The Sparty Mascot Program, a section of the MSU Student Alumni Foundation, or SAF, was responsible for nominating Sparty.
"Physically, Sparty is a strong presence," Sparty Mascot Program Co-Director Dan Masterson said.
"Almost as important is Sparty's charisma and ability to interact with people and be a caring guy."
Chris Bruce, vice chairman for the Mascot Hall of Fame's Executive Selection Committee said that Sparty does have qualities of a hall of fame-caliber mascot.
"Sparty was as close as any character (to being inducted)," Bruce said. "He just got edged out. Sparty is a little bit lesser known."
He said Sparty's hall of fame success will be determined by how he impacts local and national communities.
"We're looking for more of a history and a long-term effect," Bruce said.
"If he is able to continue that success … at the games and potentially nationally, then I'd see him as a real strong candidate to get in (the Hall of Fame) real soon."
This year, the Mascot Hall of Fame — based out of Newark, Del., admitted three professional mascots and three collegiate ones. Sparty, introduced in 1989, was considered as one of the six finalists.
"We've competed nationally in the National Mascot Competition for a number of years now," Masterson said. "We got the word that the Mascot Hall of Fame was doing an induction for first-year (collegiate) members. We thought we'd put forth our name to be with the elite mascots."
Sparty, back-to-back winner of the Universal Cheerleading Association, Dance Team and Mascot (UCA) National Championships in 2004 and 2005, also was twice deemed Muscle & Fitness Magazine's "Buffest Mascot."
"Everybody loves Sparty," said Chad Susott, Sparty Mascot Program's co-director.
"He's always around campus giving high fives. His history and his merits speak for themselves."
To be inducted, a mascot must be nominated and include a video montage, among other things.
Once all nominations have been made, the final ballot of six mascots is voted on by a committee. Hall of fame voters as well as board members make the final decision.
"The Board said we got their vote," Susott said.
"But there are 500-plus judges, so keeping the integrity would be difficult. Basically, people who make donations to the hall of fame have the opportunity to vote."
All mascots that are chosen for 75 percent of the ballots are elected into the Hall of Fame.
"Of course I'm disappointed, and I'm sure everyone involved in the grassroots campaign is disappointed," Susott said. "I'm sure there's a lot of disappointment across Spartan country."
But Susott said he does not feel like the wind has been taken out of Sparty's sails, as far as the hall of fame is concerned.
"It strengthens our resolve to stay competitive," Susott said,
The collegiate mascots inducted were YoUDee (University of Delaware), Bucky Badger (University of Wisconsin) and Aubie (Auburn University).
"I would really encourage MSU fans and people to rally around Sparty and try to get him in next year," Bruce said. "I would encourage them to do that and turn our heads and get Sparty on state and grabbing that trophy."
While denied in their first pledge for the Mascot Hall of Fame, Masterson said the SAF would nominate Sparty again for induction.
"We're looking forward to having another great year and competing in the National Mascot Competition and showing that Sparty is the most-loved mascot in the nation," Masterson said.
