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Ahead of the 2025 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships in Asheville, North Carolina, March 6-10, Ingles is giving fans the opportunity to support their favorite mascot in the annual SoCon Mascot Challenge.

Bucky, the reigning champion, is stepping into the ring once again to defend his title, but fierce competitors are ready to claw, peck and charge their way to victory.

With bragging rights and a $2,000 grand prize on the line, Buccaneer fans must rally behind their favorite pirate as he competes alongside other recognizable faces in the SoCon.

Fans can vote for Bucky once per day on multiple devices to help him defend the title of best mascot in the SoCon.

The winning school will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the mascot’s athletic scholarship program. Ingles will also donate another $1,000 to Hoops Against Hunger on behalf of the winning school.

Voting concludes following the men’s semifinal round. The winner of the challenge will be announced at the men’s championship game. The winner-take-all championship game, where the winner receives the SoCon’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, is set to be televised on ESPN on Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m.

Can Bucky defend the title, or will a new contender steal the crown?

For more information and coverage of ETSU athletics, visit the official home of the Buccaneers at etsubucs.com. For more information on the Southern Conference Basketball Championships, visit the tournament website.