Mascot Madness 2026
March 10, 2026
Victor the Viking and Hudson Valley Community College are proud to once again compete in the annual SUNY Mascot Madness Tournament! Voting for round one opens Tuesday, March 10 at noon and closes Thursday, March 12 at 2 p.m.
As is customary, and similar to the annual NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, Mascot Madness is broken down into five rounds. Voting takes place on the SUNY Mascot Madness Tournament website and allows visitors to cast one vote every 24 hours.
2026 Q and A with the Viking
What is your name, where are you from, and who do you work for?
My name is Victor (the Viking)! After jumping ship on a North American voyage hundreds of years ago, I froze in an iceberg that traveled up the Hudson River. I proudly represent and “do my mascot thing” at Hudson Valley Community College, upstate New York’s largest community college.
How have you been prepping for this year's showdown?
Ever since last year's tournament, I’ve been motivated to redeem myself through a rigorous daily routine. This daily structure has morphed me into a mascot machine, ready for the Madness!
05:00 – Polar plunge / swim (upstream) in the Hudson River
08:00 – Complete an ultramarathon
10:00 – Daily coffee date with BFF (President Brophy)
12:00 – Yoga in the Campus Center (master the Warrior pose)
14:00 – Pregame pep talk with Athletics department coaches
15:00 – Cheer on the Hudson Valley men's and women's basketball teams!
20:00 – Night routine: nasal strips, red light therapy and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the open sea
What is your favorite place on campus to unplug and relax?
The Wellness Center sleep pods
What is your favorite board game to play with friends?
Raiders of The North Sea
What food item would you make/bring for a potluck dinner?
Porridge
In a movie made about your life, what actor would play you and why?
Tom Cruise: The intensity he brings in the “Mission Impossible” series and “Top Gun” is exactly what’s needed to hype up Hudson Valley’s student body!
Which character from Stranger Things would be your best friend?
Hopper. His beard is goals.
What was the best sports highlight at school in the last year?
The Hudson Valley volleyball team enjoyed a historic season, going undefeated in the regular season and reaching nationals for the first time!
Give us one prediction for the rest of 2026.
Viking helmets are back in style!