Fresno State Athletics
Remembering Debbye Scott, Victor E. Bulldog's Owner
10/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 8, 2009
Debbye Scott and Victor E. Bulldog Photo Gallery
FRESNO, Calif. - Any current Fresno State fan has no doubt seen the Bulldogs' live mascot - Victor E. Bulldog. However many may have overlooked Debbye Scott, Victor E.'s dedicated owner and a devout fan.
Just before the 2005 football season, Fresno State conducted a search to find the right bulldog and owner to become the live mascot for the Red Wave to rally around. With his infectious personality and calm demeanor, Scott's beloved dog Norman was the clear-cut choice for the honor. From that time until she passed away on Oct. 3, 2009, Scott selflessly volunteered her time to make sure Norman fulfilled his responsibilities as Victory E. Bulldog.
"Simply put, Debbye was the best!" Fresno State Associate Athletic Director Paul Ladwig said. "From the first time we met at the mascot search, I knew she was the best person to take on the responsibility of working with athletics department and being the parent of our newest mascot, Victor E. Bulldog. Debbye loved our student-athletes and our fans. Her friends and smile were always at our events. Victor E. is the perfect mascot and Debbye was the perfect person to work with. She was a member of our family. We will all miss her deeply."
More than 100 Bulldog owners answered the call for the search and entered their dog in the competition in 2005. The dogs had to complete an obstacle course, obey commands and interact with the cheerleaders, judges and the general public.
While some dogs shied away from the spotlight, Norman soaked it up and transformed immediately into his destined alter-ego as Victor E. - the glam-infused celebrity hamming it up for the people. As he maneuvered through the obstacles, performed on command and relished every minute with the cheerleaders and judges, his natural personality and love for people poured out and won over everyone in attendance.
"Having Norman as the live mascot just blew her mind and she was so proud," Scott's partner Dana Villines said.
Since his coronation, Scott made sure Victory E. was available for nearly every home football game, regardless of whether she had to change her schedule or decline invitations to conflicting events. Scott and Victory E. were on hand even as recently as the Sept. 18 showdown against Boise State, just two weeks before she passed away. With special arrangements made for her to attend, Scott stood back and watched proudly as Victor E. fired up the Red Wave for Wear White Night against the rival Broncos.
Even amidst her battle with pancreatic cancer, she still would still find a way to make it to the games and cheer on her 'Dogs.
At the 2009 Bulldog football home opener on Sept. 5, Fresno State took a minute to honor Scott for her dedication and support with a tribute on the video board.
"It was just really neat how Fresno State came through and acknowledged her, while she was still able to understand what was really going on," Villines said.
Scott and Victor E. were also regularly spotted at Bulldog basketball, baseball and softball, as well as other sporting events throughout the years.
According to Villines, one of Scott's proudest moments came when she was invited to ride on the fire truck with Victor E. and the 2008 National Champion Fresno State baseball team during the celebratory parade. With his tongue hanging out and his tail wagging, Victor E. ate it up as the whole Central Valley came out in support of the Diamond 'Dogs.
Until the very end, one of Scott's most prized possessions was an autographed hat by the championship baseball team.
Victor E. was a regular facet of Fresno State awards ceremonies. Decked out in his tuxedo and an envelope pinned to his collar, he would strut out on stage to present the honor.
Fresno State also used Victor E. in a number of promotions where he's been seen eating ice cream, smelling wine barrels, posing with dog biscuit creators and numerous other endeavors.
For all this Scott accepting no compensation for providing her beloved Norman, except for the opportunity to support her alma mater Fresno State.
Scott's contributions to Fresno State athletics and the city of Fresno went beyond lending her dog for football games.
A Fresno native, Scott starred in soccer and tennis just down the street from Fresno State at Hoover High School.
As a lifelong Bulldog fan, Scott chose to compete for Carol Jensen and the Fresno State tennis team from 1982-86. As a relatively new sport to Fresno State at the time, Scott was one of the pioneers of Bulldog women's tennis to lay the foundation for what the program has become.
Upon completion of her bachelor's in criminology at Fresno State, she entered the Fresno Police Academy and served as an officer in both the Fresno County Sherriff's Department and the Fresno Police Department.
The same drive and commitment that made her a successful athlete, officer, fan and friend shined through as she valiantly battled with pancreatic cancer. With her friends and family by her side, she passed away on Oct. 3, 2009, in her home.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the First Congregational Church of Fresno, which is located at 2131 N. Van Ness Boulevard, Fresno, CA 93704 (559) 227-8489. A reception will follow immediately after the service.
Although she may no longer be with us in person, her legacy and contributions to Fresno State athletics will live on through Norman, as he continues to serve as Victor E. Bulldog.
