KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ---- Curtiss the Warhawk, Auburn University at Montgomery's Mascot, recently participated for his first collegiate mascot camp, where he won a trophy and a plaque for Best All-Around First Year Program.

Curtiss, sponsored by AUM Outreach, was one of 19 mascots that attended the Universal Cheerleading Association / Universal Dance Association College Camp. The intense, three-day camp included classes in knowing your mascot's personality features, creative skit performing, safety measures, basic fundamentals of mascoting, crowd management, and basic mascot program management.

"We are very proud of Curtiss and his accomplishments," AUM Cheerleading Head Coach Joel Hughes said. "In such a short time of existence he has done a great job branding AUM and the Warhawk Nation. During camp, Curtiss earned the "Best First Year Program Award Trophy" which has motivated him to work harder to prepare for the athletics seasons that are upon us. Make sure to come out to AUM athletic events so you can spend time with Curtiss!"

Curtiss will now prepare for the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, the most prestigious college cheerleading championship in the country. Curtiss is currently preparing to submit a video in November to qualify for the championship. If he qualifies for the national competition, Curtiss will be eligible to compete in the open division for a shot at the national championship.

The 2013 Championship will be held January 18-20 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. Last season, YoUDee from the University of Delaware was the open division champion.

"Our AUM Family is beginning to grow in school spirit and traditions and by Curtiss attending UCA camp it has accelerated his ability to creatively reach out to the Warhawk Nation," Hughes continued. "Coach (Amanda) Brasington and I would like to thank AUM Outreach for sponsoring the trip to Knoxville so the Curtiss Program can strengthen and grow."