MISSOULA, Mont. -- Monte, the University of Montana's popular bear mascot, is the winner of the first Capital One National Mascot of the Year contest.

The official announcement was made at halftime of the Capital One Bowl on Wednesday in Orlando, Fla.

Monte was chosen from a field of 12 mascots who were finalists for the award. Monte earned $10,000 for his university, money that will be designated for scholarships and the school's mascot-promotions fund.

Monte is known for his acrobatic flips as well as his ability to entertain fans with humorous stunts and moonwalks. He performs at all football and basketball events and has become as well-known as many star players.

''The news that we have a national champion at the University of Montana raises all our spirits,' said UM President George Dennison. ''What a difference he has made for our athletic teams and events. ... Monte is UM athletics and spirit.''

Montana athletics director Wayne Hogan also is a big Monte fan.

''Wow! What a great accomplishment for Montana and UM,'' said Hogan. ''I could not be more proud of what that bear has accomplished.''

Monte, whose identity will remain anonymous until his tenure is over, said he felt ''relieved'' when he learned the news Monday afternoon.

''I did a little bit of rolling around on the ground and whooping it up and hollering,'' he said.'' But there has been a lot of weight on the back of my head since we started applying for this. It was all I could think about sometimes. Now, I don't have to worry about what's going to happen. It's a big relief.''

Monte's campaign went well beyond the bear necessities. Along with erecting billboards all around Missoula, Monte secured a public endorsement from Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

The competition was based 50 percent on web site voting and 50 percent on talent. All 12 mascots were interviewed and performed for a panel of judges last fall.

Monte's competition included mascots from such well-known sports programs as Tennessee, Alabama, Penn State, Miami, Florida, Air Force, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Buffalo, Western Kentucky and Southern Mississippi also had mascots in the race.

In recognition of Monte's achievement, UM has declared Saturday, Feb. 1 as Monte Capital One National Mascot of the Year Night in conjunction with a men's basketball game against Sacramento State.