Accumulating over 80,000 votes, the Rhinelander Hodag defeated four other Wisconsin mascots to continue into the second round of the Most Unique High School Mascot competition presented by USA TODAY. By the time the polls closed on Tuesday, March 5, the Hodag had a comfortable lead of more than 25,000 votes over the Mellen Granite Diggers.

Rhinelander’s favorite ferocious beast will go on to defend its title in the regional round against 50 other schools nationwide, with voting running from March 6 through March 14. The winners of the regional round will then compete for the opportunity to be named the best high school sports mascot in America with cash prizes awarded to the school’s athletic department for first, second and third place.

To vote for the Hodags in the second round, click here.