Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Tarpon Springs Spongers vs. Marion Swamp Foxes

Tarpon Springs (Florida) is the 2 seed and Marion (South Carolina) is the 15 seed in the East region

The bracket is set for SBLive Sports' 2024 NCAA Tournament-style contest to determine the best high school mascot in America, and Round 1 is underway.

Vote below for the No. 2-seeded Tarpon Springs Spongers (Florida) or the No. 15-seeded Marion Swamp Foxes (South Carolina) to advance to the second round, where the winner will face either the Kenmare Honkers (North Dakota) or Hutto Hippos (Texas).

The Spongers earned a 2 seed by winning last fall's Florida contest with 31,134 votes, while the Swamp Foxes won South Carolina with three votes to earn a 15 seed.

Follow along: National Mascot Tournament 2024 Bracket

Voting for this matchup will conclude Wednesday, March 20, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

2. Tarpon Springs Spongers (Florida)

This is as good as it gets when it comes to geographically specific nicknames. Tarpon Springs is the sponge capital of Florida, so it’s fitting that the high school’s sports teams are called the Spongers. Just visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks one time and you’ll get the picture. 

15. Marion Swamp Foxes (South Carolina)

Francis Marion was known as the Swamp Fox during the Revolutionary War because of his camouflage skills in the forested surroundings. Marion the town was named after the military hero, and the high school took it even further by taking his nickname.

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-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports