From the Davis Enterprise

By Bruce Gallaudet

It was an almost-tragic saga for Wolfie Jr.

But as the inspiring story unfolded over the recent college football season, fans from all over the nation came to the Capital One Mascot Challenge in support of the University of Nevada-Reno furry fellow.

Wolfie — who in real life is Davis product Ian Holmes — went from roof-kill in the dugout of the Reno Aces to king of the hill.

“This was a great experience. A lot of support, not only from Wolfpack fans, but from everybody,” Holmes — on his way back from the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla. — told The Enterprise.

The 15-week competition pitted university mascots from across the United States in head-to-head campaigning for votes.

Each pep partner had its own little story to tell, then, online or via text, folks voted.

Holmes, er, Wolfie had a compelling journey …

The Nevada wolf, as its Capital One website video goes, suffers a confidence-shattering fall from the dugout roof at an Aces baseball game.

Unsuccessful attempts by UNR cheerleaders to bring little Wolfie Jr. back to his former self are followed by the mascot wandering the high desert, depressed, feeling he can no longer face crowds and elicit spirit.

Eventually, a newspaper blows into Wolfie’s lap. There is a Wolfpack losing streak headlining the sports section! Wolfie Jr. knows it’s up to him to perform. He pumps himself up and returns to the sidelines, saving the day for Nevada-Reno athletics.

(View the video at http://capitalonebowl.com.)

The fall from the dugout, which begins the presentation, is true. But it happened four seasons ago — and it wasn’t Holmes taking the dive. The guy who fell survived with minor injuries.

“I benefited from the accident without actually having to fall off the dugout roof,” Holmes laughs. “But it’s all still very cool.”

Holmes, 21, is a senior majoring in criminal justice. He says he’d like a career with the FBI or Homeland Security.

A 2008 graduate of Jesuit High, Holmes is a former St. James School student who still roots for his little brother — Garrett, 16, a Jesuit football standout — and “gets home whenever I can.”

But life as Wolfie Jr. has been demanding.

Holmes suits ups for UNR football and basketball games, makes public appearances on behalf of the university and, like last weekend in Florida, might find himself more and more in demand.

Holmes played football with the Marauders in high school. As a member of the Nevada-Reno band, the son of Rick and Susan Holmes started talking with the Wolfie Jr. mascot during his freshman season.

Holmes said being a mascot sounded like a good idea. For the past three years he’s been a student in wolf’s clothing.

Wolfie Jr. is the little brother to Alfie — another pep member of the UNR lupine family. Reno has three students who work as the two mascots, each receiving scholarship money for their efforts.

And now, another perk — national attention.

Notes: Wolfie Jr. went through Georgia with the same efficiency of William Tecumseh Sherman. In the first week, Holmes’ alter ego beat Hairy Dawg of the University of Georgia. In the finals, Wolfie Jr. outdistanced Buzz from Georgia Tech. … More than 15 million votes were cast in the Capital One annual competition. … Last year’s winner? Old Dominion’s Big Blue. … The winner of Monday’s Capital One Bowl? South Carolina, 30-13, over Nebraska.