After beating out 16 mascots with more than 19,000 ballots submitted, Otto the Orange is heading to the Mascot Hall of Fame.

“Otto symbolizes a piece of the joy that Central New York has for so many fans and alumni at Syracuse University," said Julie Walas, a coach in the Syracuse University Mascot Program.

“It feels like a lifetime achievement award that you might get in any field," she also said. "So to have it in this field and to be one of the first 10 college mascots inducted and the first 30 mascots inducted ever is thrilling.”

Otto is the ninth college mascot to be inducted and the first in the last four years. He joins other notable mascots like Nittany Lion of Penn State, Brutus Buckeye of Ohio State and Smokey of the University of Tennessee. Otto is known for cheering on various SU teams, but now it’s time to cheer for Otto.

“It was awesome to see people coming out in the rain and knowing that they were dressed up, Otto tattoos, signs, and posters, and just cheering for Otto," said Walas.

Otto has been recognized as SU’s mascot since 1995. His infectious personality connects with people.

“Otto is one of the most recognizable sports college mascots in all of the land so it was only a matter of time before that was recognized at this level but to see Otto in the Hall of Fame is a testament to the love that we have for that bright orange mascot," said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

When Otto returns from the induction ceremony in Indiana, he’ll have some new Hall of Fame bling.

“We can’t wait to bring this ring home and show everyone this fall and keep cheering and celebrating this moment," Walas said.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is this Saturday at 10 a.m. Otto will be inducted alongside Slugger, who is the mascot of the Portland Sea Dogs, a minor league baseball team in the Boston Red Sox organization.