Vincent named 'Beautiful Bulldog' and Drake Relays mascot
A 60-pound rescued English bulldog named Vincent has won the 37th annual Beautiful Bulldog contest at Drake University.
The tongue-in-cheek contest Sunday featured 45 bulldogs dressed up in costumes.
Drake graduate Kurt Van Auken, better known as Producer Kurt from "Big Ken and Colleen" on Star 102.5 radio, judged the competition with the help of his son.
Brian Wahlen brought Sir Winford James and another of his bull dogs, marking the first time one of his five bulldogs have one the lottery prize to compete.
“There is nothing better in this world,” said Wahlen. “From the time I was little I wanted to have a bulldog.”
Des Moines veterinarian Sarah Lagan said the contest was a lot of fun, and she appreciate the precautions taken to keep the beautiful bulldogs safe.
“This is a wonderful facility because they make it only 60 degrees in here today, and the fans are blowing and we have ice available,” Lagan said, "The chances of them overheating are less.”
Vincent, a brown and white pup who lives just up the road from the stadium, will serve as the meet's mascot.
Vincent succeeds Tank, whose sturdy frame, gentle personality and camouflage outfit won over the judges in 2015.
The Beautiful Bulldog competition is the opening event of the Drake Relays, a prestigious track and field meet to be held next week at Drake Stadium. A full list of events can be found at