CURVE, Pa. - After receiving overwhelming fan input over a month-long voting process, the Altoona Curve are proud to announce that their new Engineer character has been named Tenacious Casey (a.k.a. "Tenacious C"). The name pairs the adjective, tenacious, used to describe someone who is persistent in maintaining, adhering to or seeking something valued or desired, with Casey. Casey pays homage to Casey Jones, who was legendarily one of the most tenacious engineers in American railroad history.

Tenacious Casey will join Steamer, Diesel Dawg and Al Tuna as mascots at Blair County Ballpark this spring as the franchise embarks on its 13th season in Altoona, but his work in the community will begin well before the April 14 home opener. He will serve as the centerpiece of the team's new educational school program, which will be taken to schools throughout the region. His message in the T.N.T. (Top Notch Tactics) school program will encourage area youth to be tenacious in their approach to learning, achieving goals, making good decisions, and treating all others with respect.

Participation in the T.N.T. school program will assist teachers and parents in delivering positive messages in a unique and entertaining way. "Tenacious C" will also reward students' participation with prizes from the Altoona Curve and the sponsors of the program.

"We've really enjoyed the feedback from Curve fans in this contest," Curve General Manager Rob Egan. "The team's front office named our first three characters and we decided to open this one up for fan suggestions. Tenacious Casey is a strong and unique name with historical ties to the railroad. The name fits the character and his upcoming role in our new school program. We're eager to introduce Tenacious C next month."

With two of the five fan-submitted names being chosen as the official name, both Matt Baker of Altoona and United States Army Sgt. Sean C. Morgan of Hollidaysburg are the winners of the Name the Engineer contest. Each of them will receive two (2) diamond club season tickets for the 2011 season, all Tenacious Casey related giveaway items in 2011, a personalized T-shirt stating "I named Tenacious C", an engineer's cap like Tenacious Casey's, and a Certificate of Acknowledgement from team ownership.

The 2010 Eastern League Champion Altoona Curve will open their 13th season of baseball at 6:35 p.m. on April 7 against the Erie SeaWolves at Jerry Uht Park in Erie. Season tickets, mini plans and flex books for the upcoming 2011 campaign are on sale now. For more information on 2011 ticket packages, call 877.99.CURVE, visit www.altoonacurve.com or stop into the front office at BCB during normal business hours.

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