NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- March Madness, the annual tournament of college basketball teams, creates a frenzy in offices around the country where nearly everyone creates a "bracket" and participates in one of the biggest gambling events of the year. 

But that's not the only frenzy being created. Courtside, a strange cast of characters jump, whoop and gesticulate to get in-arena crowds whipped into a hoops-induced state of ecstasy: anthropomorphic bears, cats, falcons and more.

That huge roar from the crowd after a clutch 3-point basket? You can thank, in part, the efforts of the human-sized bulldog now flailing about like he just won the puppy-chow lottery. 

These college sports mascots are the unheralded heroes of the tournament. But some of them should be less heralded than others and make you wonder, "who thought of that, and why?"

On that note, here are the 12 ugliest NCAA mascots from teams in this year's tournament, counting down from least ugly to just the worst. 

12. University of Kentucky: Wildcat
Midwest Region/Southeastern Conference
Tournament seed: 1

While not overtly ugly, this Wildcat looks more cute and cuddly than "wild." It's a weak play for the tournament favorite. 

11. Purdue University: Purdue Pete
Midwest Region/Big Ten Conference 
Tournament seed: 9

It's unclear what Purdue Pete is or what he does but the surprised look on his face leads us to believe that he's recently encountered a mirror and is doing some much needed soul-searching. 

10. Oklahoma State University: Pistol Pete
West Region/Big 12 Conference
Tournament seed: 9

When did Jay Leno have time to grow that mustache?

9. Davidson College: Will E. Wildcat
South Region/Atlantic 10 Conference
Tournament seed: 10

The only thing that's "wild" about this wildcat is his mutton chops. 

8. University of California, Irvine: Peter the Anteater
East Region/Big West Conference
Tournament seed: 13

Don't mess with the U.C. Irvine Anteater: He will stab you to death with his pointy nose. For what it's worth he's not the only Peter on this list. 

7. University of Oklahoma: Boomer and Sooner
East Region/Big 12 Conference
Tournament seed: 3

Let's be honest: These are not real animals. 


6. University of Dayton: Rudy Flyer
East Region/Atlantic 10 Conference
Tournament seed: 11

Who cut off the top of this evil scientist's head?


5. University of Wisconsin: Bucky Badger
West Region/Big Ten Conference
Tournament seed: 1

One too many halftime trampoline slam-dunk stunts have left this badger's head tragically squished. 

4. Wichita State University: WuShock
Midwest Region/Missouri Valley Conference
Tournament seed: 7

Frankenstein wants his look back.

3. Harvard University: John Harvard
West Region/Ivy League
Tournament seed: 13

Who punched John Harvard in the face? Was it his evil nemesis, Bob Yale?

2. Xavier University: D'Artagnan, the Musketeer & The Blue Blob
West Region/Big East Conference
Tournament seed: 6

Question: What is this blue blob? Answer: I can't even. 

1. Providence College: Friar
East Region/Big East Conference
Tournament seed: 6

You know what goes really well with getting riled up, drinking lots of beer and watching sports? Your local member of the clergy. Let's get this tournament done!