In 1986, the student body of University of California, Santa Cruz organized an election to vote for either the banana slug or sea lion as the official mascot. By an overwhelming majority, a 15 to 1 ratio, the banana slug won. Named one of the 10 best college mascots in basketball in 2008 by ESPN, Sammy the Slug continues to be the school’s figurehead. This year, the University celebrates Sammy’s 25th birthday as its official mascot. Go Slugs!
