Miscellaneous: Athletics teams at Sonoma State University now are known as the Seawolves. The new mascot replaces the "Cossacks," a moniker that has served the department since Sonoma State first fielded teams in the early 1960s.

Earlier this year, Sonoma State President Ruben Armiñana -- on the recommendation of students, faculty and various off-campus organizations -- concluded that the university needed to change its mascot. Armiñana selected "Seawolves" from the choices presented by a committee that used surveys and focus groups to narrow the hundreds of suggestions it received.

"We are extremely excited about our new mascot and logo," said Athletics Director Bill Fusco. "So far the design has met with nothing but positive response from our staff, members of the campus community and those with close ties to the athletics department."

The inspiration comes from the novel "The Sea Wolf," written by the legendary Jack London, a resident of Sonoma County.

Two other institutions share the Seawolves mascot -- the University of Alaska Anchorage and the State University New York at Stony Brook. According to legend, the name Seawolf represents a mythical sea creature that brought good luck to anyone fortunate enough to see it.

-- Compiled by David Pickle