‘Claws Out’ for Our New Mascot

We’re thrilled to introduce Sierra College’s newest team member—our dynamic wolverine mascot—who joined our campus community in Fall 2025! This spirited addition to our Sierra College family is ready to amplify the fun, school spirit, pride, and energy that defines our student experience.

Our Mascot Has a Name!

After receiving more than 775 original name submissions in Fall 2025 for our wolverine mascot, and 1,120 votes, we’re excited to share that the new name chosen by YOU for our new wolverine mascot is (drum roll please)….Claws!

Claws conveys strength, grit and tenacity—qualities our students and athletes embody every day. It’s bold, memorable, and built for spirited chants (“Claws Out”) and game-day culture.

Thanks to everyone who submitted names, provided feedback and voted.

Your next chance to meet Claws in person is at our new student housing open house on January 20 from 4-6pm. We hope you’ll stop by to take a photo with Claws and see the new building.


Watch Now: Introducing Our Mascot


Mascot Fun Facts

Where does the wolverine live?

  • The wolverine mascot recently moved to Secret Ravine from Sierra Nevada.

Does the wolverine attend Sierra College?

  • Yes, as a forest exchange student.

What does the wolverine study?

  • The wolverine mascot is proud to be a lifelong learner.

What is the wolverine’s favorite color?

  • Cardinal red – one of our school colors, of course!

Where does the wolverine enjoy eating most?

  • It’s a toss up between the Wolverine Cafe and the Wolverine Den.

What does the wolverine do for fun in the area?

  • When not hunkered down studying, the wolverine enjoys attending theatre, music, museum and student life events on campus – not to mention cheering on our Wolverines athletics teams!

When and why was the wolverine chosen as the Sierra College mascot?

  • The wolverine became the official mascot in 1954 when Placer College was renamed to Sierra College. The college athletes gained a new nickname – “Wolverines” and Grandpa “Willie” Wolverine was born!
Grandpa Wolverine
Grandpa “Willie” Wolverine in 1954.
Sierra College Wolverine Mascot, wearing a red shirt and black shorts, poses with two students. All have their hands up like claws.
Wolverine Mascot welcomed students to the Fall 2025 semester at our Welcome Students Event.

Wolverine Personality Traits

  • Tough and Tenacious – Wolverines are known for their strength and fearless attitude, often taking on animals much larger than themselves. Our mascot embodies an underdog spirit that never backs down. 
  • Relentless and Determined – Wolverines have incredible endurance, traveling miles through harsh terrain to find food. Our mascot never gives up and always pushes forward. 
  • Mischievous and Clever – Wolverines are highly intelligent and known for problem-solving. Our mascot knows how to play hard and work hard – and has a strategic edge that can outwit its rivals while still having fun. 
  • Lone Warrior but Fiercely Loyal – While wolverines are solitary in the wild, they are highly territorial and protective. Our mascot shows loyalty through school spirit combined with its fierce competitive nature and positive attitude. 
  • Surprisingly Strong – Wolverines can take down prey several times their size. Our mascot has unstoppable fighting spirit, no matter the odds. 
  • “The Protective Guardian” – As a symbol of school pride, our mascot fiercely defends its home turf and stands strong for our students. 

Look Out for the Wolverine

Our mascot is excited to join the campus community but still figuring out how to balance school and job duties. Our wolverine mascot will start off slow and work its way up to more and more events!

These are the types of interactions you can look forward to with our new mascot:

  • Guest of Honor: The mascot is part of a ceremony, such as a ribbon-cutting or a stage appearance.
  • Event mingle: The mascot moves throughout the event space, engaging with guests through high-fives, dancing and photos.
  • Meet and Greet: The mascot is at a designated location where attendees can take photos. This setup ensures an organized interaction and maximizes audience engagement.
  • Off-site Visits (coming later): On special occasions, the mascot may visit classrooms, schools, etc., to engage with students, promote school spirit or support specific educational themes.
Claw Out Sticker Square

Contact Us

Questions or ideas for our mascot? Contact Marketing and Communications.

Marketing and Communications Office

Rocklin

Building LR, Room 432

M-F: 8am – 5pm

Point of Contact: Drew Lenox