Meredith College announced that it is looking for a new mascot. Meredith adopted the angel as its mascot in 1980, but the all-women's college has decided to toughen up and go in a new direction.

"I love the history of angels," said Meredith Roberson, captain of the tennis team and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. "But our sports are so up-and-coming...we need something more competitive."

Having competed against many different schools and a variety of mascots, I know how important they can be to their communities. I've always been interested in the history behind why a certain team or school acquired their mascot. I did a little research to come up with some of the more unique mascots in sports that I believe are worth sharing:

• UC-Santa Cruz Banana Slugs

• Freeport Pretzels

• Lansing Lugnuts

• Toledo Mud Hens

• Albuquerque Isotopes

• Savannah Sandgnats

• Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes

What's the most unique team name you have heard of or encountered, from any level, in your sports experience?