Sacramento State Students Demand Squirrel as New Mascot!

Sacramento State students are voting this week to decide if they will adopt squirrels as a second mascot. The vote is taking place at the same time as the national presidential election, which has attracted significant attention. Gabriel Conejo Gallegos, the executive vice president of Associated Students Inc., has been pivotal in this initiative, citing the comfort that watching squirrels brings to students during challenging times. Sac State President Luke Wood responded to student enthusiasm and allowed for a vote on three options regarding the mascot situation. Students can choose to keep their current mascot, Herky the Hornet, add a squirrel, or select another mascot entirely. The presence of squirrels on campus has been notable, with students even forming an Instagram page dedicated to them, which has gained thousands of followers. Currently, over 1,300 students have participated in the poll, with the squirrel option prominently leading at this point. If the inclusion of the squirrel is approved, officials plan to hold a drawing competition to finalize the mascot’s design. This unique initiative reflects a growing trend in universities to embrace multiple mascots and engage students in the school spirit. The outcome of this vote not only represents student interests but also highlights Sacramento State's sense of community and identity, as the mascot becomes a symbol of student life and culture on campus.