History of the Anteaters

The UC Irvine Anteaters (referred to as Anteaters) are the athletic teams fielded by the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine). Its athletics programs participate in the NCAA's Division I as members of the Big West Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. In earlier years of the school's existence, the teams participated at the Division II level with great success, as explained below.

College Sports Established
1965

Location
Irvine, California

College Name
University of California, Irvine

Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1965 - 1977 / NCAA Division II Independent

Conference History
1978 - Present / Big West Conference

Nickname
Anteaters - On November 30, 1965, the Anteater was officially chosen in a student election as the mascot of UC Irvine, and "Zot!" the cry that an anteater was imagined to make when attacking its prey, became the campus battle cry. The choice was hailed for its originality, winning over the second place choice "None of these" and the more common – if less imaginative – Eagles, Unicorns and Seahawks.
Anteater sculpture in front of Bren Events Center.Anteater sculpture in front of Bren Events Center.

Inspired by Johnny Hart's comic strip, "B.C.," the anteater was, at first, not very well received by member of campus administration who felt it was too "far out" and undignified to represent the campus. Some speculated that the anteater would not last. But the student body was behind the long-nosed, furry mammal all the way, and 40 years later, the Anteaters still prevail.

The campus convenience stores are called "Zot 'n Go," and when the Administration sends e-mail announcements to the campus community, they send it via "Zotmail." And perhaps the biggest endorsement of them all: a sign at John Wayne International Airport reads "Welcome to Anteater Country."

NCAA Championships
Baseball 0

Men's Basketball 0

Women's Basketball 0

Football 0

Soccer 0