Nickname/Mascot/Colors

The "Tiger" Nickname
University of the Pacific first adopted the tiger as its mascot in the fall of 1908, when rugby replaced football at Pacific. The nickname evolved because the uniform jerseys and socks were black with orange stripes, making the team members look like tigers. They chose these tiger-striped uniforms because it made it easier for the players to identify their fellow teammates on the field. Although "Tigers" had not been officially designated by university by-laws as an official mascot, by 1914 the term was used in both students and local newspapers to describe all of Pacific's athletic teams. "Tigers" was made the official college mascot as a result of the 1925 Associated Student Constitution.

The Mascot - Powercat
University of the Pacific's tiger mascot has been a symbol of the school's athletic teams since 1914. The actual rendition of the tiger emblem has changed from the graphic drawing of a ferocious, roaring tiger in its earliest beginnings to the friendly "Tommy Tiger" caricature to the Powercat of today.

On January 22, 1999, Pacific Athletics unveilved its new and current mascot, "Powercat". Powercat followed the introduction of the Pacific Tigers' new logo and is a dynamic and athletic personality that adds to the excitement of Pacific intercollegiate athletic events.

As of December 2011, Powercat even has his own book named Powercat, The Pacific Tiger.  The book is available online at Pacific's Team Shop.

The School Colors
In 1851, University of the Pacific originally had a solitary school color of orange that represented the many fields of California poppies. Then during the pre-football rugby era at Pacific, the school selected rugby uniforms with the orange and black stripes. They liked the effect so much that Pacific then chose black as their secondary color.