In late 2015, researchers from USCB's Coastal Ecology and Conservation program discovered a rare amphibious sand shark on a Lowcountry beach. Although their ability to communicate with the creature was limited, the researchers were able to ascertain that he was a young pup when USCB launched its athletics department in 2007 and grew up cheering for the Sand Sharks. Using his ability to walk on land, he would go ashore occasionally and bring back reports of the many successes of USCB's sports teams and student-athletes, spreading Sand Shark Pride throughout the Atlantic Ocean.
It was on one of these trips ashore that he encountered the USCB researchers, immediately recognizing the logo on their shirts as that of his favorite team. After agreeing to go with the researchers for further evaluation, the shark fell in love with the USCB campus and decided to make it his new home.
Before the mascot could begin his important work at USCB, he needed a name. Sand Shark fans submitted more than 100 suggested names and the list was narrowed to four finalists for an online vote, from which a resounding winner was selected. The Sand Shark mascot was henceforth known as "Finnegan," though he also answers to "Fin."
