Fighting Zebras – Lincoln (CA) High School

Now, Zebras are scary enough. But fighting zebras? Egad!

Lincoln’s northeast of Sacramento, and has almost 50,000 people. It’s big-time suburban, and is one of the fastest growing cities in the US.

It was actually founded all the way back in 1859, but was pretty sleepy until just recently. Interestingly, the Lincoln is not who you think. It’s actually from one Charles Lincoln Wilson, the guy who brought the railroad to the area. 

The high school dates back 114 years, and currently has 1,670 students. They feature 20+ sports, including coed skeet and trap shooting. There’s one famous alum, Glen Edwards, an Air Force pilot who’s the namesake of Edwards Air Force Base.

Now, about those Zebras … Hard to believe, but the nickname dates back to the 1920s. It was originally applied to the town basketball team, which featured white & blue striped uniforms.

It was an easy extension to the high school. They, though, went with blue & gold stripes. It looks like they’ve ditched ‘em since then, but I do like those helmets.

Of course, it’s the “fighting” that really makes this one. And that came in 1957.

And, yes, they do have a real, live mascot. His name is - checking notes - ZOOse.

And he's fighting mad!

BTW, there’s only one other HS with a zebra as a mascot, Grandview TX. It is not, however, a fighting zebra. So there!