what is a terp maryland mascot

The Terps is the nickname for the University of Marylands sports teams, and their mascot is Testudo, an anthropomorphic turtle. The Diamondback Terrapin is the Maryland state reptile and has been affiliated with the universitys athletic program since 1933. The suggestion to make the Diamondback Terrapin the school mascot was in response to the school papers search for a new "official" mascot. Before this search, Maryland teams were called the Old Liners. Testudo got his start back in 1932 when then-football coach Dr. H. Curley Byrd recommended the Diamondback Terrapin be made the school mascot. The statue of Testudo is located in front of the schools Richie Coliseum.