Early (Unofficial) Mascots
Soogie
Soogie was born on the original campus of the California Maritime Academy in California City, now Tiburon, in October 1936. Although little is know about the pup, there were memorial to him in both Hawsepipes from 1941 and 1942.
"As much a part of C.M.A. as the schoolship itself is Soogie, out Malamute mascot. 'Soogie' was born in 1936 at California City and has been with Academy ever since. He has crossed the equator six times and she been ashore in many a foreign port. In fact, he is just about the most traveled dog you'll find anywhere!
Soogie's is an ever-changing master - the Cadet Corps. Each cadet, whether he be first classman or swab, is Soogie's pal. When the going get rough, Soogie is still the same unquestioning canine friend. The entire personnel of the T.S. 'Golden State' join in this tribute to a fine hound-dog'."
Finding a new Mascot
A year after Soogies' passing a committee was formed to find and appoint a new mascot. Little did the committee know, but a stray dog, somewhere between a cocker spaniel and spring spaniel, made her way onto the ship and made herself right at home. The cadets named her Margaret "Captain of the Hounds".
The morning of August 19, 1943, at 0800, the starboard side of the training ship was roped off with a sign reading "Maternity Ward," and six pups were born. Suddenly there were seven mascots, way too many for the cadets to handle. All but two were given new homes, and of the two remaining pups, lovingly called "Itchy" and "Scratchy," Scratchy was chosen as the new Training Ship mascot. His name was later shortened to "Scratch."
Scratch
Over Scratch's time as mascot, he saw five classes graduate from the California Maritime Academy. He is noted for swimming in the icy waters of the Carquinez Strait while the Training Ship was in dock.
When he passed in 1946, no replacement mascot was appointed, and a loving memorial was written in that year's Hawsepipe.
