One of the most charismatic and colorful nicknames in college sports belongs to Rollins College. Quite simply, a "Tar" is a sailor. Centuries ago, during the age of tall sailing ships, British sailors were known as "Tars." Rollins connection with the Tars began in World War I when a small Navy vessel was stationed on Lake Virginia, which borders half the Rollins campus. 

With the war leaving only ten male students at Rollins, attention shifted to the snappy uniformed trainees going about their duties. The girls called them "TARS." Until then varsity teams were called the "Blue and Gold," but soon the new title was adopted. The Rollins Alumni re-introduced the "TARS" with the 1965 Annual Fund Appeal. Since then all athletic teams have borne the nickname TARS. Rollins College is the only institution in the United States with the "Tars" as its sports nickname. To further familiarize the public with the "Tars," Rollins introduced a new sports logo in August of 1993. A slightly altered version of the Tar logo was introduced at the time of the completion of the Alfond Sports Center in 2000.