
This two-year community college in northern Washington boasts volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and basketball teams, all of which compete as the Grays Harbor Chokers. The Chokers aren’t named after murderous villains, people who cave under pressure or the tacky necklace popular in the 1990s. As it turns out, a “choker” is a cable wrapped around a log to make it easier for a logger to transport. Grays Harbor College is located in prime Northwestern logging territory, and the students find the name completely sensible (and not at all creepy or confusing). Although they still can’t explain why they chose to name their mascot — a burly, barechested man holding a rope or chain — Charlie Choker.