UNCW Seahawks Retro CrewneckUNCW, known then as Wilmington College, chose the Seahawk mascot in 1947, the same year as the universitys founding. Wilmingtons five man student council chose the nickname, allegedly, based on the Iowa Seahawks, a pre flight service team popular during that time. Of course, the schools close proximity to the ocean helped solidify their identity from there. Products are mocked up on a size S. Graphics may appear smaller on larger sizes.