The 2020 season also marked Sam Houston's third trip to the championship game in ten seasons. SHSU's athletic teams have been nicknamed "The Bearkats" since 1923 when the University's name was changed by the Texas State Legislature from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teachers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed "The Normals".[citation needed] It is doubtful those who coined the "Bearkat" nickname had a particular animal in mind.