Make all the jokes you want about an anthropomorphic turtle representing a college sports tradition, but red-and-black terrapin mascot Testudo is a good fit for the University of Maryland. The school has endured some serious challenges over its illustrious history. Soldiers from both sides of the Civil War camped out on campus -- Union troops even ripped down a fence for wood. And in 1912, nearly the entire school burned down. But the university always came back tougher and stronger, a trait shared by its numerous championship athletic teams. What represents that kind of determination and will better than a slow but steady turtle? Testudo recently came out of his shell to give the scoop to Playboy.com about going to the White House, getting trampled and why students are fond of saying, "Fear the Turtle."

Playboy.com: Who are your rivals? Have you ever gotten into a fight with a rival mascot?

Testudo: I don't have many rivals. Maryland is one of the few universities that has won national championships in football, men's basketball and women's basketball, so few are in my league. Occasionally some other mascot comes along and tries to start stuff. At that point I just show him a little muscle and shell and it ends right there.

Playboy.com: What was your best moment as a mascot?

Testudo: We win a lot at Maryland, but if I had to choose one or two moments it would be winning the NCAA men's basketball championship in 2002 and the women's basketball championship in 2006. It was awesome to be invited to the White House for each of those accomplishments.

Playboy.com: What was your worst moment?

Testudo: When I was accidentally trampled by our fans during a football game this year. I love celebrating with our fans, but even with my shell those slaps on the back still hurt.

Playboy.com: Have you ever been made fun of for being slow?

Testudo: People look at me and think that I'm slow. I can understand; I'm a turtle. But I'm actually pretty fast. Bet you didn't know that I won the 2004 Terpathalon? It's an event that happens here in Baltimore amongst us terrapins. There were a few strong competitors, but I pretty much left them in the dust.

Playboy.com: Where does the name Testudo come from?

Testudo: Testudo in Latin actually means a protective shelter used for Roman soldier's heads.

Playboy.com: What's your signature move?

Testudo: I like to do the chest pump. I picked up the move from Tarzan, but I do it without the chest hair.

Playboy.com: Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle do you most resemble?

Testudo: I would say Raphael only because he wears a red mask. Some people say that I dressed up like him for Halloween a few years ago, but we all know that I'm the one that brought red back to life.

Playboy.com: There are five statues of you around campus. Isn't that a little vain?

Testudo: Those statues aren't for me. They're for all my friends on campus who I can't see personally.