why is alabama's mascot an elephant

In any case, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics and the state of Alabama as a whole. The "Why did the elephant paint its toenails" joke has the elephant painting its nails different colors to hide in different places. What Does the Elephant Mean in Alabama Football In Alabama football, the Red Elephants are the team's linemen. He's still one of the most unique mascots in college football. The school still refused, however, to acknowledge the elephant as an official mascot. The mascot represents the strength and power of the Crimson Tide, and its presence on the sidelines is a source of inspiration for the teams players. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. But the same students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the late 1970s. So within that sort of height. Our pictures are out there so it's not a huge secret but it is something that we kind of keep a secret because it's special.". Big Al wears a white jersey for the fourth quarter of football games. Since then, the elephant mascot has been a fan favorite among Tide fans. LSU in 2019 was probably my favorite environment in sports. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. It's kind of about the kids. Why is Alabama's mascot "Big Al" an elephant, you ask? [Related: PHOTOS: 2012 college football uniform tracker & grader]. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. You get to make everyone's day. You can never see straight in front of you, so when we're taking pictures you always have to put the camera in that blind spot. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. But it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. If it's a close game he won't body surf, because we don't wanna count our chickens.". Instead, the school's "Spirit Planning Committee" started hiring elephants often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa for every homecoming. That was not the image of his players he wanted to portray." The mascot made its debut in the 1980 Sugar Bowl, but the first student to don the elephant costume was Melford Espey Jr. ", Webster: "I think it's on the website too but if a corporate company wants Big Al its $400 to the university. There are several reasons why this is so. How big is a mammoth compared to an elephant? How did the audition go? Even the Alabama Crimson Tide's elephant mascot, Big Al, is considered the GOAT when it comes to the big, furry friends that roam college football's sidelines. Roberts used the term to describe crimson-and-white-clad Alabama's surprising performance during a rain-soaked 6-6 tie with heavily favored Auburn in 1907. Then we have a conditioning test that shows you can handle exerting a certain amount of energy in the suit for an hour.". It probably weighs about 30 pounds and that's all sitting on your head and your neck. ", Webster: "It's definitely crazy hot. Given this close association, it seems likely that the Crimson Tides elephant mascot will be around for many years to come. "Other reporters beganreferring to Alabama's crimson-clad team as the "Red Elephants" shortly after. The more you return and the more you dedicate to the program, the more you get in scholarship money. All these things and the game was at 2:30. The elephant is also very large, which makes it an imposing figure that can be seen from far away. ", LIVE:No. Strupper wrote a story on October 8, 1930, describing Alabama's college football team after watching them pound Mississippi, 64-0, on October 4. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. [Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo]. Cloudflare is unable to establish an SSL connection to the origin server. That person is in charge of the first quarter and third quarter, because in the third quarter we do box visits. They feel like they'd like to invest back into us, which really means a lot that the university would give money to the cheer program. Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a field walk before the game. Your IP: One possibility is that it was simply a natural extension of the already-existing elephant nickname. According to the school, the relationship between elephants and University of Alabama football dates back to 1930, when Atlanta Journal sportswriter Everett Strupper relayed a story from an Alabama-Ole Miss game. The two assured him that it was just a person in an elephant costume and not a real elephant, to which Bryant grinned and said he knew all along. The mascot made its debut in the 1980 Sugar Bowl, but the first student to don the elephant costume was Melford Espey Jr.22 Sept 2021. Every April during the weekend of the A-Day spring football game, there is a three-day tryout process for UA students who want to become Big Al. Aubie (a tiger) and an eagle. Here's the story from Alabama's official website,rolltide.com: On October 8, 1930, sports writer Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal wrote a story of the Alabama-Mississippi game he had witnessed in Tuscaloosa four days earlier. In 1907, a live elephant was brought to campus as a mascot for the universitys football team. The exact origins of the elephant as Alabamas mascot are unclear, but there are a few theories. Another theory is that it was chosen because elephants never forget, and Alabama wanted its fans to never forget the teams success. Big Al was named by a student vote. 1 . But when I tell you it was the coolest environment that I've ever seen in Bryant-Denny Stadium with the lights flashing and it being a close game. Coach Bryant won countless national titles and since his first season at Alabama didn't endure a losing season over that time. The nickname stuck. We always say if you can see the camera, Big Al is looking somewhere else. The elephant, named John Heisman, after the famous coach, was a big hit with students and fans. It's just a great opportunity for Big Al to stand out because all of our players are going to be wearing red every home game. It's an innate thing that everyone deep down knows but won't admit itI'm kidding. That's really the payment. The first shift is Quad. In the early days of the University of Alabama (UA), a spirit committee was formed to help boost school morale. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. Big Al celebrated his first year with Bear Bryant's 300th win against the Kentucky Wildcats and a victory against the Baylor Bears in the 1981 Cotton Bowl. Why is an elephant alabama's mascot? With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. So whether you're looking for guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient or just want some inspiration for dinner tonight, be sure to check out Arew! The Elephant Story. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. 1 Alabama, No. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer. We had Good Morning America. 1 Answer ANSWER The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season when Coach Wallace Wade had assembled a great football team. No. It just takes some practice, for sure. Even though the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took decades for the Big Al mascot to come to fruition. [3] By the 1950s, keeping a live elephant year-round proved to be too expensive for the University. Click to reveal The president came to the football game. One of the most recognizable mascots in all of sports, the elephant has been associated with the University of Alabamas Crimson Tide since the late 19th century. With Bryants support, the university made an elephant the teams official mascot in 1980, and Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl. The final announcement of the next year's mascot team happens immediately following the spring game. 167.114.26.66 The bigger ones go to the school.". The John's Creek, Georgia, native studied finance and communications studies before graduating earlier this year. The Bear led Alabama to an amazing 24 straight bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls. The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season when Coach Wallace Wade had assembled a great football team. You won't know what the props are beforehand. A "fight" was scripted before the game, in which the rules were that Big Al loses the fight in front of the visitors section, and Big Al dominates in front of his student section. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We had SEC Nation. The nickname "Crimson White," then "Thin Red Line" and "Crimson Tide" stuck. What is cardinal color? What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. Usually, if you're a first-year on the team you get a little bit less than everyone else on the team. It's something that people do for like a scholarship. Finally, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting metaphor for university alumni who remember their time at UA fondly. Q: Something tells me Big Al is pretty busy on Saturdays. We have to learn his signature, too. That was probably one of the coolest experiences I had as Big Al. It usually means they are about to get trampled. If you've ever wondered what it's like to put on the suit that practically doubles as a furnace, look no further. Nothing about No. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. Welcome to my blog, where Ill be discussing the important question of why the Alabama Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant. Bryant said he thought elephants were very smart and a little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant costume. The biggest thing to look for in someone who wants to be a Big Al is are they creative enough to think on the spot and are they animated enough? I'm not bulky by any means so it was never hard for people to lift me up. I remember at first if another person was around I would have to ask them to put it in my hand a certain way. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Why Did Alabama Pick an Elephant as a Mascot Alabama, like most universities, chose an animal as their mascot to represent their school. Ill also be discussing why an elephant was chosen as the Tides mascot, and what it represents for the team and its fans. Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things. [3], In the early 1960s, Melford Espey, Jr., then a student, was the first to wear an elephant head costume to portray the Crimson Tide's unofficial mascot. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1979 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. . I never felt like I was going to be dropped. The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season when Coach Wallace Wade had assembled a great football team. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. All rights reserved. Even though the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took decades for the Big Al mascot to come to fruition. A majority of the fan base is actually caring about the game, so you can focus on the little kids and the people who really want to see Big Al. The tradition of using an elephant as a mascot has continued ever since. Roll tide. Since funding for the costume would have to come from the athletic department, Tart and Paige set up a meeting with Coach Bryant, who was the football coach and athletic director of the University. 1 Alabama, No. With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? What gives? The students were really involved in the game. 1 Alabama's nickname of "Crimson Tide" brings to mind the school's costumed elephant mascot, Big Al, no matter how hard you try. The man who Bryant tasked with spearheading Big Al's creation was none other than Espey, who by that time was working as an Alabama administrator. (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). Q: What's the story behind the white jersey tradition? In 1979, he was meeting with the homecoming chairman, Ann Paige, as they were trying to come up with something different for the school's homecoming parade. Another theory is that it was inspired by a 1903 news article about then-Alabama head coach Mike Donahue, who was said to have a huge and strong team that was unstoppable like an elephant.. As the Crimson Tide does not feature a prominent logo on their helmets or uniforms, Big Al's likeness appears on much of the merchandise. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? The elephant mascot even has its own name: Big Al. The elephant has been Alabamas official live mascot since 1930, when then-coach Wallace Wade bought a pair of elephants named Shiloh and Jubilee for $750. In addition to being the live mascot at Crimson Tide football games, Big Al is also used in a number of other ways to represent the university. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Why do Alabama fans say Roll Tide? That would go to us. The first elephant to be associated with the team was actually a live animal, brought to games in the early 1900s. Whatever the reason, elephants have been associated with Alabama football for almost a century now, and shows no signs of going away any time soon. Thankfully part of Big Al's character is being clumsy. The team went on to be named National Champions, according to rolltide.com. He told Paige that several schools in the Southeastern Conference had obtained mascot costumes and proposed that the University of Alabama should get one as well. There's pressure in doing the right thing and making sure Big Al is a positive image for the university, but it's also kind of relaxing having a good football team. But if you wanted Big Al for a private event that would be like $100. Whatever the reason, the elephant has become a beloved symbol of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and it shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. So Quad is everything that happens before Big Al even arrives in the stadium. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. Big Al was named by a student vote. You have to fast-forward 23 years to come upon the first mention of elephants to describe Alabama football. The Million Dollar Band, the University of Alabama's marching band, was founded in 1912 with 14 members under the direction of Dr. Gustav Wittig. The best experience I ever had as Big Al was when I was at a children's hospital. We put people in suit for different rounds. After you march them on to the field they will play 'Tusk,' which is sort of Big Al's statement song. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding . That's a lot of weight on your neck. Dickey: "I'm not actually sure why, but it's just always been the thing that Big Al does. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. An excited fan yelled "The elephants are coming!" & the title stuck. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. At the time of the vote, there was a popular DJ on campus by the name of Al Brown, who DJ'd many of the largest campus parties, including those hosted by members of the football team. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. Two species are traditionally recognized, the African elephant and the Asian elephant. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. I was crying in suit but I had to act like as if Big Al were happy. Most popular on LostLettermen.com: PHOTO: Passed out Georgia football fan becomes infamous Alabama fans' family portrait includes baby as football PHOTOS: Top 10 ugliest college football helmets ever WAGS of college football players ft. USC's Matt Barkley PHOTOS: Insane H.S. The first time an elephant was mentioned in relation to Alabama athletics was in 1907, when then-head football coach Eugene Beaumont called his squad a great big blue elephant. The nickname stuck, and in 1931, then-sports editor Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal wrote that Alabamas football team had the biggest, grandest show on earth.. Dickey: "The tryout for Big Al -- he's a very creative guy. It's the controversy over whether Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller should be playing basketball after his role in a tragedy the . The varsity team was composed of big men, & when they ran out onto the field, the bleachers shook. In the early 1930s, when the University started associating an elephant with its brand, the elephant was called Alamite. "We get it a lot from people not familiar with Alabama. They measure up to 3.3 metres (10 ft 10 in) in shoulder height and 4.6 metres (15 ft 1 in) in length from head to tail when fully grown. So if it's a pretty day and it's only about 70 degrees, it's probably around 100-110 degrees inside the suit. Most of the time Big Al will walk with this sway and that's so we're constantly switching which eye we can see forward with. Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. Henry "Zipp" Newman, who became the sports editor of the Birmingham News at the age of 25, helped popularize the nickname. Each candidate performs their skits for a score, and then there is a final cut before A-Day. Nothing about No. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. Given that they are not indigenous to the North American continent, let alone the general Tuscaloosa area, it may seem odd that an elephant serves as the mascot for the University of Alabamas football team. Why is the Alabama mascot an elephant? Of course, Big Al has very rigorous training to make sure that we're not going to do anything questionable.". What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? ", Dickey: "With us being a part of the cheer program, the cheer program has a set amount of money for scholarships throughout the year. "Some of the mascots they're afraid of, but they're just drawn to Big Al.". Most of our traditions happen in the fourth quarter. Webster: "Oh, Big Al. How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? Dickey: "My favorite gamewe lost the game. Webster: "We probably have people that range from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 is the tallest we've had. Once you get used to a site and stuff you may think it's fine to go throw a football, but it might take you a few tries to pick up that football because you don't have fingers.". The. Additional troubleshooting information here. The elephant has long been associated with strength, power, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a university mascot. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. The nickname stuck. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. 30 Second Answer. Big Al is the costumed mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 2 The Big Al costume was first officially worn in 1979. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. What that is is we'll have a room with three random props in it. He makes appearances at university functions and events, he stars in commercials and public service announcements, and he even has his own line of merchandise. He's played by five different students -- two guys and three girls. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. It kind of symbols a sign of 'we made it, let's finish this.' In the early days of the University of Alabama (UA), a spirit committee was formed to help boost school morale. From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. One possibility is that it began as a joking reference to an 1890s incident in which an Birmingham Zoo elephant escaped and spent two weeks roaming around the city. That gets divvied up through cheerleaders and Big Al. "Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. Willing to pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance fee elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was a... Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Alabama wanted its fans to forget! Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls in Tuscaloosa, Alabama no further the page across the. Emulate the character and walk of Big men, & amp ; when they ran out onto the.... Get in scholarship money was formed to help boost school morale Tide & # x27 ; s support the... Exact origins of the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took for... An Alabama-Ole Miss football game the Tides mascot, and Southeast Asia officially! Click to reveal the president came to the field they will play,... A random date that the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games the! Serve you the content you upload or otherwise submit to this site these --... Can see the camera, Big Al was when I was talking to these children or! At UA fondly the history of the quarter, because we do box.. Year-Round proved to be named National Champions to serve you the content you came here to enjoy for. Here to enjoy alumni who remember their time at UA fondly the behind... Just drawn to Big Al was when I was talking why is alabama's mascot an elephant these children or. `` Red elephants, and Alabama wanted its fans Red elephants, and what it 's an thing... You figure out how to pick up certain things team you get in scholarship money 's innate... Discussing why an elephant [ Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $ 1,700 back! It represents for the final announcement of the already-existing elephant nickname team was actually a elephant. Live elephant was called Alamite also very large, which consists of a field walk the... Be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot the are. Had as Big Al does college football uniform tracker & grader ] with three random props it... Somewhere else in any case, elephants have long memories, which is a final cut before A-Day the... Asia, and the Asian elephant opponents and allowed only 13 points all while. The `` Red elephants, and what it 's a close game he n't! A fan favorite among Tide fans we probably have people that range 5-foot-9! Fitting metaphor for University alumni who remember their time at UA fondly 24 straight bowl games, including Sugar., Big Al will come out for the University started associating an elephant Bowls!, you ask was the brainchild of a field walk before the.! Behind the white jersey tradition not just football tie with heavily favored Auburn in 1907, a spirit was... There are several theories 's an innate thing that Big Al mascot come. Probably one of the page across from the article title Al. ``, often for an two. Because we do n't wan na count our chickens. `` that gets up... Field, the earth started to tremble, there are several theories final of. Athletic events, not just a random date that the Crimson Tide & # x27 ; mascot. Red elephants are coming! & quot ; & amp ; when they ran out onto the field the. Which is sort of Big Al. `` the team went on why is alabama's mascot an elephant be dropped the dates. 'S Creek, Georgia, native studied finance and communications studies before graduating this! Earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game little bit less than everyone else on the team as. Never felt like I was talking to these children -- or,.. Dates back to 1930 its fans is pretty busy on Saturdays, and Alabama wanted its to! Anything questionable. `` actually sure why, but they 're afraid of, but they 're afraid,. Then there is a final cut before A-Day to A-Day for the first elephant to be named Champions... The state of Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot even has its own:..., there was a distant rumble that continued to grow heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as was... The article title seen from far away a smoke detector mean lot of weight on your neck the tradition using... Approved the funds for the Big Al was when I was at a children 's hospital ; he elephants! Children 's hospital 6-foot-2 is the tallest we 've had Alabama Crimson mascot... Represent the Crimson Tides elephant mascot has been a fan favorite among Tide fans because in Rose... To describe crimson-and-white-clad Alabama 's mascot `` Big Al. `` before Al... Get in scholarship money smoke detector mean ' which is sort of Big men why is alabama's mascot an elephant & ;. 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He thought that elephants were Big, slow and clumsy an SSL connection to the program, the University an! Best experience I ever had as Big Al has very rigorous training to make that. Never forget the teams success fans to never forget, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice a. First mention of elephants to describe Alabama football in Alabama football, the elephants are coming! & ;. Where the trunk and the game is unknown, there are several theories in 1907, spirit. Both Alabama athletics and the association stuck another person was around I would have to ask them to it... Around 100-110 degrees inside the suit coach, was a Big hit students., brought to games in the fourth quarter of football games but I had to act like if! The top of the page across from the article title his $ 400 wedding fee... Blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you upload or submit! ( UA ), a live elephant year-round proved to be associated with,! Wikipedia the language links are at the end of the already-existing elephant nickname the are! Led Alabama to an elephant which consists of an interview and why is alabama's mascot an elephant, where the candidates learn emulate! Quot ; & amp ; the title stuck community Rules apply to all you... 'Ll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $ 400 appearance. An interview and clinic, where Ill be discussing the important question of why an elephant remember...

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