why is alabama's mascot an elephant

It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a field walk before the game. The third quarter we do box visits. ", Strupper and other writers referred to the linemen on that 10-0 team which won the third of Alabama's 14 claimed national championships as "Red Elephants.". Big Al is the costumed mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Nothing about No. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. So at halftime we usually prepare a little short skit where like a costume that Big Al will wear. However, elephants featured prominently to gameday tradition long before this point. Webster: "It's fun. If people tried to crowd surf you they would not be able to get you up I don't think.". The "Red Elephants" are why the school eventually chose Big Al is its mascot. The History of the Alabama Crimson Tide's Elephant Mascot. The elephant, named John Heisman, after the famous coach, was a big hit with students and fans. Big Al is the costumed elephant mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 2 Alabama the national title. The fourth quarter is kind of important to Alabama fans in general. I had a roommate at the time that was trying to convince me to go to it. Why is the Alabama mascot an elephant? There is a story that Alabama got its colors from a ball on campus when UA was still a military school, wearing gray, black and white uniforms. ", LIVE:No. Seeing an elephant -- they definitely had to get unique when designing his costume. More than 40 years since Big Al earned the stamp of approval, he's still spreading spirit at Bryant-Denny Stadium and other Alabama athletics events. The fact that he's an elephant, it's just not something you see very often. For Ole Miss was truly battling the big boys for every inch of ground. As part of their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game. Females carry their young for a gestation period of 22 months; calves are fully weaned at around 36 years old but remain closely associated with their mothers until around 10 years old. Crimson Tide fans are okay with that. The nickname stuck. Big Al has a significant walk that is a trademark of who he is. Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. Pregame, you're in charge of marching the band out on to the field. Nothing about No. [2] Throughout the 1940s, for instance, the University kept a live elephant mascot named "Alamite" that was a regular sight on game days, and it would carry the year's Homecoming queen onto the field every year prior to kickoff at the Homecoming game. This could happen for a several reasons, including no shared cipher suites. He's a very large person, and so usually we have people on the team that are very athletic build. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. The University of Alabama is home to many of the bests. Bryant said he thought elephants were very smart and a little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant costume. That was probably one of the coolest experiences I had as Big Al. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Q: OK, what's it like wearing that suit? Additional troubleshooting information here. 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 name caught on, and by 1950, Elephants were appearing on Alabama football programs. You may think you're waving appropriately, but it looks like Big Al is doing it smaller. A young woman attending the ball decided to wear crimson to match those colors. 2 Alabama at Tuscaloosa isn't the Crimson Tide's mascot Big Al. 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. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. 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. Q: Take me through a game day as Big Al in Tuscaloosa. 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. The gray, anthropomorphic elephant has been the team's official mascot since 1979, when Bear Bryant finally approved the trunked animal despite a history that dates back to 1930. The origin of Alabama's elephant mascot. Q: What was your favorite game or moment as Big Al? The birthday parties we can keep. The exact origins of the elephant as Alabamas mascot are unclear, but there are a few theories. He's still one of the most unique mascots in college football. 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid, Jonah Williams: 3 things to know about Alabama football's offensive tackle, Mack Wilson: 5 things to know about the Alabama football linebacker, Quinnen Williams: 4 things to know about the Alabama football defensive tackle, Raekwon Davis: 4 things to know about the Alabama football defensive lineman, Paul Tyson: 5 things about Alabama football signee, Bear Bryant's great-grandson, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The school still refused, however, to acknowledge the elephant as an official mascot. Another theory is that the schools first football coach, Wallace Wade, had once seen a circus perform in Tuscaloosa and been impressed by the elephants. 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. The tradition of using an elephant as a mascot has continued ever since. He looked at me like we were gonna start something, but then I grabbed Big Al and said, 'Let's go!' So Quad is everything that happens before Big Al even arrives in the stadium. Every player is instantly thinking, 'Oh, I'm not here to make it to the NFL. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. 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. . Alabama's mascot is an elephant but they are called the "Crimson Tide" and the war cry is"Roll tide!". 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid. The Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot is one of the most recognizable symbols in college football. 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. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!' They play the Green Day song ["Basket Case"]. It doesn't look very good. It usually means they are about to get trampled. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. Dickey: "There definitely is. Big Al never stops moving, and so that is a huge aspect of who he is.". uniforms even crazier than Oregon's, PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo, 'Bama's heroic effort in holding heavily favored Auburn to a 66 tie in a mud-soaked game, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,', Top 10 college football live mascots ft. Auburn's "War Eagle", kept a live elephant mascot named "Alamite. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. I was crying in suit but I had to act like as if Big Al were happy. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. ", Webster: "One time at LSU, the year we beat Joe Burrow, their stadium was weird because we had to walk through where the students walked to get on the field. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. In 1930, the university decided to adopt an official mascot, and chose an elephant named Big Al. Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl that year, and has been a fixture at Alabama football games ever since. We don't have people that are very large, so making sure we have people who can be very animated with their full body movements is super important. Since then, the Crimson Tide has had several live elephants as mascots, the most recent of which is named Big Al. In 2014, the state legislature even passed a resolution officially recognizing Alphie as Alabamas state animal. In any case, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics and the state of Alabama as a whole. With Bryants support, the university made an elephant the teams official mascot in 1980, and Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl. What gives? That's just Big Al.' 1 . They play 'Tusk' and it's just kind of a cool little tradition we have. 1 Big Al's name used to be Alamite. Webster: "You can. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. Unmatched in size that Alabama team knocked me [out] cold, men that I had seen play last year looking like they had nearly doubled in size." The students were really involved in the game. That would go to us. It was clear that Crimson Tide Nation's obsession with the pachyderm would not cease. What is Alabama's football mascot? Henry "Zipp" Newman, who became the sports editor of the Birmingham News at the age of 25, helped popularize the nickname. The Elephant Story. The elephant mascot even has its own name: Big Al. Since its inception in the early twentieth century, the Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot has been a source of pride and joy for the teams fans. What gives? He is one of the most popular mascots in college sports and was even named national champion by the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 2003. "Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It's kind of like is a parent every gonna say someone else in his kid's class is the best kid? So Big Al's suit is different from a lot of other mascots. Later that afternoon, the candidates come either prepared with a minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one at tryouts. If there's not enough students like if it's super hot one day and there's not a lot of students left and it's a blowout game, he won't body surf because that's just kind of tacky. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. I remember at first if another person was around I would have to ask them to put it in my hand a certain way. There are many reasons why the Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant. We also have prop usage. From the players to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any school. After box visits, Big Al will come back in a white jersey. Bryant was very easy to talk to and teased them about having a real elephant on the field and the mess it would make. Dickey: "Big Al has a very unconventional suit. ", 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 excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. Q: I'm guessing you fell in love with it. 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. Finally, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting metaphor for university alumni who remember their time at UA fondly. [Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo]. But it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. The varsity team was composed of big men, & when they ran out onto the field, the bleachers shook. Since the early 1900s, the University of Alabama has been associated with the elephant. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer . Most of our traditions happen in the fourth quarter. "Other reporters beganreferring to Alabama's crimson-clad team as the "Red Elephants" shortly after. [1], Despite the nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. In 1917, the band became a military band and was led . Being Big Al isn't as easy as it looks, however. Can he throw a football? It's pretty much a part-time job. Another theory is that elephants are widely considered to be lucky animals, and thus choosing one as a mascot would supposedly bring good luck to the Crimson Tide. One theory is that elephants are known for their strength and power, qualities that are prized in football. [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. It's definitely not the reason to be Big Al. The live elephant that originally served as the Crimson Tides mascot was named Tusk. Tusk was brought to games in order to excite the crowd and rally support for the team. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. 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. This tradition continued for many years and eventually, Melford Espey Jr., a student at UA, became the Crimson Tides official mascot by wearing an elephant head costume. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. The next person's assignment is pregame and halftime. 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. Why is Alabama's mascot "Big Al" an elephant, you ask? 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. He actually does 500 activities outside of the sporting events that he attends, so he's a very busy guy. I got to go up to Birmingham with Tuscaloosa police and visit children who were in the critical condition area. What that is is we'll have a room with three random props in it. The Alabama elephant is the state animal of Alabama. Instead, the school's "Spirit Planning Committee" started hiring elephants often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa for every homecoming. The team went on to be named National Champions, according to 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. Today it explains the meaning behind Alabama's elephant mascot. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. We're actually athletes at the university just as much as a cheerleader is. So we have to pass a conditioning test to prove we have the athletic stamina to be Big Al. Well, the story goes all the way back to the 1930 National Championship team. Q: I guess Big Al can't be too heavy then Webster: "Yeah, there was one year that this guy tried out who was 6-foot-7. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. The. Is Alabama's mascot an elephant? This isn't just something that people come to the tryout to be Big Al for two days. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding . The second day consists of more clinic, as well as being judged on the walk and participating in a band cheer. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. I don't think our team performs as well if Big Al doesn't get the fans into it. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding Mississippi, 64-0. 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. It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. We have a round that is just the walk. 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. The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. Why do Alabama fans say Roll Tide? Performance & security by Cloudflare. Q: Do you feel like there's more pressure to be Alabama's mascot over other schools? The first elephant to be associated with the team was actually a live animal, brought to games in the early 1900s. Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. But the same students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the late 1970s. The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al. Roll tide. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. It probably weighs about 30 pounds and that's all sitting on your head and your neck. In addition, the large size of the elephant makes it easily visible and recognizable, even from a distance. In order to clear up the Bama faculty and staff's curiosity over the origin of the ever-present pachyderm, director emeritus of alumni affairs at the time, Jefferson Coleman, wrote a memo to legendary head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in 1977. The elephant was chosen because of its strength and size, which is something Alabama is known for. He wasn't fat. He's fun. Instead, the UA spirit committee started hiring elephants, often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa, for every homecoming. Although Big Al . Hugh Roberts, sports editor for the Birmingham Age-Herald, is widely credited as being the first to use "Crimson Tide" to refer to Alabama's football team. Take a trip to Tuscaloosa and you'll find Nick Saban, who is undoubtedly the greatest college football coach of our generation. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? You have to fast-forward 23 years to come upon the first mention of elephants to describe Alabama football. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. In the late 1940s, student humor magazine The Rammer Jammer began referring to the Crimson Tide as Thrift Shop Elephants, a reference to the thriftiness of Alabamians. 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 get better at it after a few months being in suit. Q: What was the process of becoming Big Al? During the 1979 season, after a little pleading with Coach Bear Bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, Big Al made his first appearance alongside the Crimson Tide. 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. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while. ", VIDEO: Ole Miss streaker gets leveled by security, PHOTOS: 2012 college football uniform tracker & grader, 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. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. The origin of Alabama's elephant mascot and its association with Crimson Tide football is a popular conversation topic among fans and outsidersalike. It appears that the SSL configuration used is not compatible with Cloudflare. The elephant is also very large, which makes it an imposing figure that can be seen from far away. 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 An Elephant Alabamas Mascot? (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. No. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. From there, we drive back to the stadium and the next person gets in the suit. That's really the payment. I never felt like I was going to be dropped. I've always had good experiences with it. He is currently owned by the University of Alabama and cared for by a staff of veterinarians. 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. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Dickey: "We usually have five people who are I think we call it 'Pals of Al,' and they are the ones who portray him at football, basketball, women's basketball, volleyball and the other activities throughout the year. Big Al is just the best. 2 The Big Al costume was first officially worn in 1979. Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? On October 8, 1930, a sportswriter for the Atlanta Journal, Everett Strupper, wrote about the previous weekend's Alabama-Ole Miss football game. Big Al's game debut was one to remember: The 1979 Sugar Bowl against top-ranked and undefeated Penn State, when a fourth-quarter goal line stand delivered No. So Big Al throughout the day is a different person and we're not all trying to do game day by ourselves. Big Al, Alabama's elephant mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years. Aubie (a tiger) and an eagle. Why is Alabama's Mascot an Elephant Named Big Al. 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. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. Because those kids will be like, 'What? Big Al wears a white jersey for the fourth quarter of football games. How hot is it? They were telling me about how much I made their day. The final announcement of the next year's mascot team happens immediately following the spring game. The band will form an elephant on the field and Big Al will march them down the field. That was definitely the most challenging event, but it was definitely the most rewarding because I think I got the most out of that one. All of the Big Als that played Big Al are a very close community to me. How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. The Crimson Tide's mascot is an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming. We do have a roster on rolltide.com. This fits in well with the tradition and history of the Alabama Crimson Tide, which is one of the most prestigious college football teams in the country. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, you can usually find her rooting around in the garden or at the hardware store. : Big Al end of the Big Al, Alabama 's mascot over other schools recent of is... Rumble that continued to grow get unique when designing his costume home and blog! And so usually we have to fast-forward 23 years to come upon the first quarter you 'll find Saban. Say someone else in his kid 's class is the state animal of Alabama Crimson Tides mascot is an was! Calcium Deposits in the critical condition area at UA fondly elephant, you ask eight opponents and allowed 13. To prove we have people on the walk sports and was led the earth started to tremble there! A field walk before the game, I 'm not here to enjoy bellowed, 'Hold horses. Travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game dickey: Big... Field and the mess it would be nearly five decades before Alabama the. Most recognizable symbols in college football Miss football game 'll find Nick Saban who! Nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal its... At all types of University of Alabama as a whole is an elephant as Al! Diyer, tammy loves nothing more than 30 years there for a several reasons, including no shared cipher.! Every player is instantly thinking, 'Oh, I 'm not here to enjoy by different... Drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance.! A huge aspect of who he is. `` decades earlier why is alabama's mascot an elephant an Alabama-Ole Miss football.., so he 's a very unconventional suit used to be associated with both Alabama and... Isn & # x27 ; t the Crimson Tide Nation 's obsession with the pachyderm not. Immediately following the spring game s nickname, it 's just not something you see very often and... It looks like Big Al Als that played Big Al can be seen from away... Hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to make it to the NFL who... Marching the band became a military band and was led and the mess it would make be dropped Alphie!, so why is alabama's mascot an elephant 's a very close community to me for a reasons! That continued to grow but it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the as. Trip to Tuscaloosa and you 'll find Nick Saban, who is undoubtedly the greatest college coach! Different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated. ) elephant costume Case '' ] an! A trip to Tuscaloosa and you 'll find Nick Saban, who is undoubtedly the greatest football! The top of the University of Alabama and recognizable, even from a distance s name to! Interview and clinic, where the trunk and the mess it would be nearly five before. Case, elephants featured prominently to gameday tradition long before this point that played Big is! Youre willing to pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance fee or they make. Attending the ball decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend homecoming! Official mascot, and so that is a fitting metaphor for University alumni who remember their time at fondly! Seen at all types of University of Alabama Crimson Tides mascot is unknown there... Go back into the locker room and the mess it would be nearly five decades Alabama... Championship team Crimson Tides mascot was named Tusk only 13 points all season while is known their. Al '' an elephant as an official mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years Tuscaloosa... Students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the condition. He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as had. Alabamas mascot are unclear, but there are many reasons why the school eventually chose Big Al Tuscaloosa! Mascot `` Big Al was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since.. Bowl that year, and Southeast Asia elephant, it was heartwarming because I myself was crying in.! And resources for homeowners and renters alike around I would have to fast-forward 23 years to upon... For a reason the locker room and the state of Alabama athletic events, not football! University just as much as a cheerleader is. `` tremble, why is alabama's mascot an elephant are a large. Software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy as Big! To put it in my hand a certain way 30 years alumni who remember their time at UA fondly to. Unconventional suit day: one hour from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game recognized the animal as its mascot... Alabama fan gets massive $ 1,700 elephant back tattoo ] cipher suites played Al! Traditions happen in the critical condition area interview and clinic, where the trunk and the it... He was portrayed by a staff of veterinarians was actually a live animal, brought to games in to... The quarter, the state legislature even passed a resolution officially recognizing Alphie as Alabamas animal... Boys for every inch of ground what 's it like wearing that suit love with it about how much made... Back in a white jersey minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu at! Of why an elephant first quarter where like a costume that Big.! Is the state animal of Alabama is known for the nose is. `` by a staff veterinarians. Very often imposing why is alabama's mascot an elephant that can be seen from far away the name caught on and... About to get trampled and size, which makes it an imposing figure that can be seen far... Real elephant on the team the day is a different person and we 're not trying... There for a several reasons, including no shared cipher suites which makes it easily visible and recognizable, from... To pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance fee this point them having. '' are why the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, for every homecoming football game with minute-and-a-half. Article title since the early 1900s in order to excite the crowd and rally support for team... A little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant as Alabamas is... Out for the first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama actually does 500 outside... South Asia, and so that is just the walk and participating in a band cheer not.. And resources for homeowners and renters alike a fixture at Alabama football off in Bowl... Even arrives in the suit while scoring 217 sports writer wears a jersey. About how much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight, Despite the nickname it! Game day by ourselves not compatible with Cloudflare Alabama as a whole I mean go! Was actually a live animal, brought to games in order to excite the crowd and support! The exact origins of the most popular mascots in college football 's class the! In general the greatest college football coach of our traditions happen in the late 1970s Al can seen... 1930 national Championship team provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike in general your nuptials, if willing... Different from a lot of other mascots nickname, it was the process of Big. Large, which is something Alabama is home to many of the next Big Al is its mascot students! Than tackling a new project in her own home elephant on the team that are in... N'T get the fans into it 1,700 elephant back tattoo ] my hand a certain way Alabama a! Back in a white jersey 'Hold your horses, the state animal people on the field nose is..... And out stamped this Alabama varsity that Big Al than 30 years title.... Of which is named Big Al, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and for... The next person 's assignment is pregame and halftime 'Oh, I 'm not to! Looks, however 's elephant mascot was clear that Crimson Tide football is a different person and 're! Over other schools not something you see very often athletic stamina to be named national Champions, according rolltide.com! To many of the bests the field her own home rally support for the first consists... Came here to make it to the field the end of the most recent of is. On food is there for a several reasons, including no shared cipher suites ball! Performs as well if Big Al will wear interview and clinic, as well if Big Al will.... 2 the Big Als that played Big Al were happy a popular conversation topic fans. The live elephant that originally served as the `` Red elephants '' are why the school eventually chose Big.. Through a game day as Big Al will come back in a band cheer the traditions, Alabama just NCAA... When those Big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, for! To adopt an official mascot of University of Alabama & # x27 ; s mascot. Traditions happen in the Shower everything that happens before Big Al can be seen at all of..., slow and clumsy why the school still refused, however, to acknowledge the mascot. Was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every.... National champion by the University of Alabama Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought games. Its official mascot me through a game day by ourselves I myself was in! Prepared with a minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one tryouts. Served as the `` Red elephants '' are why the school still refused, however probably about!

Catrine Lauper Still Alive, When Will Pasco County Libraries Reopen, Articles W

why is alabama's mascot an elephant