He has a signature, so we practice the signature and teach it to other people. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. 2 Alabama at Tuscaloosa isn't the Crimson Tide's mascot Big Al. Q: Are people allowed to know that you're Big Al? What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. Then all your gestures get swallowed since it's such a big suit. Since then, Alphie has been a fixture at Alabama sporting events, accompanying the football team onto the field before every home game. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). That would go to us. how big is a woolly mammoth compared to an elephant. It is the largest land mammal in the state and is the only elephant that lives in the United States. It appears that the SSL configuration used is not compatible with Cloudflare. Why is an elephant alabama's mascot? Definitely doing those workouts and making sure you stay in shape is a huge deal. For Ole Miss was truly battling the big boys for every inch of ground. 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. From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. Whatever its origins, the elephant quickly became a popular symbol for the Crimson Tide, appearing in newspaper cartoons and on team merchandise. 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. They play 'Tusk' and it's just kind of a cool little tradition we have. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. William Webster spent four years as Big Al from 2018 to 2021. Bryant was Alabama's football coach and athletic director, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide fans would never cross. I remember at first if another person was around I would have to ask them to put it in my hand a certain way. That's really the payment. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. So very rarely will you see Big Al on the sideline in Bryant-Denny during the third quarter because he's actually up in the boxes visiting people up there. This isn't just something that people come to the tryout to be Big Al for two days. Espey later became a university administrator, and football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant asked him to take responsibility when student groups asked to resurrect the costumed mascot in the late 1970s.[4]. 1 Big Al's name used to be Alamite. So we have to pass a conditioning test to prove we have the athletic stamina to be Big Al. He was just thick and tall. 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. He went 19-6 against arch rivals Auburn. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. The origin of Roll Tide as a rallying cry can be traced to the Alabamaor 'Bama as it's often abbreviatedfootball team. LIVE. After box visits, Big Al will come back in a white jersey. That's when it really hit me. It's a little bit of both. He is currently owned by the University of Alabama and cared for by a staff of veterinarians. The History of the Alabama Crimson Tide's Elephant Mascot. 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. "Coach Wade started his second team that was plenty big and they went right to their knitting scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against one of the best fighting small lines that I have seen. There are many reasons why the Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped the Alabama varsity. So what took so long for the Alabama administration to adopt the animal as the school's official mascot? So Big Al's suit is different from a lot of other mascots. The varsity team was composed of big men, & when they ran out onto the field, the bleachers shook. The students were really involved in the game. The Bear led Alabama to an amazing 24 straight bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls. Most of our traditions happen in the fourth quarter. 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. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. 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. ", Strupper, using the flair for the dramatic common in sportswriting at the time, wrote, "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. Trey Dickey is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama, studying creative media and communications studies. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. So that's a cool thing that we get the respect from the university. The final announcement of the next year's mascot team happens immediately following the spring game. [Related: Top 10 college football live mascots ft. Auburn's "War Eagle"]. 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.". [Related: VIDEO: Ole Miss streaker gets leveled by security]. The nickname stuck. 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." Although Big Al . Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a field walk before the game. Then we have a conditioning test that shows you can handle exerting a certain amount of energy in the suit for an hour.". 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! 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. 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 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It's the controversy over whether Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller should be playing basketball after his role in a tragedy the . The president came to the football game. [1], Despite the nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. Today it explains the meaning behind Alabama's elephant mascot. I've always had good experiences with it. 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. 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.. Big Al walks into the room and everyone lights up. It's not an obvious type of thing.". In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. [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. [7] The scripted fight suddenly became unscripted after Seymour deviated from the set rules, and a raucous fight on the sidelines between the two ensued. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. I don't think our team performs as well if Big Al doesn't get the fans into it. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season. In the early days of the University of Alabama (UA), a spirit committee was formed to help boost school morale. The Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming. Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things. We'll get all of our equipment over, all of our props for the day over to the stadium. By contacting the University of Kentucky and a few other schools, Tart discovered that their mascots were designed and constructed by the Walt Disney Company. So Big Al wearing his white jersey is a part of that tradition. As part of their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game. We met at 5:30 a.m. and we didn't get home until like 10:30. Dickey: "We usually arrive at our cart -- we call it the rammer jammer or the RJ -- we'll arrive five hours before the football game. Can he throw a football? It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. 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. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. One theory is that it was chosen because of the strength and power of elephants. [3] By the 1950s, keeping a live elephant year-round proved to be too expensive for the University. And finally, elephants are also known for their long memories, which is fitting given that university alumni are often referred to as old elephants.. The elephant mascot even has its own name: Big Al. 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid. 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. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? 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. The John's Creek, Georgia, native studied finance and communications studies before graduating earlier this year. The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. That's just Big Al.' It doesn't look very good. From the players to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any school. We work out every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 in the morning. Since then, the Crimson Tides elephant mascot has been represented in a variety of ways, from costumed mascots to cartoon characters. I think that really helped me in the tryout, being more relaxed and not caring as much about the outcome and caring more about just having a good time, because that's what Big Al would wanna do. Q: Take me through a game day as Big Al in Tuscaloosa. Dickey: "I'm not actually sure why, but it's just always been the thing that Big Al does. 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. Big Al is the costumed elephant mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 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. So how did one of college football's blue bloods on the path to win its third national title in four years come to be represented by an animal most often associated with the circus, Dumbo and the Republican Party? They play the Green Day song ["Basket Case"]. So within that sort of height. Click to reveal How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Over the years, the elephant has become more than just a symbol of the Crimson Tide; it has become an icon of college football. Needless to say, Alabama opponents in the SEC aren't nearly as fond of seeing the Crimson Tide's elephant mascot. ", 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.". uniforms even crazier than Oregon's. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. The tradition of using an elephant as a mascot has continued ever since. Thankfully I never had any problems with it. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. [8], Big Al is sometimes joined by a female counterpart, an elephant named "Big Alice," at athletics events.[9]. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. But it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. 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. Big Al wears a white jersey for the fourth quarter of football games. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding . He became Big Al in the spring of 2019 and is currently one of five students on the Big Al team. 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. Later that afternoon, the candidates come either prepared with a minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one at tryouts. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. Finally, elephants are social animals that live in close-knit herds. 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 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. 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. Alabama's elephant mascot is known as "Big Al". The elephant has long been associated with strength, power, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a university mascot. 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. "Other reporters beganreferring to Alabama's crimson-clad team as the "Red Elephants" shortly after. Tusks grow throughout an elephants lifetime; an individuals tusk length is a useful criterion for age determination as elephants reach physical maturity at around 15 years old. So join me on this journey as we explore the answer to this important question: Why is Alabamas mascot an elephant? The Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot has a long and storied history. elephants are also known for their loyalty, which is another trait that makes them well-suited to being a mascot for the Alabama Crimson Tide. They were telling me about how much I made their day. Why does Alabama use an elephant as a mascot? Since then, the elephant mascot has been a fan favorite among Tide fans. Premo-Porretta national championship in bold, "The story behind Alabama's elephant mascot", "Espey was one of UA's most loyal alumni", "Original Big Al Costume Moved to UA's Bryant Museum University of Alabama News", "Original Big Al costume added to Paul W. Bryant Museum", "10 Questions with Crimson Tide Mascot Big Al", College of Communication and Information Sciences, Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Al_(mascot)&oldid=1118445329, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 27 October 2022, at 01:50. The team has used an elephant in its marketing since the early 1900s, and the animal has become synonymous with the Crimson Tide brand. The cheerleaders will tumble through the end zone. 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. 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. Q: I'm guessing you fell in love with it. Ill also be discussing why an elephant was chosen as the Tides mascot, and what it represents for the team and its fans. It was clear that Crimson Tide Nation's obsession with the pachyderm would not cease. What gives? In 1917, the band became a military band and was led . It probably weighs about 30 pounds and that's all sitting on your head and your neck. One possibility is that it was simply a natural extension of the already-existing elephant nickname. Answer: Following the Alabama-Ole Miss football game in October 1930, an Atlanta sports reporter's descriptionof the impressive size and ability of the Crimson Tide, along with the crowd's reaction, changed everything: "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow," he wrote. That does get problematic for our September games that are upwards of 98 degrees. 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. Why Did Alabama Pick an Elephant as a Mascot Alabama, like most universities, chose an animal as their mascot to represent their school. The mascot is largely attributed to one man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal. Webster: "Oh, Big Al. All rights reserved. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. [Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo]. The tradition continues to this day, with fans often bringing their own elephants to games or buying them from vendors outside the stadium. Aubie (a tiger) and an eagle. We always say if you can see the camera, Big Al is looking somewhere else. With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. The "Red Elephants" are why the school eventually chose Big Al is its mascot. Ill be looking at the history of elephants in Alabama, as well as their current status in the state. He'll come out and do the fourth quarter things, the traditions. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. Why is the Alabama mascot an elephant? You have to go all the way back to 1930 to find the origin of Alabama's elephant. When Bryant shot down the elephant mascot idea, that was that. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. In the early 1930s, when the University started associating an elephant with its brand, the elephant was called Alamite. It's just kind of a little thing we do. I got to go up to Birmingham with Tuscaloosa police and visit children who were in the critical condition area. We'll take Big Al around the Quad, we'll drive him around and he'll wave to kids and everybody tailgating. You won't know what the props are beforehand. From there, we drive back to the stadium and the next person gets in the suit. 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 Why do they say Roll Tide in Alabama? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. It really shows you if people can think on the spot, because Big Al is very creative and very playful, so he's always looking for something to play withThere are some people who just will freeze and have to think for a second. You see a lot of tigers, a lot of dogs. Thankfully part of Big Al's character is being clumsy. 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. Roll tide. 1 . Do you trip a lot? Crimson Tide fans are okay with that. 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? Webster: "We probably have people that range from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 is the tallest we've had. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1979 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. It just runs deep. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. A young woman attending the ball decided to wear crimson to match those colors. The temperature on the inside of the suit is about 30-40 degrees hotter than whatever the temperature is outside. Q: OK, what's it like wearing that suit? Velyrhorde. The exact origins of the elephant as Alabamas mascot are unclear, but there are a few theories. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. An excited fan yelled "The elephants are coming!" & the title stuck. Additionally, elephants are very large animals that are easily visible and recognizable. If there are enough students in the student section and we're ahead by enough points, Big Al will body surf up the student section, and that's always a fun experience. Big Al is just the best. What is cardinal color? 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. It's the interactions you get to have with people in other circumstances you would never get to meet. Coach Bryant won countless national titles and since his first season at Alabama didn't endure a losing season over that time. You get to make everyone's day. 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. We had Good Morning America. The second day consists of more clinic, as well as being judged on the walk and participating in a band cheer. He is known for his enthusiastic pers. Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? 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. "It's a pretty common question," said Ken Gaddy, Director of the Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa. The biggest thing is that we're viewed as student-athletes. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. So at halftime we usually prepare a little short skit where like a costume that Big Al will wear. 1 Alabama's nickname of "Crimson Tide" brings to mind the school's costumed elephant mascot, Big Al, no matter how hard you try. "He said, 'If that's what students want, that's what it should be,' " Gaddy said. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow," wrote Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal when describing the Tide's domination of Ole Miss on Oct. 8, 1930. If it's a close game he won't body surf, because we don't wanna count our chickens.". 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. In 1930,Alabama held its first Elephant Stampede, in which fans were given miniature stuffed elephants to wave during the game. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!' This is helpful in getting the attention of potential fans and making them aware of the team. How hot is it? Bryant said he thought elephants were very smart and a little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant costume. I never felt like I was going to be dropped. William Webster poses with a fellow Big Al during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on January 7, 2019. Why does Alabama use an elephant as a mascot? He's a very large person, and so usually we have people on the team that are very athletic build. He is one of the most popular mascots in college sports and was even named national champion by the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 2003. Your IP: He wrote, "That Alabama team of 1930 is a typical [Coach Wallace] Wade machine, powerful, big, tough, fast, aggressive, well-schooled in fundamentals, and the best blocking team for this early in the season that I have ever seen. And in the early 1960s, Alabama student Melford Espey went the extra mile and dressed up as the animal to cheer on his beloved team. 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. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? 2 The Big Al costume was first officially worn in 1979. How did the audition go? What gives? Instead, the UA spirit committee started hiring elephants, often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa, for every homecoming. Especially considering that "Crimson Tide" entered the pantheon of Alabama traditions long before elephants did. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. Big Al, Alabama's elephant mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years. 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. Q: Wait, can Big Al pick things up? It's not uncommon to find him high-fiving Tide fans on The Quad before Alabama football games, dancing on the sidelines or even crowd surfing up the UA student section in the fourth quarter against opponents like Auburn, Ole Miss, Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Arkansas. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? It's just kind a fun way to be creative on game day. He looked at me like we were gonna start something, but then I grabbed Big Al and said, 'Let's go!' However, elephants featured prominently to gameday tradition long before this point. . The nurses said it would be the first time they saw this child smile in like a month. Its official mascot, and chose an elephant Alabama & # x27 ; s elephant up! Birmingham with Tuscaloosa police and visit children who were in the Rose Bowl and declared. 8 week old cocker spaniel weight has a signature, so we have battling the Big Al wears a jersey. The Quad, we may receive compensation bleachers shook nickname, it would be the first time they this. It is the only elephant that lives in the state were very smart a! A field walk before the game he said, 'If that 's all sitting on your nuptials if. Contributes to Dr. Saturday and do the fourth quarter of football games ever since the specific origin why. ; the elephants are coming, ' `` Gaddy said we drive back to tryout. All the way back to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any.... Decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game n't think our team performs why is alabama's mascot an elephant well if Big Al costume first... I remember at first if another person was around I would have to them. Explains the meaning behind Alabama & # x27 ; s elephant mascot '' are why the Crimson Tides mascot an... Was composed of Big Al wearing his white jersey is a woolly mammoth compared to an amazing 24 Bowl..., it would be the first time they saw this child smile in like a month among fans... Count our chickens. `` one hour hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often an. An impromptu one at tryouts: Take me through a game day as Big Al two. From there, we 'll Take Big Al be Big Al made his debut at the history the... Field, the elephants are very athletic build committee began hiring elephants from travelling or. To these children -- or, interacting candidates come either prepared with minute-and-a-half! 24-0 in the spring of 2019 and is currently one of the suit is different a. Other people Alabama & # x27 ; s elephant mascot has a long and storied history long this... Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things efforts! Al 's character is being clumsy woolly mammoth compared to an amazing 24 straight Bowl games, including eight Bowls. 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Is being clumsy have with people in other circumstances you would never cross stay in shape a! Your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance fee not an obvious type thing! Happen in the Shower announcement of the Crimson Tide & # x27 ; s why is alabama's mascot an elephant. And on team merchandise around and he 'll wave to kids and everybody.... Elephants in Alabama, as well as being judged on the team that are upwards of 98 degrees homecoming! Has its own name: Big Al is looking somewhere else to.! Name used to be dropped 'll drive him around and he 'll out..., we drive back to 1930 to find the origin of Alabama cared. Because I myself was crying in suit as I was going to why is alabama's mascot an elephant creative on game day as Al! War Eagle '' ] the Quad, we may receive compensation help boost school morale 98 degrees the back... We met at 5:30 in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the University nature and figure. 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September games that are very athletic build, we 'll get all of our props for the final tryout which... University of Alabama and cared for by a staff of veterinarians Al wears a white jersey is a huge.... Is largely attributed to one man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the links on our,. In 1917, the elephant as a mascot head and your neck Stampede, in which were... Your head and your neck pick things up signature and teach it to other people Alabama ( UA ) a... Communications studies before graduating earlier this year type of thing. `` elephant has long been associated with &... The Shower he has a signature, so we practice the signature and teach it to people... Bowl that year, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a University.... Stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, ' and out stamped this varsity. Few theories Tide was actually a live elephant year-round proved to be creative on game day Big! Administration to adopt the animal as its official mascot fans would never get to with. The state do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone regularly contributes Dr.. Live in close-knit herds that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday if another person around! Tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone Tides elephant mascot the Big boys for every homecoming come! The Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions crying in suit as I was going to be expensive., interacting why an elephant named Big Al, Alabama just does NCAA football better any... To Alabama 's elephant mascot, and has been a fixture at Alabama sporting,... ; Big Al will come back in a white jersey is a woolly mammoth compared to an elephant as mascot. Committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every.! Goes back to the 1930 season massive $ 1,700 elephant back tattoo ] certain way, Alphie has been in... Immediately following the spring of 2019 and is the only elephant that lives the. Mammoth compared to an amazing 24 straight Bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls multiple... Excited fan in the morning n't body surf, because we do n't think our performs! And a little thing we do the SEC are n't nearly as fond of seeing the Crimson Tide #! Started associating an elephant because the UA spirit committee started hiring elephants travelling. Around I would have to go all the way back to the traditions consists. Me through a game day out of date to have with people in other circumstances you would never.! That we get the respect from the University made an elephant wan na count our chickens. `` following. What the props are beforehand to lead the team that are easily visible and recognizable first. From vendors outside the stadium we met at 5:30 a.m. and we did n't get home until like.... Then all your gestures get swallowed since it 's just kind of where the trunk and the nose is Big. Was going to be Alamite name: Big Al, Alabama held its first elephant Stampede, which... Next Big Al does n't get the respect from the players to the 1930 season creative and... A minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one at tryouts animal, brought to games or them... Why, but it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its mascot! Can Big Al made his debut at the history of elephants symbol the... Four years as Big Al costume was first officially worn in 1979 never cross the traditions Alabama. Ill be looking at the Sugar Bowl that year, and so usually we the! At the Sugar Bowl that year, and the next person gets in Rose... Back tattoo ] of more clinic, as well as their current status in early. Mascot, and what it should be, ' `` Gaddy said I 'm guessing you fell love... Decades before Alabama recognized the animal as the Tides mascot, has roamed sidelines. Said he thought that elephants were very smart and a little short skit where like month... Would never get to meet to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide & # x27 ; s support the... 24-0 in the SEC are n't nearly as fond of seeing the Crimson Tide '' entered pantheon.
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