why is alabama's mascot an elephant

Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. ", Webster: "It's definitely crazy hot. 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. 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. [7], While allowed to do some planned photo-ops with other mascots (such as Aubie from archrival Auburn University), Big Al, per University rules, is generally not allowed to interact with opponent mascots on the field. But it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. Then we have a conditioning test that shows you can handle exerting a certain amount of energy in the suit for an hour.". Do you trip a lot? 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]. 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. Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things. What gives? What gives? Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a field walk before the game. So at halftime we usually prepare a little short skit where like a costume that Big Al will wear. Why Is Alabama'Smascot An Elephant - Related Questions How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? 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. I was crying in suit but I had to act like as if Big Al were happy. Q: What was the process of becoming Big Al? He went 19-6 against arch rivals Auburn. Ill be looking at the history of elephants in Alabama, as well as their current status in the state. It's pretty much a part-time job. 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. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!' He is known for his enthusiastic pers. 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. Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? They always get us to the top.". So what took so long for the Alabama administration to adopt the animal as the school's official mascot? 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 mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Big Al is the costumed mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. It just takes some practice, for sure. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Although Big Al . It kind of symbols a sign of 'we made it, let's finish this.' Webster: "It's fun. It's kind of like a pregame pep rally an hour before kickoff where the band will perform, and so the band will perform, cheer will do cheers and Big Al just kind of dances around and has a great time for everybody tailgating on the quad. He was kind of drunk, so after he tapped in and hit him, I just kind of pushed him harder than he pushed Big Al -- into the wall. how big is a woolly mammoth compared to an elephant. He was just thick and tall. He wasn't fat. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. Big Al made his first appearance at an Alabama football game in 1979 and has been a staple at Crimson Tide football games ever since. One theory is that elephants are known for their strength and power, qualities that are prized in football. ", 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. 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). In 1917, the band became a military band and was led . 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. 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. "It's special to the kids that relate to him," Gaddy said. It's relaxing. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. In 2014, the state legislature even passed a resolution officially recognizing Alphie as Alabamas state animal. Instead, the school's "Spirit Planning Committee" started hiring elephants often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa for every homecoming. One theory is that it was chosen because of the strength and power of elephants. You get better at it after a few months being in suit. 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. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. As part of their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game. Henry "Zipp" Newman, who became the sports editor of the Birmingham News at the age of 25, helped popularize the nickname. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Whatever its origins, the elephant quickly became a popular symbol for the Crimson Tide, appearing in newspaper cartoons and on team merchandise. 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. Big Al walks in to the room and he has to interact with the props in multiple different ways, but he can't use any of the props for their intended purpose. Big Al is the costumed elephant mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The tradition of an elephant mascot continued for many years, with various live animals appearing at games and even marching in parades. ", Webster: "I think it's on the website too but if a corporate company wants Big Al its $400 to the university. And the rest is history. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The biggest thing is that we're viewed as student-athletes. It's not an obvious type of thing.". Additional troubleshooting information here. The Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming. The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. Additionally, elephants are very large animals that are easily visible and recognizable. Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. So Big Al throughout the day is a different person and we're not all trying to do game day by ourselves. The origin of Alabama's elephant mascot and its association with Crimson Tide football is a popular conversation topic among fans and outsidersalike. after a little pleading with Coach Bear Bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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? This isn't just something that people come to the tryout to be Big Al for two days. 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. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. I don't know how else to put it.". Q: How does being Big Al work with multiple people? You have to fast-forward 23 years to come upon the first mention of elephants to describe Alabama football. Big Al has a significant walk that is a trademark of who he is. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. The Million Dollar Band performing at a football game. William Webster spent four years as Big Al from 2018 to 2021. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. The elephants regal nature underscores this fact. Given this close association, it seems likely that the Crimson Tides elephant mascot will be around for many years to come. There are several reasons why this is so. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The fact that he's an elephant, it's just not something you see very often. We had SEC Nation. That does get problematic for our September games that are upwards of 98 degrees. 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. From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. Q: What's crowd surfing up the student section like? The History of the Alabama Crimson Tide's Elephant Mascot. Auburn has two mascots. How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Compared to its more fearsome mascot counterparts around the country like LSU's live tiger, Mike, Big Al looks like a big stuffed animal. Big Al wears a white jersey for the fourth quarter of football games. He became Big Al in the spring of 2019 and is currently one of five students on the Big Al team. Q: So you have to have a certain height and weight to be Big Al? As a result of DJ Al's popularity, a campaign was started on campus to name the mascot after him, and that campaign succeeded at the polls. The elephant is an excellent choice for a mascot for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He made his debut at a home game against Vanderbilt in 1979 and has been a fixture at Alabama athletics events ever since. "He said, 'If that's what students want, that's what it should be,' " Gaddy said. 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 mirrors the close bond that exists between members of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team and its fans. The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. 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.. Even though the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took decades for the Big Al mascot to come to fruition. The Bear led Alabama to an amazing 24 straight bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls. Definitely doing those workouts and making sure you stay in shape is a huge deal. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. The more you return and the more you dedicate to the program, the more you get in scholarship money. 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." 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. You have to go all the way back to 1930 to find the origin of Alabama's elephant. ", Dickey: "With us being a part of the cheer program, the cheer program has a set amount of money for scholarships throughout the year. 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. [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. 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? The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. How did the audition go? 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. uniforms even crazier than Oregon's. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. That's really the payment. "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. All of the Big Als that played Big Al are a very close community to me. The Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot has a long and storied history. The African elephant is larger than its Asian counterpart and has larger ears. 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.". "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. Why is Alabama's Mascot an Elephant Named Big Al. You may think you're waving appropriately, but it looks like Big Al is doing it smaller. Trey Dickey is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama, studying creative media and communications studies. Thankfully I never had any problems with it. 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. Roll tide. In the early 1930s, when the University started associating an elephant with its brand, the elephant was called Alamite. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? I never felt like I was going to be dropped. 2 Alabama the national title. 167.114.26.66 He is directly the reason that Alabama has performance on the field, obviously. Nothing about No. If you've ever wondered what it's like to put on the suit that practically doubles as a furnace, look no further. This is where they are scored for going in public in a non-athletic event setting and interacting with the public. You get to make everyone's day. Why does Alabama use an elephant as a mascot? The. 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. (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). It's just kind of a little thing we do. All these things and the game was at 2:30. Usually, if you're a first-year on the team you get a little bit less than everyone else on the team. It just runs deep. [Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo]. We're not just some kid that's dressing up. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. An excited fan yelled "The elephants are coming!" & the title stuck. [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. The team has used an elephant in its marketing since the early 1900s, and the animal has become synonymous with the Crimson Tide brand. 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. Bryant said he thought elephants were very smart and a little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant costume. Webster: "We probably have people that range from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 is the tallest we've had. Performance & security by Cloudflare. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. That person is in charge of the first quarter and third quarter, because in the third quarter we do box visits. It usually means they are about to get trampled. and kind of ran onto the field and all was goodthankfully nothing too bad.". "Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. 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. It's the controversy over whether Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller should be playing basketball after his role in a tragedy the . So within that sort of height. I got to go up to Birmingham with Tuscaloosa police and visit children who were in the critical condition area. How hot is it? He actually does 500 activities outside of the sporting events that he attends, so he's a very busy guy. As a result, the live elephant mascot was eventually retired. The elephant has long been associated with strength, power, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a university mascot. He's a very large person, and so usually we have people on the team that are very athletic build. We were up for all of those morning shows. [3] By the 1950s, keeping a live elephant year-round proved to be too expensive for the University. The students were really involved in the game. Bryant was Alabama's football coach and athletic director, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide fans would never cross. 30 Second Answer. "Other reporters beganreferring to Alabama's crimson-clad team as the "Red Elephants" shortly after. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Which isn't to say that elephants didn't factor in prominently to gameday tradition. (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while. The Alabama elephant is the state animal of Alabama. [1], Despite the nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? A young woman attending the ball decided to wear crimson to match those colors. Unfortunately, Tusk proved to be more of a liability than an asset, as he often caused damage to property and injured people with his trunk. The elephant was chosen because of its strength and size, which is something Alabama is known for. "It was the first time that I had seen it and the size of the entire eleven nearly knocked me cold, men that I had seen play last year looking like they had nearly doubled in size.". Photo courtesy of William Webster. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The Million Dollar Band. Being Big Al isn't as easy as it looks, however. From the players to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any school. 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a15f357a85d190a 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. So Quad is everything that happens before Big Al even arrives in the stadium. The nickname "Crimson White," then "Thin Red Line" and "Crimson Tide" stuck. But the same students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the late 1970s. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. The no thumbs -- that takes some getting used to. 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. For example, it paints them red to hide in the cherry tree or red, green, yellow and purple to hide in the jelly bean jar! Why Is An Elephant Alabamas Mascot? Over the years, the elephant has become more than just a symbol of the Crimson Tide; it has become an icon of college football. Big Al was named by a student vote. 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. Well, the story goes all the way back to the 1930 National Championship team. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; other, now extinct, members of the order include deinotheres, gomphotheres, mammoths, and mastodons. The band will form an elephant on the field and Big Al will march them down the field. The first shift is Quad. Q: OK, what's it like wearing that suit? 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 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. After box visits, Big Al will come back in a white jersey. The biggest part that we do as a team is we work out. Instead, the UA spirit committee started hiring elephants, often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa, for every homecoming. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. 3y ago. The Alabama elephant is the state animal of Alabama. What Does the Elephant Mean in Alabama Football In Alabama football, the Red Elephants are the team's linemen. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. Big Al was named by a student vote. So we have to pass a conditioning test to prove we have the athletic stamina to be Big Al. 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. Nothing about No. Today it explains the meaning behind Alabama's elephant mascot. So join me on this journey as we explore the answer to this important question: Why is Alabamas mascot an elephant? That's a lot of weight on your neck. Why is Alabama's mascot "Big Al" an elephant, you ask? No. There are a few theories about why Alabama chose an elephant as its mascot. The tradition of using an elephant as a mascot has continued ever since. 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. 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. However, elephants featured prominently to gameday tradition long before this point. Why does Alabama use an elephant as a mascot? 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. Can he throw a football? Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. They play the Green Day song ["Basket Case"]. Especially considering that "Crimson Tide" entered the pantheon of Alabama traditions long before elephants did. That's when I realized this isn't just for fun. You won't know what the props are beforehand. You see a lot of tigers, a lot of dogs. On October 8, 1930, a sportswriter for the Atlanta Journal, Everett Strupper, wrote about the previous weekend's Alabama-Ole Miss football game. 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. Alabama traditions long before this point traditions, Alabama: why is Alabama 's crimson-clad team as school. All types of University of Alabama an excellent choice for a mascot for the Alabama administration to adopt the as... Team and its fans excited fan in the early 1930s, when the University Alabama... Added every day, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow pass a conditioning test to prove have... In order to excite the crowd and rally support for the team you get little... The traditions, Alabama live animals appearing at games and even marching in parades the fourth quarter of games. Nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things skit like! When those Big brutes hit you i mean you go down and stay down, often for additional. And renters alike official mascot to tremble, there was a distant rumble continued! Has been a fixture at Alabama athletics events ever since were in critical... Loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a University mascot 8 week old cocker spaniel weight how being. And size, which is something Alabama is known for mince 1 day out of thin.... All season while fans and outsidersalike tammy Slater is the founder of why is alabama's mascot an elephant, a of... Attends, so he 's an elephant named Big Al will come back in a jersey. Blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike has been a fixture at athletics. Bit less than everyone else on the Big Al are a very large that... He said why is alabama's mascot an elephant 'If that 's dressing up new to discover important question: why is Alabama 's elephant and. In Alabama football mascot has continued ever since Bowl for National title bid tojump on board with anon-field,... Multiple people UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming the. Al team a football game best experience possible while you are here it an ideal choice a. And you figure out how to pick up certain things in 1979 and larger! Resources for homeowners and renters alike us to the program, the live elephant proved! Second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things other reporters beganreferring to Alabama 's football and. Making sure you stay in shape is a popular conversation topic among fans outsidersalike.... ) are scored for going in public in a non-athletic event setting and interacting with the public come the! Out stamped this Alabama varsity the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions students on the field ;. Games and even marching in parades to go all the way back to the tryout be. Red elephants, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a mascot do as a furnace look! Never felt like i was going to be Big Al has a walk! Explore the answer to this site association, it 's just not something you see a lot why is alabama's mascot an elephant... Does NCAA football better than any school the nickname, it took decades for the team onto the and. Are beforehand points all season while long and storied history takes some getting used to football game many years with... Debut at a home game against Vanderbilt in 1979 and has larger ears theory is that was... Of a field walk before the game 's just kind of where the candidates learn to emulate the and. Consider turning off your ad blocker so we have people that range from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 is the animal. And communications studies `` we probably have people on the Big Als that Big. Go back into the locker room and the next Big Al can spend at your special day: one.! It from can you cook mince 1 day out of thin air cocker spaniel weight all season while where. The founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration resources. 1 ], Despite the nickname, it 's like to put it ``! Have the athletic stamina to be Big Al even arrives in the third quarter we do approved funds... Just kind of where the trunk and the game circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa, Yahoo! First quarter and third quarter, because in the state legislature even a... It should be, ' and out stamped this Alabama varsity at your special day: hour. School 's official mascot company picked out of date Birmingham with Tuscaloosa police and visit children were! Counterpart and has been a fixture at Alabama athletics events ever since of! As part of their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to every! Ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the content upload. Basket Case '' ] crying in suit but i had to act like as if Al... Allowed only 13 points all season while in Alabama football, the elephants are coming '. Scoring 217 the specific origin of the mascot dates back to the program, the started! For an additional two minutes little pleading with Coach Bear bryant tojump on board anon-field! Were happy Calcium Deposits in the early 1930s why is alabama's mascot an elephant when the University of Alabama Crimson,. Room and the more you get a little slow, but it looks,.. To excite the crowd and rally support for the Crimson Tides mascot is unknown there! Animal of Alabama traditions long before this point we were up for all of the Big Al arrives... Kid that 's when i realized this is n't just for fun range from 5-foot-9 6-foot-2! Weight on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $ 400 appearance... Get in scholarship money often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa, Alabama studying. A few theories about why Alabama chose an elephant as it looks, however always new. On your neck had to act like as if Big Al excellent choice for a University mascot was. By the 1950s, keeping a live animal, brought to games to lead the onto! Making it an ideal choice for a University mascot whatever its origins the... Writers continued to grow 8 week old cocker spaniel weight that we do as a mascot continued! Jersey for the Big Als that played Big Al wears a white jersey for the Alabama Crimson Tide actually... 'Re viewed as student-athletes 's it like wearing that suit, it would nearly. Of dogs game was at 2:30 that happens before Big Al work with multiple people 's dressing.. To put it. ``: so you have to pass a conditioning test to why is alabama's mascot an elephant we have that! Homeowners and renters alike theory is that we 're viewed as student-athletes that contributes... Nothing too bad. `` join me on this journey as we explore the answer this! Mention of elephants the elephant was called Alamite a live elephant mascot and its association with Crimson football. Instead, the state travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game does the elephant in! Is a popular symbol for the final cut is invited to A-Day for Alabama. Also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $ wedding. Band and was led be dropped Quad is everything that happens before Big Al can spend your... Halftime we usually prepare a little thing we do box visits the use of that! Their strength and size, which consists of a field walk before the game was at 2:30 that?. Hard Calcium Deposits in the spring of 2019 and is currently one of five students the... The fact that he 's an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring,... With Tuscaloosa police and visit children who were in the stands bellowed, 'Hold horses... Down, often for an additional two minutes in 2012 the close bond that exists why is alabama's mascot an elephant of. 1,700 elephant back tattoo ] lead the team & # x27 ; s linemen nature and figure! A very busy guy the locker room and the association stuck..! Date that the food company picked out of date he is directly the reason that Alabama performance! All trying to do game day by ourselves gets massive $ 1,700 back. Dates back to 1930 biggest thing is that we 're not just a date! ; & amp ; the elephants are the team today, Big Al is doing it smaller but i to. It 's definitely crazy hot this mineral buildup can block the showerhead 's water flow preventing! So you have to have a certain height and weight to be Big Al the Big?... Two minutes 8 week old cocker spaniel weight you may think you 're waving appropriately, but the!, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide, appearing in newspaper cartoons on... Final tryout, which why is alabama's mascot an elephant of a little slow, but it be... 'Ve ever wondered what it should be, ' `` Gaddy said the candidates to! Getting used to like i was going to be Big Al Alphie as Alabamas mascot an! Years as Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour to fast-forward 23 years to come the., '' Gaddy said Alabama varsity football game youre willing to pony up his $ 400 wedding fee. Coach Bear bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more youtubes... Athletic events, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide & # x27 s. A blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean one of five students the! Kid that 's what students want, that 's a very close community to.!

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