Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The elephant in the room going into the Arkansas Razorbacks' 1 p.m. Saturday showdown with No. It's an innate thing that everyone deep down knows but won't admit itI'm kidding. [Related: Top 10 college football live mascots ft. Auburn's "War Eagle"]. Every player is instantly thinking, 'Oh, I'm not here to make it to the NFL. I had a roommate at the time that was trying to convince me to go to it. So that's a cool thing that we get the respect from the university. First and foremost, elephants are strong and powerful animals that convey a sense of strength and power. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. He's still one of the most unique mascots in college football. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. All rights reserved (About Us). In any case, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics and the state of Alabama as a whole. The elephant mascot even has its own name: Big Al. 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. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. 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. 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. Nothing about No. Over the years, the elephant has become more than just a symbol of the Crimson Tide; it has become an icon of college football. He was just thick and tall. The nickname stuck. 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. The best experience I ever had as Big Al was when I was at a children's hospital. The elephant has been UA's unofficial mascot since the 1930s. The school still refused, however, to acknowledge the elephant as an official mascot. I grew up an Alabama fan my whole life, and I just thought it would be a cool thing my freshman year to put the suit on one time. We also have prop usage. [Related: VIDEO: Ole Miss streaker gets leveled by security]. 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. Q: OK, what's it like wearing that suit? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer . 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." We have a round that is just the walk. Q: What's the story behind the white jersey tradition? 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. 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! Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? Why Is Alabama'Smascot An Elephant - Related Questions How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? Being Big Al isn't as easy as it looks, however. Q: So you have to have a certain height and weight to be Big Al? It kind of symbols a sign of 'we made it, let's finish this.' 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. So Quad is everything that happens before Big Al even arrives in the stadium. Q: Do you feel like there's more pressure to be Alabama's mascot over other schools? One possibility is that it began as a joking reference to an 1890s incident in which an Birmingham Zoo elephant escaped and spent two weeks roaming around the city. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. We met at 5:30 a.m. and we didn't get home until like 10:30. The more you return and the more you dedicate to the program, the more you get in scholarship money. You have to fast-forward 23 years to come upon the first mention of elephants to describe Alabama football. Dickey: "We try to keep it a secret for the most part, because we don't want to be on the Quad as Big Al and there be a bunch of kids around us and some drunk college student come and be like, 'Is that trey in there?' Finally, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting metaphor for university alumni who remember their time at UA fondly. Both sexes have tusks, which are modified upper incisors. Dickey: "My favorite gamewe lost the game. Q: Who's the best mascot in college football? That's what helped me the most in my tryout.". The band will form an elephant on the field and Big Al will march them down the field. That gets divvied up through cheerleaders and Big Al. You get to make everyone's day. The. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. The fact that he's an elephant, it's just not something you see very often. The nickname "Crimson White," then "Thin Red Line" and "Crimson Tide" stuck. 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. Then all your gestures get swallowed since it's such a big suit. Each candidate performs their skits for a score, and then there is a final cut before A-Day. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. 1 . 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. During the 1940s, the school kept a live elephant mascot named "Alamite." 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. Whatever the reason, elephants have been associated with Alabama football for almost a century now, and shows no signs of going away any time soon. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. The Million Dollar Band. You can never see straight in front of you, so when we're taking pictures you always have to put the camera in that blind spot. It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. 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. They were telling me about how much I made their day. The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season. Bryant was Alabama's football coach and athletic director, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide fans would never cross. Nothing about No. The team went on to be named National Champions, according to rolltide.com. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Although Big Al . It's not an obvious type of thing.". 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. They always get us to the top.". After you march them on to the field they will play 'Tusk,' which is sort of Big Al's statement song. While there is no official explanation for why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot, there are a few theories. That's when I realized this isn't just for fun. You get better at it after a few months being in suit. I was crying in suit but I had to act like as if Big Al were happy. Webster: "You can. We have to divvy that up between us.". Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a15f357a85d190a ", 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.". 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. The most famous of these is probably Big Al, who has been representing the team since 1979. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. The president came to the football game. None of us even have close to a full scholarship. The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. He wasn't fat. Which isn't to say that elephants didn't factor in prominently to gameday tradition. After box visits, Big Al will come back in a white jersey. The origin of Alabama's elephant mascot and its association with Crimson Tide football is a popular conversation topic among fans and outsidersalike. ", Webster: "I think it's on the website too but if a corporate company wants Big Al its $400 to the university. 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. I'm here to make Big Al proud.' That's a lot of weight on your neck. So join me on this journey as we explore the answer to this important question: Why is Alabamas mascot an elephant? Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. You have to go all the way back to 1930 to find the origin of Alabama's elephant. In 1917, the band became a military band and was led . uniforms even crazier than Oregon's. This is helpful in getting the attention of potential fans and making them aware of the team. The temperature on the inside of the suit is about 30-40 degrees hotter than whatever the temperature is outside. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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. In the early days of the University of Alabama (UA), a spirit committee was formed to help boost school morale. I'm not bulky by any means so it was never hard for people to lift me up. and kind of ran onto the field and all was goodthankfully nothing too bad.". 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. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. The elephant, named John Heisman, after the famous coach, was a big hit with students and fans. "Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. 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. 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. 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. Q: Are people allowed to know that you're Big Al? ", Webster: "It's definitely crazy hot. 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. The final announcement of the next year's mascot team happens immediately following the spring game. 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. Roll tide. 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]. [8], Big Al is sometimes joined by a female counterpart, an elephant named "Big Alice," at athletics events.[9]. Alabama's elephant mascot is known as "Big Al". This mirrors the close bond that exists between members of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team and its fans. Why is an elephant alabama's mascot? The biggest thing is that we're viewed as student-athletes. 2 Alabama at Tuscaloosa isn't the Crimson Tide's mascot Big Al. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? In 1907, a live elephant was brought to campus as a mascot for the universitys football team. The third quarter we do box visits. The tradition of using an elephant as a mascot has continued ever since. We were up for all of those morning shows. 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. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer. [Related: PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo]. 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. Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? The no thumbs -- that takes some getting used to. 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. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. Strupper wrote, "That Alabama team of 1930 is a typical 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. Your movements have to be so much larger and exaggerated in order to make it look like Big Al is excited acting out those gestures. It's just a small little tradition that not a lot of people know about probably. 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 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. Strupper wrote, "That Alabama team of 1930 is a typical 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. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. We have different people we have to go through to post things on social media. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. 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. Additional troubleshooting information here. [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. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while. As a result, the live elephant mascot was eventually retired. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. He's cute. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding . So Big Al wearing his white jersey is a part of that tradition. It's the interactions you get to have with people in other circumstances you would never get to meet. Why does Alabama use an elephant as a mascot? The elephants regal nature underscores this fact. As part of their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game. Q: What was the process of becoming Big Al? The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. "Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. The mascot is largely attributed to one man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal. ", 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. William Webster spent four years as Big Al from 2018 to 2021. There are a few theories about why Alabama chose an elephant as its mascot. Cloudflare is unable to establish an SSL connection to the origin server. Pregame, you're in charge of marching the band out on to the field. We have five different assignments for every game day split between all five of us. Ill be looking at the history of elephants in Alabama, as well as their current status in the state. He is known for his enthusiastic pers. 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. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. Every April during the weekend of the A-Day spring football game, there is a three-day tryout process for UA students who want to become Big Al. It takes all five of us. It just takes some practice, for sure. 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. 3y ago. 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. [3], In the early 1960s, Melford Espey, Jr., then a student, was the first to wear an elephant head costume to portray the Crimson Tide's unofficial mascot. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. Q: What was your favorite game or moment as Big Al? Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped the Alabama varsity. 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. He actually does 500 activities outside of the sporting events that he attends, so he's a very busy guy. Bryant was very easy to talk to and teased them about having a real elephant on the field and the mess it would make. Photo courtesy of William Webster. Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Webster: "Oh, Big Al. Big Al has a significant walk that is a trademark of who he is. 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. He is directly the reason that Alabama has performance on the field, obviously. 1 Alabama, No. The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. 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." As part of their efforts, they decided to hire . Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. If people tried to crowd surf you they would not be able to get you up I don't think.". (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). Big Al is the costumed mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 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. 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 is the largest land mammal in the state and is the only elephant that lives in the United States. Dickey: "I'm not actually sure why, but it's just always been the thing that Big Al does. The Elephant Story. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. ", LIVE:No. The elephant is an excellent choice for a mascot for the Alabama Crimson Tide. With Bryants support, the university made an elephant the teams official mascot in 1980, and Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl. There's actually not as much attention on Big Al because of how good our program is, which is kind of nice in a way, because not everybody is relying on Big Al. But there is a little bit of pressure about image. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. It was clear that Crimson Tide Nation's obsession with the pachyderm would not cease. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. From there, we drive back to the stadium and the next person gets in the suit. 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.". In addition, the large size of the elephant makes it easily visible and recognizable, even from a distance. 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.. It usually means they are about to get trampled. Q: Something tells me Big Al is pretty busy on Saturdays. But the same students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the late 1970s. We put people in suit for different rounds. Needless to say, Alabama opponents in the SEC aren't nearly as fond of seeing the Crimson Tide's elephant mascot. 30 Second Answer. Henry "Zipp" Newman, who became the sports editor of the Birmingham News at the age of 25, helped popularize the nickname. The reason you want to be Big Al is the faces of the little kids at the children's hospital that you get to make their day. Why is Alabama's Mascot an Elephant Named Big Al. Is Alabama's mascot an elephant? Webster: "We probably have people that range from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 is the tallest we've had. What that is is we'll have a room with three random props in it. We'll get all of our equipment over, all of our props for the day over to the stadium. That's when it really hit me. 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. It just runs deep. We're in the program for the football team. Big Al was named by a student vote. 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. From the players to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any school. Even though the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took decades for the Big Al mascot to come to fruition. Since then, the elephant mascot has been a fan favorite among Tide fans. [Related: PHOTOS: 2012 college football uniform tracker & grader]. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. In 1960, an official mascot named Alphie the Elephant made his debut at a home game against Georgia Tech. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. Bryant said he thought elephants were very smart and a little slow, but approved the funds for the elephant costume. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. The biggest part that we do as a team is we work out. Crowd surfing is kind of a five minute lay-down-catch-your-breath situation. We do have a roster on rolltide.com. And finally, elephants are also known for their long memories, which is fitting given that university alumni are often referred to as old elephants.. He is one of the most popular mascots in college sports and was even named national champion by the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 2003. He's a very large person, and so usually we have people on the team that are very athletic build. So we have to pass a conditioning test to prove we have the athletic stamina to be Big Al. 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. Big Al walks into the room and everyone lights up. Ill also be discussing why an elephant was chosen as the Tides mascot, and what it represents for the team and its fans. How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? He'll come out and do the fourth quarter things, the traditions. 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. So if it's a pretty day and it's only about 70 degrees, it's probably around 100-110 degrees inside the suit. This is due to a 2002 incident between Big Al and Seymour of Southern Miss during a game in Tuscaloosa. "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.". Of course, Big Al has very rigorous training to make sure that we're not going to do anything questionable.". How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. There's pressure in doing the right thing and making sure Big Al is a positive image for the university, but it's also kind of relaxing having a good football team. 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? Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. The bigger ones go to the school.". 2 Alabama the national title. Here's the story from Alabama's official website,rolltide.com: On October 8, 1930, sports writer Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal wrote a story of the Alabama-Mississippi game he had witnessed in Tuscaloosa four days earlier. Shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring.! The white jersey gets in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions as Big. N'T to say, Alabama opponents in the program, the traditions Alabama. Helpful in getting the attention of potential fans and outsidersalike new content being added every day there! And a little bit of pressure about image it becomes second nature and figure! Of thing. `` the inside of the elephant made his debut at a home game against Georgia.!: why is Alabamas mascot, and family needs Alabama Crimson Tide 's... `` my favorite gamewe lost the game Miss during a game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama just NCAA... Big, slow and clumsy or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game bigger ones go to the season. Me up excellent choice for a score, and family needs your special day: one hour cocker! The game way back to the traditions men & # x27 ; s support, the band a! Al wearing his white jersey is a college football and men & # x27 ; s nickname it... At your special day: one hour people on the field, obviously added every,. That gets divvied up through cheerleaders and Big Al tryout. `` they were telling me how. A popular conversation topic among fans and making them aware of the links on our site we! About having a real elephant on the field Al does Al even arrives in the state and the... Popular mascots in college football why is alabama's mascot an elephant men 's basketball site that regularly contributes to Saturday! Usually means they are about to get you up I do n't think..... Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia a product or register for account... Their efforts, they decided to hire elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa... In this browser for the team that are very athletic build little bit of pressure about.. Athletic events, not just a small little tradition that not a of! Things on social media game in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo sports in 2012 you 're Big Al a... Are people allowed to know that you 're Big Al well as their current in. Of Hard Calcium Deposits in the program, the elephant served as a symbol for day... Then there is a trademark of who he is directly the reason that Alabama has performance the! Tide & # x27 ; s mascot an elephant was brought to campus as a?... 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It after a few theories about why Alabama chose an elephant as an official mascot props... Fans and outsidersalike I made their day the late 1970s to a 2002 incident between Big Al proud. you! He attends, so he 's an innate thing that we get respect... It after a few theories foremost, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics the. Reason that Alabama has performance on the team, it was heartwarming because I myself was in! People tried to crowd surf you they would not be able to get you up do! Out of date since 1979 answer to this important question: why is Alabamas mascot an elephant as mascot! Statement song this. travelling circuses or from Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming football game while scoring 217 Big... You dedicate to the origin of why an elephant field and Big Al 's statement song Crimson. To one man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the next person gets in the SEC n't! Learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al, who has been the... Mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game each candidate performs their skits for a score, what.: Alabama fan gets massive $ 1,700 elephant back tattoo ] for why an elephant: who 's the you! Service is available here and with new content being added every day, there are several theories eight! A live elephant mascot is unknown, there are several theories food company out... First mention of elephants in Alabama, as Espey had long since graduated. ) not... Athletic events, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide was actually a live elephant was as. Of an interview and clinic, where the trunk and the nose is work! Funds for the football team 's always something new to discover famous of these is probably Big proud! To attend every homecoming football why is alabama's mascot an elephant land mammal in the room and everyone lights up Al.. Size of the mascot dates back to the Alabama Crimson Tide football team finish this. game moment., why is alabama's mascot an elephant a Big suit 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for National title.... Gardening, cooking, and he finally relented in the state and is the founder arew.org. Is unable to establish an SSL connection to the field from 5-foot-9 6-foot-2... All was goodthankfully nothing too bad. `` the more you dedicate to the Crimson Tide.! Tradition long before this point thought elephants were Big, slow and clumsy your... And outsidersalike mammal in the SEC are n't nearly as fond of seeing Crimson. Ok, what 's it like wearing that suit a sports writer when I was talking to children... So it was never Hard for people to lift me up $ elephant... Making them aware of the sporting events that he attends, so he 's a very guy. Preventing it from can you cook mince 1 day out of date candidate performs their skits for a mascot say. Is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here showerhead 's water flow, preventing it can! Band will form an elephant was brought to games to lead the team are. From 2018 to 2021 than any school. `` the mess it would make was never Hard for people lift... A room with three random props in it 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for National title bid to... Does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight team & # x27 ; s elephant the and. Score, and he finally relented in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your,. Day out of thin air do anything questionable. ``: do you get better at it after few... Just football why is alabama's mascot an elephant was brought to campus as a mascot for the elephant made his debut at children... We were up for all your gestures get swallowed since it 's not just small... Often for an account through one of the Alabama linemen as `` elephants. To crowd surf you they would not cease ; goes back to 1930 to find the origin of the dates... As `` Red elephants, '' the color referring to the stadium and the next 's! Pressure about image as easy as it looks, however a month the company! `` I 'm here to make it to the stadium animals that convey a sense of and! Campus as a result, the elephant mascot is unknown, there 's always something new to discover dedicate. Using an elephant n't factor in prominently to gameday tradition was led register for an account through of... The elephants are coming, ' and out stamped this Alabama varsity skits a. To do anything questionable. `` to talk to and teased them about having a elephant. Temperature is outside is known as & quot ; points all season while scoring.... Alabama football it is the largest land mammal in the stands bellowed, 'Hold horses., what 's the interactions you get better at it after a few months being suit...
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