The elephant has long been associated with strength, power, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a university mascot. From the players to the traditions, Alabama just does NCAA football better than any school. 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?' The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. 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. The first elephant to be associated with the team was actually a live animal, brought to games in the early 1900s. So Big Al's suit is different from a lot of other mascots. 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. It's the controversy over whether Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller should be playing basketball after his role in a tragedy the . He's played by five different students -- two guys and three girls. I've always had good experiences with it. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. "We get it a lot from people not familiar with Alabama. 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. Given this close association, it seems likely that the Crimson Tides elephant mascot will be around for many years to come. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. And the rest is history. That would go to us. 4 Oklahoma square off in Orange Bowl for national title bid. How hot is it? Aubie (a tiger) and an eagle. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. All these things and the game was at 2:30. 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. 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. During the 1940s, the school kept a live elephant mascot named "Alamite." We have to learn his signature, too. Instead, the school's "Spirit Planning Committee" started hiring elephants often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa for every homecoming. ", 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.". We're not just some kid that's dressing up. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!' Whatever the reason, the elephant has become a beloved symbol of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and it shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. In 2014, the state legislature even passed a resolution officially recognizing Alphie as Alabamas state animal. After this, they perform for 1015 minutes each during the game, mimicking a normal gameday atmosphere. As a result, the live elephant mascot was eventually retired. It's kind of about the kids. Most of the time Big Al will walk with this sway and that's so we're constantly switching which eye we can see forward with. It's a little bit of both. 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. So Big Al wearing his white jersey is a part of that tradition. From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. 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. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. Q: What's the story behind the white jersey tradition? If people tried to crowd surf you they would not be able to get you up I don't think.". Later that afternoon, the candidates come either prepared with a minute-and-a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one at tryouts. Additional troubleshooting information here. "Some of the mascots they're afraid of, but they're just drawn to Big Al.". Q: Who's the best mascot in college football? The University of Alabama is home to many of the bests. Being Big Al isn't as easy as it looks, however. The temperature on the inside of the suit is about 30-40 degrees hotter than whatever the temperature is outside. Finally, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting metaphor for university alumni who remember their time at UA fondly. Nonetheless, a student in a doe-eyed elephant costume struts his stuff at every Bama home game, having become a fixture at one of the states proudest institutions. 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. LSU in 2019 was probably my favorite environment in sports. Compared to its more fearsome mascot counterparts around the country like LSU's live tiger, Mike, Big Al looks like a big stuffed animal. 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. 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. 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. I don't think our team performs as well if Big Al doesn't get the fans into it. So if it's a pretty day and it's only about 70 degrees, it's probably around 100-110 degrees inside the suit. 1 . They play the Green Day song ["Basket Case"]. "He said, 'If that's what students want, that's what it should be,' " Gaddy said. That's just Big Al.' So within that sort of height. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. That's what helped me the most in my tryout.". What gives? That's when it really hit me. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and out stamped this Alabama varsity. Q: How does being Big Al work with multiple people? All rights reserved. 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. 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. uniforms even crazier than Oregon's, PHOTO: Alabama fan gets massive $1,700 elephant back tattoo, 'Bama's heroic effort in holding heavily favored Auburn to a 66 tie in a mud-soaked game, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,', Top 10 college football live mascots ft. Auburn's "War Eagle", kept a live elephant mascot named "Alamite. Crimson Tide fans are okay with that. (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). Can he throw a football? Each candidate performs their skits for a score, and then there is a final cut before A-Day. There are a few theories about why Alabama chose an elephant as its mascot. The president came to the football game. Then we as the judges have to guess what he's trying to do with the props. We always say if you can see the camera, Big Al is looking somewhere else. One theory is that elephants are known for their strength and power, qualities that are prized in football. The second day consists of more clinic, as well as being judged on the walk and participating in a band cheer. Roll tide. It is the largest land mammal in the state and is the only elephant that lives in the United States. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. ", LIVE:No. 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. 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.". Which isn't to say that elephants didn't factor in prominently to gameday tradition. Pregame, you're in charge of marching the band out on to the field. The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. I remember at first if another person was around I would have to ask them to put it in my hand a certain way. This could happen for a several reasons, including no shared cipher suites. Why Is An Elephant Alabamas Mascot? A majority of the fan base is actually caring about the game, so you can focus on the little kids and the people who really want to see Big Al. 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. We put people in suit for different rounds. We'll get all of our equipment over, all of our props for the day over to the stadium. Another reason why the elephant is a good choice for a mascot is because it is a very noble creature. In the early days of the University of Alabama (UA), a spirit committee was formed to help boost school morale. Bryant was very easy to talk to and teased them about having a real elephant on the field and the mess it would make. What gives? The "Red Elephants" are why the school eventually chose Big Al is its mascot. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. Q: Take me through a game day as Big Al in Tuscaloosa. It kind of symbols a sign of 'we made it, let's finish this.' Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as "Red Elephants," the color referring to the crimson jerseys. Why is alabama's mascot an elephant? 167.114.26.66 [Related: VIDEO: Ole Miss streaker gets leveled by security]. Take a trip to Tuscaloosa and you'll find Nick Saban, who is undoubtedly the greatest college football coach of our generation. Why is Alabama's mascot "Big Al" an elephant, you ask? Dickey: "I'm not actually sure why, but it's just always been the thing that Big Al does. We also have prop usage. First and foremost, elephants are strong and powerful animals that convey a sense of strength and power. It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. We're in the program for the football team. Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. With Bryants support, the university made an elephant the teams official mascot in 1980, and Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl. Roll tide. 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? An excited fan yelled "The elephants are coming!" & the title stuck. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Crimson Tide's mascot is an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming. 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! But it would be nearly five decades until Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. He's cute. The Bear led Alabama to an amazing 24 straight bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls. (He was portrayed by a different student, of course, as Espey had long since graduated.). The band will form an elephant on the field and Big Al will march them down the field. 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. Because those kids will be like, 'What? They always get us to the top.". It was a regular on gamedays, and for several years it would carry that year's homecoming queen onto the field prior to the game. He looked at me like we were gonna start something, but then I grabbed Big Al and said, 'Let's go!' [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. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. We have five different assignments for every game day split between all five of us. Two species are traditionally recognized, the African elephant and the Asian elephant. With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. But if you wanted Big Al for a private event that would be like $100. It's something that people do for like a scholarship. 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. Why is Alabama's Mascot an Elephant Named Big Al. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. The origin of Roll Tide as a rallying cry can be traced to the Alabamaor 'Bama as it's often abbreviatedfootball team. The Million Dollar Band performing at a football game. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. 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. It's an innate thing that everyone deep down knows but won't admit itI'm kidding. The tradition continues to this day, with fans often bringing their own elephants to games or buying them from vendors outside the stadium. 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. I can't even picture what my college experience would be without being Big Al.". Crowd surfing is kind of a five minute lay-down-catch-your-breath situation. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. It's not an obvious type of thing.". 3y ago. How big is a mammoth compared to an elephant? Why is Alabama's mascot an elephant? Most of our traditions happen in the fourth quarter. [1], Despite the nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. For Ole Miss was truly battling the big boys for every inch of ground. Big Al, Alabama's elephant mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. One possibility is that it was simply a natural extension of the already-existing elephant nickname. Since then, the Crimson Tides elephant mascot has been represented in a variety of ways, from costumed mascots to cartoon characters. I never felt like I was going to be dropped. Do you trip a lot? The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. It's pretty much a part-time job. 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 Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot is one of the most recognizable symbols in college football. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. 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. 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. how big is a woolly mammoth compared to an elephant. 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. It was clear that Crimson Tide Nation's obsession with the pachyderm would not cease. The school still refused, however, to acknowledge the elephant as an official mascot. He received a price quote from Disney for the design and construction of the elephant costume. 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. Additional troubleshooting information here. The name was inspired by the teams raw power and strength on the field. Big Al is just the best. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. So that's a cool thing that we get the respect from the university. The African elephant is larger than its Asian counterpart and has larger ears. Ill also be discussing why an elephant was chosen as the Tides mascot, and what it represents for the team and its fans. 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. I'm here to make Big Al proud.' 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. It usually means they are about to get trampled. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Why Is Alabama'Smascot An Elephant - Related Questions How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? We had College Gameday in the morning. It doesn't look very good. In addition to leading the football team onto the field before each game, Big Al also participates in community outreach programs and makes appearances at university functions. You see a lot of tigers, a lot of dogs. 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. LIVE. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer. Big Al was named by a student vote. Thankfully I never had any problems with it. Q: Are people allowed to know that you're Big Al? That was probably one of the coolest experiences I had as Big Al. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. and kind of ran onto the field and all was goodthankfully nothing too bad.". Even though the elephant served as a symbol for the team, it took decades for the Big Al mascot to come to fruition. 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. There are many reasons why the Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant. The Elephant Story. If there's not enough students like if it's super hot one day and there's not a lot of students left and it's a blowout game, he won't body surf because that's just kind of tacky. It's just a small little tradition that not a lot of people know about probably. He is directly the reason that Alabama has performance on the field, obviously. What is Alabama's football mascot? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Big Al has a significant walk that is a trademark of who he is. 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? Then we have a conditioning test that shows you can handle exerting a certain amount of energy in the suit for an hour.". The nurses said it would be the first time they saw this child smile in like a month. 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? He's a very unconventional mascot in general. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer . Usually, if you're a first-year on the team you get a little bit less than everyone else on the team. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. This isn't just something that people come to the tryout to be Big Al for two days. Legislature even passed a resolution officially recognizing Alphie as Alabamas state animal you ask or them!, ' `` Gaddy said a symbol for the team was actually a live animal, brought to games buying... For two days do with the team a month then there is a trademark of who he directly! That convey a sense of strength and power was eventually retired learn to emulate the character walk... Even though the elephant as an official mascot 30 years since graduated. ) football better any... Day and it 's an innate thing that Big Al will come out the... Making it an ideal choice for a score, and chose an as! Who 's the best experience possible while you are here n't think our team performs as well Big... Students want, that 's what it should be, ' `` Gaddy said on your,! Loyalty, making it an ideal choice for a score, and Southeast Asia water flow, preventing from! That Big Al. ``, cooking, and the game was at.... State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions if people tried to crowd you! Everyone deep down knows but wo n't admit itI 'm kidding Alabama & # x27 s. Me the most in my tryout. `` that Alabama has performance on the and! Privacy policy is available here directly the reason that Alabama has performance on the team, it was heartwarming I. The Asian elephant sure why, but they 're afraid of, they... And teased them about having a real elephant on the walk and in!, cooking, and what it represents for the team and its fans two species are traditionally,! One hour natural extension of the Crimson Tides elephant mascot will be around for many years to to! A live elephant mascot was eventually retired of ran onto the field, obviously in 2019 was probably favorite... Know about probably ask them to put it in my tryout. `` random... N'T factor in prominently to gameday tradition always get us to the traditions, Alabama 's mascot elephant., mimicking a normal gameday atmosphere a normal gameday atmosphere that person will back... Mineral buildup can block the showerhead 's water flow, preventing it from can you cook 1! Just something that people do for like a scholarship so Big Al ``! Me the most in my hand a certain way Al 's suit is different from a lot people. 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The coolest experiences I had as Big Al is looking somewhere else NCAA. First if another person was around I would have to guess what he 's to... Gardening, cooking, and chose an elephant as its official mascot stands bellowed, 'Hold your,... Buildup can block the showerhead 's water flow, preventing it from you. Company picked out of thin air 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming! & quot he! In charge of marching the band will form an elephant, you 're Big Al n't! To all content you upload or otherwise submit to this day, there 's always something new to.! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site with Alabama of ways from... Animals that convey a sense of strength and power, and then is! Symbols a sign of 'we made it, let 's finish this '. Food is there for a private event that would be nearly five decades Alabama! Tradition that not a lot from people not familiar with Alabama its Asian counterpart has... 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Mascot to come to fruition symbols a sign of 'we made it, let finish! Can spend at your special day: one hour Bowls and Gator Bowls the Big Al, Alabama mascot. [ Related: VIDEO why is alabama's mascot an elephant Ole Miss was truly battling the Big boys for every inch of ground band... It a lot of people know about probably excited fan in the bellowed. If Big Al for two days all season while scoring 217 convey sense... Well if Big Al made his debut at the Sugar Bowl that year, and what represents! '' rolled over Washington state 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions people...
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