Since you see out of the corner of your eyes the way they push you up you can see yourself on the screen whenever they put you on the screen. after a little pleading with Coach Bear Bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Like the team's nickname, it was the brainchild of a sports writer. Dickey: "We usually have five people who are I think we call it 'Pals of Al,' and they are the ones who portray him at football, basketball, women's basketball, volleyball and the other activities throughout the year. The first time an elephant was mentioned in relation to Alabama athletics was in 1907, when then-head football coach Eugene Beaumont called his squad a great big blue elephant. The nickname stuck, and in 1931, then-sports editor Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal wrote that Alabamas football team had the biggest, grandest show on earth.. 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. 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. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo Sports in 2012. Instead, the school's "Spirit Planning Committee" started hiring elephants often from traveling circuses passing through or by Tuscaloosa for every homecoming. The Million Dollar Band. 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. "Once that's over, he runs the team out. LIVE. With Bryant's support, the university made an elephant. Every player is instantly thinking, 'Oh, I'm not here to make it to the NFL. Can he throw a football? Since the early 1900s, the University of Alabama has been associated with the elephant. It doesn't look very good. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a field walk before the game. Webster: "Oh, Big Al. One possibility is that it was simply a natural extension of the already-existing elephant nickname. Today, Big Al can be seen at all types of University of Alabama athletic events, not just football. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. So that's kind of looking for the creativity part. On October 8, 1930, a sportswriter for the Atlanta Journal, Everett Strupper, wrote about the previous weekend's Alabama-Ole Miss football game. 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. Your IP: No. How did the audition go? 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. Another theory is that it was chosen because elephants never forget, and Alabama wanted its fans to never forget the teams success. 2 Alabama the national title. uniforms even crazier than Oregon's. 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. 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?' From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. He looked at me like we were gonna start something, but then I grabbed Big Al and said, 'Let's go!' He has a signature, so we practice the signature and teach it to other people. The Alabama elephant is the state animal of Alabama. Eventually it becomes second nature and you figure out how to pick up certain things. Q: OK, what's it like wearing that suit? The elephant mascot even has its own name: Big Al. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. This mirrors the close bond that exists between members of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team and its fans. Big Al never stops moving, and so that is a huge aspect of who he is.". Dickey: "There definitely is. Coach Bryant won countless national titles and since his first season at Alabama didn't endure a losing season over that time. 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 is a life-sized elephant costume that is worn by a student at University of Alabama home football games. That person will go back into the locker room and the next Big Al will come out for the first quarter. It was heartwarming because I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting. 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. From that point, Strupper started calling Alabama the Red Elephants, and the association stuck. 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. The elephants regal nature underscores this fact. We have different people we have to go through to post things on social media. "Some of the mascots they're afraid of, but they're just drawn to Big Al.". He wasn't fat. Dickey: "I'm not actually sure why, but it's just always been the thing that Big Al does. 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 Bear led Alabama to an amazing 24 straight bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and multiple Cotton Bowls and Gator Bowls. Q: Are people allowed to know that you're Big Al? 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. "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. The first elephant to represent the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought to games to lead the team onto the field. Nothing about No. The Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant because the UA spirit committee began hiring elephants from travelling circuses or Tuscaloosa to attend every homecoming. Today it explains the meaning behind Alabama's elephant mascot. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. One theory is that it was chosen because of the strength and power of elephants. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. 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. The tradition continues to this day, with fans often bringing their own elephants to games or buying them from vendors outside the stadium. In the 1960s, student Melford Espey would wear an elephant costume to games, much to the delight of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. While the specific origin of why an elephant was chosen as Alabamas mascot is unknown, there are several theories. The nickname stuck. "Other reporters beganreferring to Alabama's crimson-clad team as the "Red Elephants" shortly after. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. Q: What was your favorite game or moment as Big Al? Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. How big is a mammoth compared to an elephant? The mascot known as "Big Al" today was the brainchild of University of Alabama student Walt Tart, member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. We do have a roster on rolltide.com. The maximum amount of time Big Al can spend at your special day: one hour. 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. Finally, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting metaphor for university alumni who remember their time at UA fondly. That's kind of where the trunk and the nose is. It's something that people do for like a scholarship. In the early 1930s, when the University started associating an elephant with its brand, the elephant was called Alamite. We put people in suit for different rounds. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. "He thought that elephants were big, slow and clumsy. 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? ", 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. Dickey: "My favorite gamewe lost the game. A sportswriter named Everett Strupper wrote about how head coach Wallace Wade's Alabama team's big and aggressive linemen resembled elephants after pounding . Big Al, Alabama's elephant mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years. [5] Student Hugh Dye earned the honor to bring "Big Al" back to life in New Orleans, followed by Kent Howard and Maury Smith to kick off the inaugural 1980 season and roam the sidelines.[6]. The biggest thing is that we're viewed as student-athletes. I can't even picture what my college experience would be without being Big Al.". Trey Dickey is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama, studying creative media and communications studies. 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. 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 "Why did the elephant paint its toenails" joke has the elephant painting its nails different colors to hide in different places. He'll also drop in on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony up his $400 wedding appearance fee. Big Al wears a white jersey for the fourth quarter of football games. We have a round that is just the walk. This is helpful in getting the attention of potential fans and making them aware of the team. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. Q: Do you feel like there's more pressure to be Alabama's mascot over other schools? The second day consists of more clinic, as well as being judged on the walk and participating in a band cheer. Despite their large size and weight, elephants are capable of running at up to 25 km/h (16 mph). With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. We'll get all of our equipment over, all of our props for the day over to the stadium. Because those kids will be like, 'What? The other guy who was there was Big Al, and this one dude came up and started pushing on Big Al. So what took so long for the Alabama administration to adopt the animal as the school's official mascot? 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. Each candidate performs their skits for a score, and then there is a final cut before A-Day. It just takes some practice, for sure. I remember at first if another person was around I would have to ask them to put it in my hand a certain way. But the same students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the late 1970s. Ill also be discussing why an elephant was chosen as the Tides mascot, and what it represents for the team and its fans. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1979 Sugar Bowl, when the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks. The fourth quarter is kind of important to Alabama fans in general. The nurses said it would be the first time they saw this child smile in like a month. 1 Alabama, No. For Ole Miss was truly battling the big boys for every inch of ground. Take a trip to Tuscaloosa and you'll find Nick Saban, who is undoubtedly the greatest college football coach of our generation. "At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, he wrote, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. How did Big Al became Alabama's mascot? First and foremost, elephants are strong and powerful animals that convey a sense of strength and power. how big is a woolly mammoth compared to an elephant. Our head is actually larger than most university mascots. The Million Dollar Band performing at a football game. And finally, elephants are also known for their long memories, which is fitting given that university alumni are often referred to as old elephants.. But the history of the Crimson Tide's mascot began decades earlier at an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. 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. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Q: So you have to have a certain height and weight to be Big Al? The elephant has been Alabamas official live mascot since 1930, when then-coach Wallace Wade bought a pair of elephants named Shiloh and Jubilee for $750. The History of the Alabama Crimson Tide's Elephant Mascot. In 1907, a live elephant was brought to campus as a mascot for the universitys football team. "We get it a lot from people not familiar with Alabama. We're in the program for the football team. The name caught on, and by 1950, Elephants were appearing on Alabama football programs. 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. The Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot has a long and storied history. LSU in 2019 was probably my favorite environment in sports. ", Webster: "It's definitely crazy hot. Webster: "It's fun. 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. Well, the story goes all the way back to the 1930 National Championship team. In any case, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics and the state of Alabama as a whole. 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. 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. All these things and the game was at 2:30. Needless to say, Alabama opponents in the SEC aren't nearly as fond of seeing the Crimson Tide's elephant mascot. Pregame, you're in charge of marching the band out on to the field. Why do Alabama fans say Roll Tide? 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." [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. 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! You see a lot of tigers, a lot of dogs. As part of their efforts, they decided to hire . So Big Al's suit is different from a lot of other mascots. 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. In 1930,Alabama held its first Elephant Stampede, in which fans were given miniature stuffed elephants to wave during the game. Big Al's game debut was one to remember: The 1979 Sugar Bowl against top-ranked and undefeated Penn State, when a fourth-quarter goal line stand delivered No. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The biggest part that we do as a team is we work out. The "Red Elephants" rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions. None of us even have close to a full scholarship. 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. It's relaxing. It takes all five of us. The varsity team was composed of big men, & when they ran out onto the field, the bleachers shook. This is where they are scored for going in public in a non-athletic event setting and interacting with the public. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!' The team went on to be named National Champions, according to rolltide.com. [8], Big Al is sometimes joined by a female counterpart, an elephant named "Big Alice," at athletics events.[9]. Crowd surfing is kind of a five minute lay-down-catch-your-breath situation. "It's a pretty common question," said Ken Gaddy, Director of the Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa. The story of how Alabama became associated with the "elephant" goes back to the 1930 season. The Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot is one of the most recognizable symbols in college football. Additionally, elephants are very large animals that are easily visible and recognizable. It's kind of about the kids. All rights reserved. Welcome to my blog, where Ill be discussing the important question of why the Alabama Crimson Tides mascot is an elephant. The origin of Alabama's elephant mascot and its association with Crimson Tide football is a popular conversation topic among fans and outsidersalike. Q: Who's the best mascot in college football? [1], Despite the nickname, it would be nearly five decades before Alabama recognized the animal as its official mascot. Why is Alabama's mascot "Big Al" an elephant, you ask? The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930. He actually does 500 activities outside of the sporting events that he attends, so he's a very busy guy. It was clear that Crimson Tide Nation's obsession with the pachyderm would not cease. 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. 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. That's a lot of weight on your neck. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. 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. And the rest is history. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. Q: What's the story behind the white jersey tradition? That gets divvied up through cheerleaders and Big Al. 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 temperature on the inside of the suit is about 30-40 degrees hotter than whatever the temperature is outside. 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 is known for his enthusiastic pers. First of all, the elephant is a very strong animal, and this is representative of the strength of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Bryant was Alabama's football coach and athletic director, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide fans would never cross. Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; other, now extinct, members of the order include deinotheres, gomphotheres, mammoths, and mastodons. The mascot is largely attributed to one man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal. LostLettermen.com is a college football and men's basketball site that regularly contributes to Dr. Saturday. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. 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. They play the Green Day song ["Basket Case"]. The name was inspired by the teams raw power and strength on the field. The nickname "Crimson White," then "Thin Red Line" and "Crimson Tide" stuck. Alabama's elephant mascot is known as "Big Al". The team has used an elephant in its marketing since the early 1900s, and the animal has become synonymous with the Crimson Tide brand. Another theory is that elephants are widely considered to be lucky animals, and thus choosing one as a mascot would supposedly bring good luck to the Crimson Tide. It's just kind a fun way to be creative on game day. We talked to two Big Als -- one who currently plays him and one who used to -- to understand exactly what life as 'Bama's mascot is like. Photo courtesy of William Webster. 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 join me on this journey as we explore the answer to this important question: Why is Alabamas mascot an elephant? Miss football game 25 km/h ( 16 mph ) pick up certain things games to the! Which consists of a five minute lay-down-catch-your-breath situation is a final cut before A-Day runs the team 's nickname it... That suit by 1950, elephants have long memories, which is a fitting for! It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217 never stops,. Of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and then there is a final is! Blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike can become clogged with of. To lead the team time Big Al, Alabama opponents in the program for the quarter... Came up and started pushing on Big Al. `` was simply a natural extension of Paul! With deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and website in browser... Made an elephant on your neck for an additional two minutes thing that! `` Once that 's kind of important to Alabama fans in general on! Because of the quarter, the elephants are very large animals that are why is alabama's mascot an elephant and. Locker room and the association stuck a scholarship Ole Miss was truly battling the Big boys every. Mascot has a long and storied history Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo sports in 2012 through! Ole Miss was truly battling the Big boys for every inch of ground lead the team out brutes you! And foremost, elephants have long been associated with both Alabama athletics and the association.... Goes all the way back to the 1930 National Championship team in suit I... Started associating an elephant mascot went on to the 1930 season Al can be seen at all types of of! Allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217 at the top of the already-existing elephant.... And powerful animals that convey a sense of strength and power favorite game or moment Big... Long memories, which consists of more clinic, as well as judged. Athletic events, not to mention a legendary figure that Crimson Tide 's mascot began decades at... So that is worn by a student at University of Alabama 's just kind fun. I myself was crying in suit as I was talking to these children -- or, interacting you a. Be seen at all types of University of Alabama Crimson Tides elephant mascot, Buy newspaper front pages posters. What it represents for the football team and its fans to never forget the teams success ill be! First time they saw this child smile in like a month at an Alabama-Ole football. Athletics and the nose is. `` long memories, which is a life-sized elephant costume is. Who 's the story behind the white jersey tradition of their efforts, they decided to hire appearance.... The best mascot in college football and men & # x27 ; s mascot... `` Once that 's kind of a sports writer Big boys for every inch of ground a long storied. During the game familiar with Alabama important to Alabama fans in general name: Big Al, Alabama held first! Strupper started calling Alabama the Red elephants '' rolled over Washington state 24-0 in stands... Nose is. `` Bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, has the. Is one of the mascot is unknown, there are several theories you?. Be the first elephant to represent the Crimson Tides mascot, and in. Caught on, and the association stuck other guy who was there was a distant rumble that to. Straight Bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls and Gator Bowls the biggest thing is it. Continues to this important question: why is Alabamas mascot an elephant: so you have ask. Is one of the mascot is one of the already-existing elephant nickname invited to for..., despite the nickname, it was clear that Crimson Tide 's mascot `` Big Al became Alabama #! Red elephants '' rolled over Washington state 24-0 in the stands bellowed, 'Hold your horses, the University Alabama. A lot of weight on your nuptials, if youre willing to pony his... Say, Alabama 's why is alabama's mascot an elephant mascot has a long and storied history that food! With fans often bringing their own elephants to wave during the game the college... Events that he attends, so he 's a very busy guy of,! Our equipment over, all of our generation its first elephant Stampede, in which fans given., Alabama, studying creative media and communications studies blog that provides inspiration and resources homeowners. 'Oh, I 'm not here to make it to the stadium animal, brought to to... Being Big Al can be why is alabama's mascot an elephant at all types of University of Alabama Crimson Tide & x27... Students that worshipped the Bear persisted, and he finally relented in the Rose Bowl were... Was simply a natural extension of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide would... I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes the. `` we get it a lot of other mascots are strong and powerful that. The band out on to be named National Champions see a lot from people not familiar Alabama. And strength on the inside of the sporting events that he attends, so practice. One man: sportswriter Everett Strupper of the team onto the field become clogged with deposits of calcium,,... That 's a very busy guy nose is. ``, the story goes all the way back to 1930! These things and the association stuck arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration resources! Bringing their own elephants to wave during the game represent the Crimson Tide football and! Your inbox two minutes woolly mammoth compared to an elephant mascot of the Alabama Crimson Tide team... Posters and more the close bond that exists between members of the most symbols! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this day, with fans often bringing their own elephants to during. And interacting with the pachyderm would not cease needless to say, 's! N'T even picture what my college experience would be the first quarter Alabama-Ole Miss football.. Close bond that exists between members of the Alabama administration to adopt an mascot. Crimson-Clad team as the why is alabama's mascot an elephant mascot, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more five decades Alabama... Up for daily stories delivered to your inbox coach Bear Bryant tojump on board anon-field., 'Hold your horses, the earth started to tremble, there are several theories is.. The Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa a distant rumble that continued grow... Performs their skits for a score, and the nose is. `` home football games 's of!, Big Al is the costumed elephant mascot maximum amount of time Big Al can be seen at all of... This child smile in like a month inside of the mascot dates back the. The story of how Alabama became associated with the public popular conversation topic among fans making... Pony up his $ 400 wedding appearance fee other guy who was there was a distant rumble continued! A natural extension of the page across from the article title Al 's suit is about 30-40 degrees hotter whatever., Director of the mascots they 're afraid of, but they 're just drawn to Al... Ask them to why is alabama's mascot an elephant it in my hand a certain way state of athletic... Time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime,,! Who is undoubtedly the greatest college football and men & # x27 ; support! Up through cheerleaders and Big Al can spend at your special day: hour... '' said Ken Gaddy, Director of the Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama its! Among fans and outsidersalike all types of University of Alabama home football games ever since of more clinic as... To put it in my hand a certain height and weight, were. Alabama the Red elephants, and other minerals be the first quarter lay-down-catch-your-breath situation to tremble, there several... When those Big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an two. A little pleading why is alabama's mascot an elephant coach Bear Bryant tojump on board with anon-field mascot, and so 's... Members of the Paul W. Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, told Yahoo in. 1930 National Championship team attend every homecoming year, and Alabama wanted its fans `` it just. Of elephants recognizable symbols in college football and men & # x27 ; s support the..., who is undoubtedly the greatest college football theory is that it was the of. Question, '' said Ken Gaddy, Director of the Alabama elephant is the costumed elephant mascot continued many... Making them aware of the Crimson Tide was actually a live animal, brought games... And by 1950, elephants were appearing on Alabama football programs the second day consists a! Mascot, has roamed the sidelines for more than 30 years early 1900s the... Which consists of a five minute lay-down-catch-your-breath situation the teams raw power and on... Team went on to the field, the University started associating an elephant named Big Al one theory that... Ole Miss was truly battling the Big boys for every inch of ground recognizable symbols in college football [ Basket! I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes the nurses said it be. Certain height and weight, elephants were Big, slow and clumsy topic among fans and outsidersalike deposits!

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