Their Fight Song: “YEA ALABAMA”

Due to Alabama’s national prominence, the song “Yea Alabama” has hit a high note on many occasions. Played in earnest after an Alabama score, the first two stanzas of the song shed light on what the Crimson Tide nickname stands for while singling out two traditional opponents.

“Yea, Alabama, drown ‘em Tide!

Ev’ry Bama man’s behind you,

Hit your stride!

Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,

Send those Yellowjackets

to a watery grave.”

Alabama ’s Nickname: Crimson Tide

College football fans from coast to coast are aware of the Crimson Tide’s legendary status as one of game’s elite programs through the years. But if you were to ask the average fan what exactly the Crimson Tide is or what it stands for, the varied replies might be endless. The question is even debated among Alabama historians.

The origins of the Crimson Tide first developed with Alabama’s first football teams. Dressed in crimson attire and described as malnourished, they were known as the Thin Red Line or the Crimsons.

Two former writers are credited with the name evolution to Crimson Tide. Hugh Roberts, the sports editor for the Birmingham Age-Herald is said to have first used the nickname when he described Alabama’s efforts in a muddy 6-6 tie against Auburn in 1907.

During a World War I experience, Zipp Newman noted how the “tide incessantly pounded on the seashore”; When he returned to cover Alabama Football he made the comparison of how the team was a “Crimson Tide” that continue to pound on their opponents. It was this 1919 description that many say was the catalyst for the name’s popularity.

Air Force Falcons

January 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Unlike many nicknames that have mysterious or meaningless origins, the Air Force Academy’s nickname suits perfectly. The qualities possessed by the falcon are reflected in many ways by the cadets the bird represents.

Falcons are known for unhesitatingly attacking and killing prey twice their size. Due to military weight standards, the Air Force football team typically matches up against foes that have much greater sized linemen.

Keen eyesight is another falcon characteristic that’s found in Air Force Cadets. Students at the academy must have perfect vision to fly our nation’s elite aircraft.

The falcon also possesses other qualities that the Academy’s future naval officers must have to be successful. These positive traits include speed, power, courage, alertness and a noble tradition.

The falcon’s heritage has also soared into the United States Air Force. Fittingly, one of the best weapons in the Air Force arsenal is the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Alabama Football

January 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

When it comes to college football, there are few names that rival the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Alabama, or just plain ‘Bama as it’s known affectionately by its millions of devoted fans, has been a college football power since the day they started playing, way back in 1892.  While there are many great teams in college football, not many can hold a candle to Alabama when it comes to exploits and accomplishments.  ‘Bama is truly one of the legendary teams in the nation, being the proud owner of 12 national championships, including six between 1960 and 1980.  Paul “Bear” Bryant, the beloved coach of the Crimson Tide for 25 years (1958-1982), is regarded by many college football fans and experts as the greatest coach in the history of the game, compiling an astonishing record of 232-46-9 in those 25 years.  Alabama has played in 53 bowl games, winning 30 of them, which is an NCAA record.  They’ve also won 10 or more games in a season 31 times, which is another college football record.  Ninety-one Alabama football players have been named All-Americans, many of them more than once.  The Crimson Tide plays football in one of the oldest stadiums in the country, Bryant-Denny stadium, which opened in 1929.  Back then, it seated around twelve thousand spectators, but it has been enlarged many times since, and currently can hold over 92,000, making it one of the biggest college football stadiums in the country.   Alabama has a long and storied rivalry with another team in their state, Auburn.  The Auburn vs. Alabama competition is strong and deep, with virtually every citizen of the state of Alabama cheering on one, and rooting against the other.  Every year the two teams play each other in the Iron Bowl, one of college football’s longest traditions.  It’s named after the city of Birmingham, which at one time was a big producer of steel and iron, and where many of the Auburn-Alabama annual face-offs were played.  The two teams have met 71 times, and ‘Bama’s Crimson Tide currently leads the series, 38-32, with one tie.  For lovers of college football, it doesn’t get any better than the team that Bear Bryant built, the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Roll Tide!

Nascar

January 11, 2007 | 1 Comment

NASCAR

NASCAR is the largest sanctioning body of motor sports in the United States.  Every year thousands of fans pack the stands at some of the largest races in the country.  There are over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in thirty-eight states as well as Mexico and Canada.  The largest races include the NEXTEL Cup, the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. 

The early beginnings of stock car racing can be found in the Southeast at Daytona Beach running alcohol illegally to various states and locations.  When the ban on prohibition was lifted, these “racecar owners” began racing for the fun of it and to see who had the fastest car.  And so, the dynasty of NASCAR racing began.  Today, you will find the majority of the tracks and races in North Carolina.  Many of the teams and drivers call Charlotte home and you will find many fans in this area as well.  NASCAR has millions of fans, however, that are also located all across the country and most fans are loyal to specific drivers and teams.

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. is perhaps one of the most beloved drivers who ever drove onto a track.  He has been sorely missed by fans after a tragic wreck that took his life during the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.  Dale Earnhardt began his career on the Winston Cup circuit in 1975.  Earnhardt was often called “The Intimidator” for his aggressive style of driving.  He was a beloved driver throughout his career and is #3 car remains an icon in American NASCAR racing history.  The black and red #3 logo continues to be one of the most famous logos in NASCAR.  There are several NASCAR memorabilia pieces that will show your support and pride in one of America’s best racecar drivers.  Decorate for Christmas with a 1st Edition Nutcracker or 2nd Edition Snowman featuring Dale Earnhardt Sr. There is also beautiful Dale Earnhardt Sr. Tiffany-style floor and table lamps that will go great in the den or office.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is best known as Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s son.  He has also had a successful career and continues to do so.  He has competed successfully in many races and has been the Busch Series Champion two-times with twenty-one wins.  “Junior” began his career at the age of 17, where he began competing in the Street Stock Division at Concord Motorsport Park.  Junior was also on the track at the time of his father’s wreck and placed second in the 2001 Daytona 500.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. is most notably known for driving his #8 Bud car.  You can fill your home with many Dale Jr. memorabilia including a framed portrait picture of Dale Jr., a doormat, Piggy bank, glass cutting board and decorative art glass table lamps.  These pieces incorporate the Bud #8 in their designs.

Bobby Labonte, as of 2006, is the only driver to win both the NASCAR Winston Cup championship as well as the NASCAR Busch Series Championship.  He is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas and began racing there in 1969 driving quarter midgets.  Labonte had very successful season from 1990-1994, during which he won two poles at the Bristol Motor Speedway and finished fourth in the points.  He also received the Most Popular Driver Award.  The next year, he won the Bristol and then won again at Indianapolis Raceway Park.  In 1993, he moved to the Cup Series and drove the #22 Maxwell House car for Bill Davis Racing.  He won the pole at Richmond International Raceway and had two top-tens and finished 19th in the points.  Labonte then departed to drive the #18 International Batteries car for Joe Gibbs Racing.  That year he picked up his first three career wins, finished 10th in the points and won two poles at Michigan and Martinsville.  Fill your home with great Bobby Labonte memorabilia including the Bobby Labonte desk clock, Bobby Labonte photo album and poker set.

Jeff Gordon began his racing career young; in fact he wanted to begin when he was five years old.  His family gathered behind him and the moved from Vallejo, California to Pittsboro, Indiana to find him great racing opportunities.  By the time Jeff was 18 he had already won three short track races and was the USAC Midget Car Racing Rookie of the Year.  Jeff Gordon raced his first full season in Winston Cup for Hendrick Motorsports and won the Rookie of the Year award finishing 14th in the points.  In 1994, he went on to win his first career victory at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600.  At thirty-five years old has already won 75 Nextel Cup Victories. Jeff Gordon fans can show their support through numerous home décor items including Tiffany-style floor and table lamps, special Jeff Gordon Christmas decorations as well as home pieces such as the glass cutting board and ceramic dipping set.

Jimmie Johnson is best known for driving the #48 Lowe’s car.  He has also never finished below fifth in the final Nextel Cup points and maintains an average of 4.5 wins per season.  In 2006, Jimmie Johnson also became only the second driver to win both the Daytona 500 and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in the same year.  Johnson is also the only driver to win three Coca-Cola 600s in a row. Show your support of Jimmie Johnson through beautiful home décor such as a #48 business card holder, memo pad holder, and a Tiffany-styled floor and table lamp.

A relatively new face to the world of NASCAR, Kasey Kahne has a great start at the competition.  Kahne replaced Bill Elliot in the #9 Dodge car at the start of the 2004 season.  Kahne found his first career win at the Nextel Cup in 2005.  In March of 2006, Kahne won the Golden Corral 500 and the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 just three weeks later.  Decorate your home with Kasey Kahn memorabilia such as the #9 doorknocker, #9 mantel clock and the #9 pencil holder.  There are also several decorative #9 Christmas decorations as well.

Ned Jarrett was best known as “Gentleman Ned Jarrett” for his calm and laid back personality.  Ned is also known as the father of Dale Jarrett and Glen Jarrett.  Jarrett raced his first race in 1953 at the Southern 500 at Darlington Speedway. He would go on to be a two-time NASCAR champion.  In 1978, he began a career as a racing announcer for MRN Radio where he interviewed President Ronald Reagan at the 1984 Firecracker 400 in Daytona.  He has also been a broadcaster for CBS, ESPN and the Fox Sports Network.  In 2000, he began announcing for NASCAR calling his son’s first victory in the 1991 Champion 400.  Decorate your home with several NASCAR décor items featuring Ned Jarrett such as the Ned Jarrett photo album, desk clock, and poker set.

Arkansas Razorbacks

The Arkansas Razorback is the official mascot of the University of Arkansas.  The “Hogs” represent all of the college sports teams at the university.  The teams of the University of Arkansas are the only sports teams that have a pig as their mascot in the United States.  The mascot generally refers to the football team and the other male sports at the University of Arkansas.  The ladies are affectionately known as the “Ladybacks.”

The University of Arkansas has a strong tradition and their teams have been very successful on the field and on the court. Get all of your great “Hog” gear at SportsFanTreasures.com and proudly support your University of Arkansas Razorbacks.  From home décor to Razorback tailgating equipment you will be able to show your pride.  Find Razorback rugs, clocks, gym bags and apparel at SportsFanTreasures.com.

Auburn University

Auburn University is consistently one of the most successful NCAA Division 1-A teams in the last fifty years of college football history.  The Auburn Tigers have had 75 winning seasons, 32 bowl appearances, 11 undefeated seasons and ten conference champions all as of 2005.  Auburn has seen many successful college players become successful National Football League players as well.  The Heisman Trophy also has roots in Aubur, as John Heisman coached the team.  Auburn is the only school to produce a Heisman trophy winner where he coached, these included Pat Sullivan in 1971 and Bo Jackson in 1985.

Show your Auburn Tiger pride by visiting SportsFanTreasures.com.  You will find great Auburn tailgating equipment that shows your pride at every game you go to.  There is also great apparel including boys and girls swim suits, golf sets and home and office décor.

Clemson University

The Clemson Tigers have a long tradition of excellence in all of their athletic teams.  The Clemson Tigers football team often receives the most attention with their 13 conference championships and 3 Southern Conference titles.  The teams has also participated and won 15 of their 28 bowl games.  The 1981 Clemson Tigers brought home their first National Championship title after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Orange Bowl.  Clemson has also been the home of the famous John Heisman, Jess Neely, Frank Howard, Danny Ford and Tommy Bowden.  The team is known for their unique tradition of rubbing “Howard’s Rock” before every game.

Show your Clemson Tiger spirit by decorating your home in all the best in Tiger gear.  Great buys such as the Clemson Garden Stone and Clemson Welcome Plaque will show your pride before your company even gets through your front door. Kids can show their spirit as well with the Clemson Cheer Suit, Polo Shirt and T-shirts.  Mom and dad also have great options for Clemson apparel.

Iowa

The University of Iowa has a long tradition of great Iowa Hawkeye fans.  The university’s collegiate teams have been very successful in all of their athletic fields.  The Iowa Hawkeyes football team has won 11 Big Ten titiles, 21 bowl games, 8 Big Ten MVP’s, and 1 Heisman Trophy winner.  The Hawkeyes have been very successful on the court as well with 8 Big Ten titles, 2 Big Ten Tournament titles, 22 NCAA Tournament appearnances, and 3 Final Fours.  Wrestling at Iowa has seen success with 31 Big Ten titles, 180 Individual Big Ten titles and Individual NCAA titles, 58 NCAA appearances and 20 NCAA titles.  Baseball has seen 7 Big Ten titles, 3 NCAA tournament appearances and 1 College World Series Appearance.

Celebrate these great athletics and great Iowa Hawkeys by showing your pride every day of the week.  The Iowa Steel Competitor Watch will keep you on time and remind people what team you are a fan of. Tailgating will be a blast with your new Iowa 12 pack cooler and tailgating chair, all from SportsFanTreasures.com.

LSU

Louisiana State University has produced numerous successful National Football League players.  Many successful college players have gone on to play in the NFL, joining many successful teams. LSU offers over 20 varsity sports with football being the most popular.  The football program at LSU has been one of the most successful programs since 1893.  LSU has officially claimed two National Championships, one in 1958 and one in 2003.  The school has been recognized by different polling organization as national champions on four different additional occasions.  The school has also had 12 Conference Championships and 5 SEC Western Division Championships.

SportsFanTreasures.com makes showing your LSU Tiger pride easy.  Decorate your home at the holidays with great LSU holiday items including the Rooftop Santa sporting his yellow and purple. Celebrate the Final Four and March Madness with great LSU T-shirts and decorate your home with great LSU insignia items.

Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are comprised of 25 different varsity sports including ice hockey.  The University of Michigan has finished in the top five of the NACDA Director’s Cup in 7 of the past 10 years.  The Wolverines remain the only school to win at least one national championship in four different sports.  The have 2 baseball national championships, 1 men’s basketball championship, 11 football championships, and 9 ice hockey championships. Michigan is considered one of the most successful in college football history and has won 855 games through the sixth week of the 2006 season.

Show your Wolverine pride with Wolverine window screens for your vehicle, Michigan Mailwraps, and more home décor items from SportsFanTreasures.com.

Texas A&M University

Aggie fans remain loyal to Texas A&M University.  The Texas A&M University football program has earned 92 Southwest Conference regular season and tournament titles as well as 21 Big 12 regular season and tournament titles.  The Aggies have also been the recipients of 5 National Championships.  The Aggies have been playing football for 112 years as of the 2006 season.  Texas A&M Basketball has earned 11 Conference Championships, 2 Conference Tournament Titles and has had 7 NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Show your Aggie Pride with great Texas A&M home décor including Texas A&M flags, lamps clocks and more.  SportsFanTreasures.com also has great tailgating gear including the Texas A&M Tailgate Platter, tailgating chairs, coolers, trashcan coolers and tents.

Go ahead Florida Gators way to represent the SEC. Can you beleive how the SEC dominated the bowl seen. The really unbeleivable part is that they had to play each other all year and then still did so good. I would love to see the SEC cut down on the number of in conference games they have to play so that they could do as well as the teams in the rest of the country. I really beleive if Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Notre Dame played in the SEC they would not rate near as high every year as they do.

I guess it is good for the rest of the country that it works like it does. If the speed and strenth of the SEC was released more regular on the rest of the country it probably would not give the other schools a chance.