why does alabama have an elephant as a mascot

The University of Alabama has an elephant as its mascot because the association dates back to 1930 during an Alabama-Ole Miss football game. An Atlanta Journal sportswriter, Everett Strupper, wrote about the Alabama team's impressive size and strength, describing the earth trembling and a distant rumble that grew louder. A fan in the stands exclaimed, "Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!" referring to the Alabama team, and from then on, the team became known as the "Red Elephants" due to their crimson jerseys and formidable presence. This nickname stuck and gradually developed into the elephant mascot tradition. The elephant was unofficially associated with Alabama from then on, with appearances of elephant costumes in the 1960s. The official mascot, named Big Al, was established in 1980 after university students and the legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant supported the idea. The elephant mascot, Big Al, has since become a beloved symbol for the university and is present at various athletic events beyond football.