The Traditions of the Sunbelt Members

As we begin a new era in the Sunbelt Conference (and start the first full week of July) the Ramblin' Arkansan decided to dedicate a blog to look into each members best (perhaps only) tradition at their respective university.

Appalachian State Mountaineers:

"Yosef the Mountaineer"

Perhaps App. State's most cherished tradition is the mascot himself. As it is stated from a media guide for the program, "The origin of the name Yosef comes from mountain talk for "yourself", the idea being that if you are a fan, friend or alumnus and have a heart of black and gold, you are Yosef." Considering that your entire fan base embraces and embodies your program's mascot as the "soul" and "spirit" of each and every fan, that's a pretty solid tradition to have.

Arkansas State Red Wolves:

"Order of the Pack"

Many former long standing school traditions (The Indian Family, playing of 'Cherokee' with the tomahawk chop, banging on the old war drum, students dressed up as over the top Native American attire) were wiped away when the school rid themselves of the 'Indians' moniker. The Order of the Pack (previously known as 'Order of the Tribe') remains to this day. It's basically a glorified pep rally that also teaches new chants and yells to the student body before the first home game of the season. Though certainly not unique or original, it's stAte's strongest and oldest tradition to date. 

UALR Trojans:

"Homecoming Cardboard Boats Regatta Race"

UALR, being traditionally known as a 'Commuter School' along with not having football has quite a challenge when it comes to having tradition let alone student participation. Their "homecoming" occurs at one of their basketball games, and as such the university hosts typical homecoming festivities. One unique event is the annual "Cardboard Boats Regatta Race." Started back in 2010, it has quickly become a very popular competition, particularly with the student groups and greeks. On top of a race, their's also a awards given for creative boats and costumes, Most Spirited and Organized teams and finally best Sinkers. To watch video of the races, you can click here.

Georgia Southern Eagles:

 "Yellow School Buses"

From 'Beautiful Eagle Creek', to Watermelon Cutting Competitions and their majestic Eagles flying over the home crowd, their's absolutely no doubt that Georgia Southern is one of the most tradition rich program in all the conference. But, my favorite of all is their Yellow School Bus tradition, where they ride to and from the stadium in public school buses. Taken directly from their website:

"When the football program was resurrected in 1981 the newly formed team needed to travel to practices and games. The initial shoestring budget did not allow for luxury travel or any method of transportation for that matter. Approached with a deal it couldn't refuse, Georgia Southern University paid the Bulloch County Board of Education one dollar for each of the team's two yellow school buses. A spray of black paint marked out the name "Bulloch County Schools" on the sides of each bus and the Eagles had a way to travel to and from their games.

In the words of legendary Coach Erk Russell, who often joked about the lack of amenities, "if you don't have the best of everything, make the best of everything you have." Long after Georgia Southern could afford better transportation for home games, Russell kept the yellow school buses. They served to remind the players and fans of the humble beginnings of this now legendary program.

Packed with Eagle players and coaches, the buses make the game day trek from the football building to Paulson Stadium. Players sing the top secret “The Valley Song” before arriving to the crowd of fans who greet the buses and form a path for the players into the stadium."

To learn more about their traditions, you can click and follow the link here. 

Georgia State Panthers:

"Tradition Keeper"

Though Georgia State has had athletics for several years now, traditions were thin and scarce. Even with the jump start for football, the GSU program still needs some time to begin creating and implementing some worthwhile traditions. One of the very FEW that they have is what's called the "Tradition Keeper," which is sponsored by their Student Activities Association. Basically, it's a book full of items, locations and other things that the Association deems is significant of the university. You take a picture of yourself at these places or proof you were at an event (example ticket stub), then must get it stamped approved which earns your points. The biggest prize is students receiving either a silver or gold medallion to wear at Graduation. Enjoy the very cheesy video detailing the tradition.

Idaho Vandals:

"Idaho Serpentine"

Like many universities both in the Sunbelt and around college football hold homecoming festivities yearly and truly is the most laden rich tradition for virtually all colleges. This goes true for Idaho. One interesting activity that the Vandal faithful perform is the "marching serpentine". The Band, students, alumni, faculty  form a "serpentine" like march that goes throughout campus until it ends where a bonfire waits to be lit up and marveled at. You can catch a little bit of that in the video posted below.

Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns:

"The Tailgate!"

Various media outlets and website have hands down, constantly voted Ragin Cajuns tailgating as the best in the Sunbelt. I know-I've been there! It has more of a festival atmosphere and anyone that doesn't like Cajun food will learn to love it by the end of the game day.

ULM Warhawks

"The Grove/Ace Riding into the Stadium on a JetMobile"

ULM affectionately calls their tailgating area "The Grove", however unlike the more popular Ole Miss version their's is certainly less crowded. However, the more interesting tradition in my opinion.....

Is their mascot, Ace, riding into the stadium in this Jet Mobile. Many mascots drive motorcycles onto the field but certainly not a Jet.

New Mexico State Aggies:

"the 'A' on Tortugas Mountain

Every year, the symbolic 'A' is painted onto Tortugas Mountain, which is located on the east side of campus. The 'A' is over 330 feet tall. The tradition started after student's began putting large 'A's' throughout the campus on April Fools Day. One particular year, a group of students wanted to put a large 'A' on their old administration building, but found the building to be too steep. Instead, they got the idea of constructing an 'A' on the side of Tortugas Mountain, and position to where onlookers on the ground would think the 'A' was standing on top of the building. The pranksters completed their construction on April Fool's Day and the tradition continued ever since.

South Alabama Jaguars:

"OozeBall"

South Alabama students, staff, faculty and alumni have been getting down and dirty in a mud pit volleyball tournament that has been happening since 1989. Teams of 6-8 people play in 8 inches of mud which are set up across from their baseball stadium, Stanky Field.

Texas State Bobcats:

"Graduates Jump into a River"

A very fun, unique tradition if I do say so myself-when graduates walk across the stage during their graduation not only do they get their diplomas and toss their hats into the air, the graduates of Texas State also jump into the San Marcos River.

A very close second would be TX. State's "lighting of the victory star" after every home and away victories. You can read about that and the other traditions the school has at this link. 

University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks:

"MAV Swap"

UTA, despite the lack of football still offers a pretty wide variety of traditions to their student body. They have bed races (very similar to UALR's cardboard boat races), an oozeball tournament (Like USA) but perhaps UTA's most unique and intriguing tradition is their MAV Swap day. Held during their homecoming week since 2004, the University offers students to trade in other universities apparel for UTA Mavericks gear. 

Troy Trojans:

"Sound of the South"

In my opinion, Troy has the BEST band of the Sunbelt Conference-hands down. Their the only band that travels to practically every Troy away game and they truly make the Trojans presence be known by all.

Sunbelt fans-did I hit the best/unique traditions on the head? Let me know! Please read some past posts and hopefully I'll post more intriguing posts for the future! Thanks and keep on ramblin...