College Sports Traditions

As defined by Beck, an expert on college sports customs, and writer Wilkinson (100 Things Braves Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die), a tradition is an action with a start and a finish that continues over a period of years. Approximately 1,200 such practices covering almost every college sport and including well-known conventions at major universities and obscure ones at smaller schools are depicted in rousing fashion by the authors, both longtime sports fans and journalists. Traditions before, during, and after games, as well some involving nicknames, mascots, and music, capture the excitement, originality, and pageantry of intercollegiate athletics. The authors begin each of the 11 chapters with a short expose of a practice that is representative of that chapter’s theme and continue with shorter descriptions of traditions at other colleges. The chapter on yells, cheers, and chants, which concludes the title, is one of the most interesting. Photographs, tables, and a detailed index complement the text. Covering subjects that range from the eccentric and outlandish to the touching and meaningful, the book captures the spirit and importance of college sport rituals and campus culture. VERDICT A work that is entertaining, fresh, and fun to browse. Not only sports fans but also anyone who enjoys tidbits about college life will find it hard to put down. * Library Journal *
Anyone who knows college sports is likely familiar with the many traditions surrounding different teams. Most people are only aware of their own alma mater’s traditions, or perhaps some of the more famous ones from larger schools. This book lovingly covers hundreds of traditions from schools of all sizes across the country. The traditions are organized into sections detailing when (before, during, and after games; annual traditions); why ('Traditions Reflecting the Culture of the University,' 'Fan-Related/Nickname Traditions'); and miscellaneous reasons ('Mascot Traditions,' 'Traditions Probably Not University Sanctioned'). There are also chapters on various venues and rivalries. Recommended for academic libraries, this book would also be a solid choice for the circulating collections of most public libraries. * Booklist *
Pop culture meets reference in this list-like book that aims to showcase school spirit and athletic camaraderie through college sport traditions of all kinds. According to the authors, all colleges and universities were invited to submit a variety of sports traditions. The categories include traditions before and after a game, after a score, annual ones, those involving bands and music, plus a myriad compilation of trivia. There are mascots, rivalries, venues, cheers, plus a chapter entitled 'Traditions Probably Not University Sanctioned.' The way the book is organized encourages a flip-and-choose style of readings. . . . Other chapters offer [an]. . . interesting and sometimes surprising variety—we learn that at University of Washington basketball games, fans sing 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and at Murray State University, 'local grandmothers' send cakes to players on their birthdays. Rivalries include a traveling trophy of wooden shoes at Hope College and Kalamazoo College—in the case of a tie game; each coach takes home one shoe. And in the category of firsts, Youngstown State University was the first to use penalty flags and the University of Minnesota is said to have invented cheerleading. Beck and sportswriter Wilkinson offer a fun catalog of traditions that will likely spark nostalgia or school spirit among readers. * Publishers Weekly *
Although no book on college sports traditions likely ever will be comprehensive, this one appears close. In compiling the work, Beck and Wilkinson contacted the sports information departments at every college and university in the United States. Accordingly, this compendium presents the pageantry and sometimes strange goings-on surrounding a large number of college sporting events. Not everyone will be familiar with the tradition the title refers to: a Middlebury College practice of picking up Butch, a sports fan who is confined to his wheelchair, and bringing him to the stadium. Who knew that Knox College and Monmouth College have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1928 for a bronze turkey trophy? As would be expected, the traditions are heavily skewed toward the large-crowd sports of football and basketball. However, the inclusion of sports ranging from ice hockey and rowing to water polo and rodeo increases the value of the book; it also furthers a sense of the unique role intercollegiate athletics plays in shaping campus culture and atmosphere. The work is divided by types of traditions, such as before, during, and after the game. Other sections include 'Entrance Traditions,' 'Fan-Related/Nickname Traditions,' 'Mascot Traditions,' 'Patriotic Traditions,' and 'Traditions Probably Not University Sanctioned.' Additionally, the authors offer sections on venues, cheers, and rivalries. Overall, this is a well-thought-out book, good for both reference and general collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE *
Some books are really good, some are fun, and a very few are both—this is one of those. From Virginia Tech football’s entrance 'Enter Sandman' music to burning couches after a loss or win at West Virginia, traditions are a major aspect of college sports. In 22 chapters spanning pre- and post-game traditions, to music, to mascots and trophies, the authors list some 1,200 traditional practices at colleges across America, both large and small institutions. A few examples range from the well-known band at Stanford or rolling Toomer’s Corner at Auburn to the less familiar super fan rewards at Boston College, to streaking at Bucknell lacrosse matches, to ugly sweater Mondays at Albion College. Readers find the good, bad, and downright ugly of American college sports—and not just football and basketball. Included are a list of sources and an index. . . . The authors include an array of and interesting insights into college sports traditions. This work is recommended for all libraries. * American Reference Books Annual *