University of Arkansas Traditions
How we became the Razorbacks
There are dozens of Lions, Tigers, and Bears, but in all of college athletics there is only one Razorback – but it wasn’t always that way. The university’s teams were known as the Cardinals until Arkansas football coach Hugo Bezdek fatefully called his players “a wild band of Razorback hogs” after a big win over LSU in 1909.
The Razorback, characterized by a ridgeback and its tenacious, wild fighting ability, immediately became a popular nickname, and one year after coach Bezdek’s statement, the student body voted to change the official mascot to Razorbacks.
ALMA MATTER
Pure as the dawn on the brow of thy beauty
Watches thy Soul from the mountains of God.
Over the fates of thy children departed
Far from the land where their footsteps have trod.
Beacon of hope in the ways dreary lighted
Pride of our hearts that are loyal and true.
From those who adore unto one who adores us
Mother of Mothers, we sing unto you.
- Stop what you are doing and listen.
- Follow along singing the song with arms wrapped around your neighbors and sway side to side the whole time.
- On the line “Beacon of hope in the ways dreary lighted,” with arms still connected, crouch low and sway until end of line.
- For line “From those who adore unto one who adores us” lean back and sing loudly the “who adore unto” and go back to normal.
- As the line “mother of mothers, we sing unto you” plays, you extend your right arm with a pointed finger in the air and make circles with the syllables of the line. End with your finger pointing at Old Main.
OLD MAIN OATH
As a member of the University of Arkansas, knowing that accepting membership in this community entails the obligation to be a steadfast, a responsible, and an engaged citizen,
I commit to Academics, to seek truth, progress, and personal discovery, and to partner intellect with courage to realize my purpose:
I commit to Integrity, to be inspired by an ethical approach, and to advance with truth as my leader in all facets of life:
I commit to Diversity, to respect the rights of all in my thoughts, words, and deeds in order to embrace an environment of inclusion and acceptance:
I commit to Leadership, to serve with accountability and creativity, and to inspire guidance and direction for a global society:
I commit to Tradition, to call all members of our community to engage in the spirit of our campus while upholding our reputation:
I commit to Community, to serve proactively in an ever-changing society to make a difference as an individual, campus, state, and nation:
I commit to Honor, to uphold the beliefs set forth in this creed:
I commit to being a Razorback.
TUSK
The live mascot that represents the Razorbacks today is no barnyard pig. Tusk IV, the hairy hog that attends all Razorback home football games, is a Russian boar, which closely resembles the wild hogs known as razorbacks native to the Arkansas wilderness. These Razorbacks are tough and at times ill-tempered — animals whose fearlessness and doggedness were the inspiration for the Razorback nickname.
The tradition of having a live Razorback mascot has been a fan favorite since the university’s first hooved beast made its debut in the 1960s.
HOGS THROUGH THE YEARS
CALLING THE HOGS
- The Hog Call is one of the most recognizable chants in all of sports. Here are the basics:
- Raise your arms above your head during the The Hog Call, yell “Wooo” and wiggle your fingers for a few seconds.
- Next, bring both arms straight down with fists clinched while yelling, “Pig.”
- Then extend your right arm with the “Sooie.”
- Repeat these steps two more times and finish by yelling
“Razor-Backs” like this:
Wooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
Wooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
Wooooooooo. Pig. Sooie! Razorbacks!
FIGHT SONG
For Hard To Be Humble, we traditionally do this after a fight song when we win. The players will come to the Hog Trough and band area to sign the Fight Song and Hard To Be Humble.
Hit that line! Hit that line! Keep on going!
Take that ball right down the field!
Give a cheer. Rah! Rah!
Never fear. Rah! Rah!
Arkansas will never yield!
On your toes, Razorbacks, to the finish,
Carry on with all your might!
For it’s A-A-A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S for
Arkansas!
Fight! Fight! Fi-i-ight!
HARD TO BE HUMBLE
For Hard To Be Humble, we traditionally do this after a fight song when we win. The players will come to the Hog Trough and band area to sing the Fight Song and Hard To Be Humble.
Oh, Lord it’s hard to be humble,
when you’re perfect in every way!
I can’t wait to look in the mirror,
I get better looking each day!
To know me is to love me,
I must be one hell of a fan!
Oh, Lord it’s hard to be humble,
when you’re an
Arkansas Razorback fan!
Spoofer’s Stone
During the early history of the university, male and female students were not allowed to mingle. In those days, students sometimes left love notes tucked into crevices of a limestone rock near Old Main. As time wore on, Spoofer’s Stone became a popular site for marriage proposals.
Senior Walk
The U of A boasts one of the most unique traditions found on any campus: Senior Walk, consisting of more than 5 miles of sidewalks engraved with the names of more than 175,000 University of Arkansas graduates, dating back to 1876. It’s the university’s longest tradition, at least in terms of mileage. Senior Walk is concrete proof of the university’s commitment to students.
Senior Ring
Because senior rings haven’t always been available at the U of A, this is our “newest tradition” on campus.
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