The SEC's Best Traditions

Written By Michael Paladino 22 Sep 2014

What makes football in the south so much more special than anywhere else? The traditions of course. When it comes to the most tradition-rich conference, the SEC takes the title. Here's a list of the most historic traditions in the SEC:

War Eagle-Auburn

The story of the War Eagle dates back to 1892 at Atlanta's Piedmont Park during Auburn's first ever battle against Georgia. A veteran of the Civil War was in the stands that day with an eagle he had found on the battle field. According to witnesses, the eagle broke loose and circled the football field. As the eagle flew, Auburn scored a touchdown beating the Bulldogs. In celebration, the Tigers began chanting "War Eagle!" Since that historic day for Auburn, an eagle has been present at Auburn home games and takes flights over the field during pre game ceremonies.

Woo Pig Sooie-University of Arkansas

Calling the Hogs is a tradition of the University of Arkansas students, alumni, and sporting fans. The origin and date of the first calling are not known, but the story is said to have formed in the 1920s when farmers attempted to cheer on a Razorback team that was losing. The next home game produced a group who repeated the cheer often. Today the famous Hog Call is a registered trademark of the University of Arkansas.

We are the Boys-Florida

The story goes that the song was written in 1919 by two UF students for their barbershop quartet. It began to be played at Gator sporting events in the 1930s while Gator fans locked arms, swayed and sang along. In the early 1970s, two Florida cheerleaders went to the band director and requested that the song be played between the third and fourth quarters. Since then, this has become one of the greatest traditions in college football.

The Grove-Ole Miss

The Grove of Ole Miss is likely to be the most beautiful place in the South. A collection of oak, magnolia, and elm trees sits on a 10-arce plot of land adjacent to the stadium. Tailgating on The Grove has been happening since football began at Ole Miss but became even more popular in the 1950s.

Cockaboose Railroad-South Carolina

Since 1990, 22 immovable cabooses have sat on a unused railroad track behind the south end of the stadium. Each caboose is privately owned and features running water, restrooms, working televisions, air conditioning and heat. The set-up offers a perfect way to tailgate in style before each Gamecocks home game.

Vol Navy-Tennessee

The Vol Navy is a beautiful setting nestled on the Tennessee River in the heart of east Tennessee. The tradition of floating to the game instead of driving began when former broadcaster George Mooney didn't want to sit in traffic. Instead, he traveled by boat down the Tennessee River to the stadium.

12th Man & Midnight Yell-Texas A&M

The 12th Man, born in January 1922, stemmed from one particular game with the nation's top team at the time, Centre College. Because the team was so battered and injured, head coach Dana Bible had to call for E. King Gill, a basketball played at the time, from the stands to join the team. Texas A&M went on to win 22-14 and although Gill never made it into the game, he was the last and only man standing on the sideline. He answered to the call to help his team and no one has forgotten about it.

Yell practice began as a post-dinner activity in 1913 however, in 1931, Yell Practice became what it is today. It was held the night before the Aggies played rival Texas. A group of cadets, gathered together in a dorm, suggested they should meet on the step of the YMCA at midnight. Senior yell leaders could not authorize it but said they could just show up. Word spread and freshman started to show up and the Midnight Yell was born. Today, the Yell is held at the stadium the night before an Aggie home game and at the Grove on Thursday nights before away games.

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