10 Badass Traditions in Sports

TheChampionsTour13 years ago

“Jump Around” at Camp Randall

Nothing is more badass than a 20,000+ liquored-up student section jumping in perfect unison to one of the all-time greatest party jams. At the end of the third quarter, the stadium’s PA blasts House of Pain as the drunks of the University of Wisconsin in the endzone go nuts. I’ve seen it in person and it is hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen at a sporting event.

Blackhawks National Anthem at United Center

The “Madhouse on Madison” got it’s nickname from the old Chicago Stadium on Madison Ave. on the Westside of Chicago. Home to one of the most patriotic traditions in sport, the UC ignites before every home game right after the starting lineups are announced. In-house anthem singer and Chicago celebrity Jim Cornelison takes the mic as all 20,000+ in attendance start cheering at the top of their lungs, drowning out the anthem in one of the great true displays of American patriotism.

“Death Valley”

LSU’s Tiger Stadium is perhaps the most intimidating environment in all of sports. There isn’t really a tradition here, except that virtually every single game is played at night in Baton Rouge. In the middle of the field is the lone tiger eye, the most badass midfield, half-court, center ice logo of all. Then add into the equation that you’ve got 90,000 shitfaced Cajuns breathing down your neck, and it’s the perfect recipe for shit pants.

Chief Osceola at The Doak

Before every Florida State home football game, a student riding a painted horse takes a FLAMING WAR SPEAR/STICK THAT’S ON FIRE to the fifty-yard line as the fans sing the Seminole War Chant and throws the spear into the ground while rearing the horse in the air, sending the crowd at The Doak into a frenzy. This could also qualify as one of the most offensive college football traditions…if you’re some kind of pussy. Chief Osceola is awesome.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk at Allen Fieldhouse

As a Mizzou graduate, my skin is crawling as I type this. There is nothing worse than hearing this chant as the Jayhawks close out games in the Phog. KU’s tremendous home record has nothing to do with this chant, but rather Bill Self’s ridiculous ability to get functioning retards like the Morris twins and Brady Morningstar eligible (Sorry, I’ll try to put aside personal hatred for the time being). The chant usually begins with a minute or two left in the game if the Hawks have a healthy lead. Still, this badassery can’t cover up the fact that Allen Fieldhouse is a decrepit, glorified woodshed that smells like piss and should be burnt down.

Octopi at Joe Louis Arena

What better way to celebrate a goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs than throwing a cephalopod mollusk onto the ice? There is none. Fans in Detroit have been doing this since the Original Six days of the NHL, when there were only six teams in the league and four made the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, teams needed just eight wins to take home Lord Stanley. Eight wins. Eight legs. Makes sense, right?

“Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at Wrigley

One of my life’s biggest regrets is that I never got to see a completely shitfaced Harry Caray hanging out of the press level at Wrigley Field leading the Chicago Cubs’ faithful in the most American song outside of “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. Ever since his passing, local and national celebs lead the bleacher bums in song ending with Caray’s signature seven Old Styles-deep “LET’S GET SOME RUNS!” Get bent if you don’t like this tradition.

War Eagle

Regardless of where your allegiance lies, we should all agree that the pre-game flight of Auburn’s War Eagle is one of the greatest spectacles in college football. The tradition dates back to 1892 as a Civil War veteran brought an eagle to a game against Georgia. The bird broke free of its owner’s grasp and soared over the field as Auburn rallied to win the game. “War Eagle” is now celebrated as an omen of success. As the legend goes, the bird plummeted to its death immediately following the game, perhaps serving as foreshadowing for the future of Auburn football.

Running Down the Hill at Clemson

Perhaps the most unconventional entrance in college sports, the Tigers of Clemson enter Memorial Stadium from the east, touching Howard’s Rock (I highly suggest watching the history of Howard’s Rock on YouTube. It’s awesome) and beginning what’s known as The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in College Football. Clemson may not be the powerhouse they once were, but dammit, this tradition ranks up there as one of the most badass ever.

*Note: I don’t wanna hear any trouble about the powerhouse comment. Maybe don’t get 70-balled by WVU in the Orange Bowl and I’ll change my tune.

The Lambeau Leap

What started in 1993 in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field spawned a new type of celebration never seen before in the NFL. Often imitated, but never duplicated, the Leap is the best touchdown celebration in football. This celebration revolutionized endzone antics and broke the barrier between fan and player. Just don’t try it when you score a TD in intramurals.