Arkansas Traditions
A few things we've grown fond of since 1871.
We're proud of our many fun and unique traditions at the University of Arkansas. Here
are just a few of the traditions that have shaped the U of A's distinct identity and
have united generations of students.
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 ridge back 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.
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.
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!
