|
|
Oski - Golden Bears
In 1895, the University of California track & field team was the dominant power on the West Coast and decided to challenge several of
the top teams in the Midwest and East on an eight-meet tour that is now credited by many historians as putting Cal athletics onto the national scene. As a
symbol of the University, Regent Arthur Rodgers, class of 1872, commissioned a blue silk banner emblazoned with a golden grizzly bear, the symbol of the
state of California. The banner was carried by the team on its successful tour, which saw Cal win five of the eight competitions. Cal athletic fans were
so ecstatic over the team"s performance that Professor Charles Mills Gayle was inspired to write the song "The Golden Bear." Cal's athletic
teams have been known as the Golden Bears ever since.
California Victory Cannon
The California Victory Cannon was presented to the Rally Committee in time for the 1963 Big Game by the class of 1964.
It is shot off at the beginning of each home football game, after each Cal score and after each victory for the Golden Bears. Only once,
against Pacific on September 7, 1991, did the Bears score too many times for the cannon, racking up 12 touchdowns before the cannon ran
out of ammunition. The cannon, which was originally kept on the sidelines, has been mounted on Tightwad Hill above Memorial Stadium since
1971.
Cal Spirit!
Since its creation in 1901, the University of California Rally Committee has served as the official guardian of California Spirit and Tradition.
That legacy continues today with the oldest and one of the largest active memberships on the Berkeley campus - a presence unmatched at Cal or beyond. Look around
our website and learn more about Cal, its Spirit, and our amazing traditions. We will continue to add content as we strive to bring the California Spirit into the
homes of Cal fans around the world. GO BEARS!
|
|
|
