Pluck & Grit

The University of Alabama's favorite elephant has become a staple during game days at Bryant Denny and countless weddings, birthday parties and on-campus events. He takes a photo with almost every new student at orientation, and is beloved by children and adults from all areas of the UA community. Since 1980, Big Al's legacy has left an impression as one of college's most recognized mascots, but that process did not happen overnight. In our first episode we meet up with the original Big Al, Mr. Hugh Dye, former advisor, Ms. Segail Friedman, former Homecoming Chair, Ms. Anne Haedicke Parramore and former UA administrator, Dr. Kathleen Cramer, to uncover how UA earned its mascot, and more importantly how Big Al got his name.