|
Home Page |
|
TAR HEEL TRADITIONS: |
As the nation's first state university, The University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and opened to students in 1795. Carolina was the only
public univer-
sity to award degrees to students in the 18th century. Since those first few years, this special
place of learn-
ing has blended its own traditions with those of the state. |
""Rameses"" |
Why a Ram for a Mascot?:
In 1924 Vic Huggins, UNC's head cheerleader, decided that Carolina
needed a mascot like N.C. State's Wolf and Georgia's Bulldog. At the time, Jack Merrit, known to his fans as the
"Battering Ram," was a popular member of UNC's football team. Making use of this nickname, Huggins hit upon the
idea of a ram as the Carolina mascot.
What is a Tar Heel?:
The University not only uses the nic-
kname "Tar Heels," but the entire
state does as well. One version of the nickname's origin has the name first being applied to North Carolini-
ans during the
Civil War. One reco-
rd talks of a battle in Virginia, wher-
e their supporting column retreated, but North Carolina troops
fought alone. The victorious troops were asked in a condescending tone by some Virginians, who had retreated, "Any more
tar down in the Old North State, boys?" The response came quickly: "No, not a bit; old Jeff's bought it all up." The
Virgini-
ans asked: "Is that so? What is he going to do with it?" The reply: "He is going to put it on you'ns heels to
make you stick better in the next fight."
|
|
North Carolina State University Next Page >>>> |
 |
 |
43 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Carolina State University Next Page >>>> |
 |
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
