(12-19-2013 08:49 PM)GonzoOwl Wrote:  As for the cheers, as students during the 70's, we didn't know any of the words, except Go Rice, but we stilled cheered. I certainly don't know the chant at the end of the fight song now or when that started. I do know "e to the x" though. Also, we never learned the school song, but prided ourselves on just repeating Rice's Honor through the entire song.

As a student in the late '80's, I don't remember the fight song's having more than two words ("fight, fight fight..." with "fight song, fight song, fight song" as a chorus); but everyone knew the e to the x cheer, the spell-out cheer, the "oh yeah" song, and the existential cheer ("We're from Rice/Ain't that nice/Who are you/Do you know?")

Considering that Rice didn't beat a 1A team until my junior year (SMU, in their first post-death penalty game), the students had a tendency in those years to latch onto whatever small victories we could find ("We scored first!" "We scored last!" "We beat the spread!" and the immortal "We won the toss!") And, of course, we yelled "No big words" at the opposing players whenever they had a conference with a coach.

Do you still have a slide rule? I got one for high school chemistry. I got a SR-10 four function in 1973 (before junior year) for around $180. I do not remember what happened to the old slide rule. It might be valuable as an antique. Now my phone has more functions.

I remember Knodel calling out to get a student ejected who throw a cup of ice on Autry Court. It is not nice to throw something on a basketball court because a player could slip on it and get injured.

(12-19-2013 05:43 PM)THRILL Wrote:  I think we should all throw slide rules onto the field/court after a bad call and yell

" we strongly advise you re-calculate"

think of the LULZ

(12-20-2013 01:50 AM)75src Wrote:  Do you still have a slide rule? I got one for high school chemistry. I got a SR-10 four function in 1973 (before junior year) for around $180.

I also got one in high school ... a metal Pickett ... for winning a math contest. I still have it, but couldn't find it after a short search tonight.

What I did find during that exploration through some boxes was a second Rice Unbeata'Bell':



I'll be well stocked for ringing in the New Year after a Rice Owls Liberty Bell -- err, Bowl -- victory.

Go Owls!!

(12-19-2013 08:20 PM)Rick Gerlach Wrote:  "Stand and Cheer, Sammy's Here. He will lead the way. Onward Go to Crush the Foe, We'll Fight for the Blue and Grey"

"Rice Fight Never Dies - - Blue, Grey, In the Skies."

Or something like that.

Darn close, Rick.

Here's the story of the Rice Fight Song's origin ... music and words:

Quote:Girard Generosity

Fisherman Don't Bring Home Any Catch,
But Rice Gets New Song From the Deal

Thirty years ago in Santa Monica the fish weren't biting so good for a couple of fellows on a fishing trip, so they took time out to bring into the world what will probably be Rice's new fight song. It all happened this way:

Harry Girard, then a young actor on the vaudeville stage, and now father of Louie Girard, a senior in Rice, and Oliver Morosco, a famous theater owner of three decades ago, were on a fishing trip in California. The fish were other places that particular day, and the two men became bored.

"Geri," said Mr. Morosco, "why don't you write a real he-man song of the pampas and the prairies of Texas? These nambypamby songs going around now are a pain in the neck!"

Girard agreed that they weren't so good, and sat right down and started on "Prairieland," the name of his new song, which he finished before the fishing trip was over. The song stayed on the scrap of paper for quite awhile. Mr. Girard then transferred it to manuscript form, but never copyrighted it or attempted to have it published. For the next eight years he carried the song over the country with him to the multitude of vaudeville houses where he played.

The executive manager of the Keith Orpheum circuit of theaters heard "Prairieland" and was captivated by its air — he offered the composer $5,000, but Girard wouldn't sell.

Now — many years after that memorable fishing trip — the composer has a son who will graduate in June from Rice. The father wants to give the song to the Institute in appreciation for what it has done for his son.

"Prairieland" made its debut before the Rally Club in the Senior Commons last Monday night when "Red" Bill Ross rolled it out on the piano. It struck the fancy of eyeryone there and groups immediately formed around the piano while Bill ran through the song time and time again! Different club members began composing words — a line at a time was added until the verse was complete.

And now Rice has its first original song, thanks to the creative genius and generosity of Harry Girard, who has supplied a new inspiration just when it seems that the War between ASCAP and radio networks may prevent the playing of "Rice's Honor."

- - - - - - -

The new song will be played at half time by Kit Reid and the Rice Band, Reid having made a special arrangement for the occasion. The words are reproduced here:

RICE RALLY SONG

Fight for Rice, Rice fight on.
Loyal sons arise.
The Blue and Gray for Rice today,
Comes breaking through the skies.
Stand and cheer; victory's near;
Sammy leads the way.
Onward go to crush the foe;
We'll fight for Blue and Gray.

RICE—FIGHT—NEV-ER DIES
BLUE—GRAY—IN THE SKIES
STAND—CHEER—RAH, RAH. RAH
GO—GO—Y-E-A-H RICE.

Note: The yell fits in with the second chorus of the song. Follow the cheer leader's direction as to when to yell.

.... from the Rice Thresher, Dec. 6, 1940, page 1.

(12-19-2013 09:15 PM)SWBTS Owl Wrote:  As a student in the late '80's, I don't remember the fight song's having more than two words ("fight, fight fight..." with "fight song, fight song, fight song" as a chorus)

We must have run different crowds, at least for Rice sports. I was a student in the late 1980s as well, and we not only new the words to the fight song. the alma mater, and Old Gray Bonnet (a great little number), but sang them lustily. I guess it goes to show you that none of our personal experiences were as universal as we sometimes think they were.

By the way, that period was also the time (probably fall 1986, to be specific) when the "Drink more beer" line was added. As related in other threads, it was not my idea by any means, but I was present at the creation and distinctly remember it. It was just an idea that seemed fun at the time; none of us had any expectation that it would have the longevity it has had.

Oh!
Oh my!
Thanks for finding that.

I'd heard from Dr. Girard that he had gotten the tune from his father, but never could figure out the name of the original song.
Dr. Girard left me with a giant tub of his father's century-old music, and I went through it page-by-page trying to find the Fight Song's tune, but never did.
Now I can go back through it and see if "Prairieland" is present at all.
Most of the tub's contents are from two of Harry Girard's comedic light operas, The Alaskan, and The Maid of Mandalay.

(12-20-2013 03:46 AM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

Quote:Girard Generosity

Fisherman Don't Bring Home Any Catch,
But Rice Gets New Song From the Deal

Thirty years ago in Santa Monica the fish weren't biting so good for a couple of fellows on a fishing trip, so they took time out to bring into the world what will probably be Rice's new fight song. It all happened this way:

Harry Girard, then a young actor on the vaudeville stage, and now father of Louie Girard, a senior in Rice, and Oliver Morosco, a famous theater owner of three decades ago, were on a fishing trip in California. The fish were other places that particular day, and the two men became bored.

"Geri," said Mr. Morosco, "why don't you write a real he-man song of the pampas and the prairies of Texas? These nambypamby songs going around now are a pain in the neck!"

Girard agreed that they weren't so good, and sat right down and started on "Prairieland," the name of his new song, which he finished before the fishing trip was over. The song stayed on the scrap of paper for quite awhile. Mr. Girard then transferred it to manuscript form, but never copyrighted it or attempted to have it published. For the next eight years he carried the song over the country with him to the multitude of vaudeville houses where he played.

The executive manager of the Keith Orpheum circuit of theaters heard "Prairieland" and was captivated by its air — he offered the composer $5,000, but Girard wouldn't sell.

Now — many years after that memorable fishing trip — the composer has a son who will graduate in June from Rice. The father wants to give the song to the Institute in appreciation for what it has done for his son.

"Prairieland" made its debut before the Rally Club in the Senior Commons last Monday night when "Red" Bill Ross rolled it out on the piano. It struck the fancy of eyeryone there and groups immediately formed around the piano while Bill ran through the song time and time again! Different club members began composing words — a line at a time was added until the verse was complete.

And now Rice has its first original song, thanks to the creative genius and generosity of Harry Girard, who has supplied a new inspiration just when it seems that the War between ASCAP and radio networks may prevent the playing of "Rice's Honor."

- - - - - - -

The new song will be played at half time by Kit Reid and the Rice Band, Reid having made a special arrangement for the occasion. The words are reproduced here:

RICE RALLY SONG

Fight for Rice, Rice fight on.
Loyal sons arise.
The Blue and Gray for Rice today,
Comes breaking through the skies.
Stand and cheer; victory's near;
Sammy leads the way.
Onward go to crush the foe;
We'll fight for Blue and Gray.

RICE—FIGHT—NEV-ER DIES
BLUE—GRAY—IN THE SKIES
STAND—CHEER—RAH, RAH. RAH
GO—GO—Y-E-A-H RICE.

Note: The yell fits in with the second chorus of the song. Follow the cheer leader's direction as to when to yell.

.... from the Rice Thresher, Dec. 6, 1940, page 1.

(12-20-2013 01:50 AM)75src Wrote:  Do you still have a slide rule? I got one for high school chemistry. I got a SR-10 four function in 1973 (before junior year) for around $180. I do not remember what happened to the old slide rule. It might be valuable as an antique. Now my phone has more functions.

Better than just a slide rule, I have a 12 foot long, hang it from the ceiling to use it, teacher's model slide rule! MOB prop?

(12-20-2013 03:46 AM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(12-19-2013 08:20 PM)Rick Gerlach Wrote:  "Stand and Cheer, Sammy's Here. He will lead the way. Onward Go to Crush the Foe, We'll Fight for the Blue and Grey"

"Rice Fight Never Dies - - Blue, Grey, In the Skies."

Or something like that.

Darn close, Rick.

Fight for Rice, Rice fight on.
Loyal sons arise.
The Blue and Gray for Rice today,
Comes breaking through the skies.
Stand and cheer; victory's near;
Sammy leads the way.
Onward go to crush the foe;
We'll fight for Blue and Gray.

RICE—FIGHT—NEV-ER DIES
BLUE—GRAY—IN THE SKIES
STAND—CHEER—RAH, RAH. RAH
GO—GO—Y-E-A-H RICE.

Note: The yell fits in with the second chorus of the song. Follow the cheer leader's direction as to when to yell.

....[/quote]

I actually remembered the first part as well, immediately after hitting the submit Post button.

Accept for the last two lines (RaH- Rah - Rah and and Go Go),

It's actually pretty catchy and easy to remember - a darn good fight song as far as fight songs go, IMHO.

(i.e., I like the words - LOL - although I like my incorrect version of "Sammy's Here - He will lead the way" better, probably because that's what's been stuck in my mind for the last few decades)

(12-20-2013 11:12 AM)Grungy Wrote:  Most of the tub's contents are from two of Harry Girard's comedic light operas, The Alaskan, and The Maid of Mandalay.

To be adapted for an upcoming halftime show???!!!

'Some look at things the way they are and ask "why". Others look at things the way they could be and ask "why not"?'

(12-20-2013 12:30 PM)owl at the moon Wrote:  'Some look at things the way they are and ask "why". Others look at things the way they could be and ask "why not"?'

Sometimes I just stare and say "What the hell?"

(12-20-2013 11:14 AM)RiceDoc Wrote:  I have a 12 foot long, hang it from the ceiling to use it, teacher's model slide rule! MOB prop?

That would be wonderful.
Where do we sign?

(12-20-2013 01:08 PM)Grungy Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 11:14 AM)RiceDoc Wrote:  I have a 12 foot long, hang it from the ceiling to use it, teacher's model slide rule! MOB prop?

That would be wonderful.
Where do we sign?

I can guarantee you that the vast majority of the students in attendance will not know what a slide rule is, or if they do, be able to recognize one.

(12-20-2013 05:02 PM)RiceFight Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 01:08 PM)Grungy Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 11:14 AM)RiceDoc Wrote:  I have a 12 foot long, hang it from the ceiling to use it, teacher's model slide rule! MOB prop?

That would be wonderful.
Where do we sign?

I can guarantee you that the vast majority of the students in attendance will not know what a slide rule is, or if they do, be able to recognize one.

If they were one of the 40 years worth of kindergarteners that were in my mom's classes, they would know what one is.

I'm going to be a freshmen at Rice next year and just have a few questions regarding Rice sports and particularly student involvement that I thought some of you might be able to help out with. I've been following this board since September and it's been great!

1) Obviously, student attendance is somewhat weak at football games but a lot of students came out for the CUSA Championship. What is it like for Basketball and Baseball? Is it empty? Who are the big rivals for these sports? Obviously, I would think UT for baseball. But basketball has really left me guessing, UAB? They are in the tournament frequently so is it a big deal when they come to Tudor?

2) What exactly was the controversy surrounding the basketball program? I understand that a ton of players transferred and there was a possibly racist coach... But what is the REAL story?

3)What was the rationale for putting tarps over the end zone seats? I know Baylor did the same thing at Floyd Casey for a while, but why???

I didn't want to start a new thread, but I'm sorry if this is misplaced!

GO OWLS!

(12-20-2013 05:18 PM)RiceDoc Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 05:02 PM)RiceFight Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 01:08 PM)Grungy Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 11:14 AM)RiceDoc Wrote:  I have a 12 foot long, hang it from the ceiling to use it, teacher's model slide rule! MOB prop?

That would be wonderful.
Where do we sign?

I can guarantee you that the vast majority of the students in attendance will not know what a slide rule is, or if they do, be able to recognize one.

If they were one of the 40 years worth of kindergarteners that were in my mom's classes, they would know what one is.

Cube root, square root, BTU
Compass, slide rule, Go Rice U!

(12-20-2013 07:43 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  I'm going to be a freshmen at Rice next year and just have a few questions regarding Rice sports and particularly student involvement that I thought some of you might be able to help out with. I've been following this board since September and it's been great!

1) Obviously, student attendance is somewhat weak at football games but a lot of students came out for the CUSA Championship. What is it like for Basketball and Baseball? Is it empty? Who are the big rivals for these sports? Obviously, I would think UT for baseball. But basketball has really left me guessing, UAB? They are in the tournament frequently so is it a big deal when they come to Tudor?

2) What exactly was the controversy surrounding the basketball program? I understand that a ton of players transferred and there was a possibly racist coach... But what is the REAL story?

3)What was the rationale for putting tarps over the end zone seats? I know Baylor did the same thing at Floyd Casey for a while, but why???

I didn't want to start a new thread, but I'm sorry if this is misplaced!

GO OWLS!

As for #1, student attendance for basketball and baseball are generally poor as well. During my undergrad years 2008-12, I would have said that our MBB team drew well, compared to what would be expected for level of team that we had and the small size of the student body. But since the start of last year, that has fallen off precipitously. Some games last year drew a few hundred, but 20-50 was typical. I think that the low-water mark by my count was 7. As for rivals, there really aren't any, save for UH. Turnout would be greater than usual for Memphis, UAB, UCF, Tulsa, and SMU, but all of that group except UAB are no longer on the schedule. A UH game on campus would draw well, but that game is at Toyota Center this year. I imagine that it will not be well attended by anyone.

For WBB, UH and UTEP are as much of rivals as there are, but you will see the same 10 regulars in the student section of WBB games no matter who they play, excepting Baylor last season, which turned out close to 1000 students.

Baseball, much like WBB, has a small dedicated band of 20 or so regulars with others coming sporadically. Games with UH and UT fill up the place, and occasionally there are promotions of free food/beer that bring out people that otherwise wouldn't.

For #2... Well... I don't think anyone here really knows what happened, but the following is generally accepted: Former AD Rick Greenspan and Former Asst Basketball Coach were cancers on the program, and the players who have left since the end of 2012 felt bigger than the team.

I think you know enough about the situation to have a starting point of understanding. Last spring, the Thresher (student newspaper) held a town hall style open forum, and you can read my notes from that meeting here. http://csnbbs.com/post-9184557.html#pid9184557

And for #3...I have a few guesses, but anything would be speculation. I'll leave that to someone else.

Welcome!

With regards to Rice baseball, though it is true that student turnout is embarrassingly weak for a perennially elite program, overall attendance is relatively strong. Rice annually ranks amongst the Top 15 nationally in average home baseball attendance (we were #14 the past two seasons, I believe), averaging some 3,300 in paid attendance per game (of which something like 3,000 are season ticket holders). Against Texas and the Aggies-- even during our mid-week games against them-- the attendance usually swells to close to 5,000 (and has surpassed that on a number of occassions). Capacity is around 5,300.

Congrats on getting into Rice. Students at Rice are pretty fair weather fans, like fans in the city of Houston in general when it comes to sports. When the teams are playing well and there is incentive to come (good weather, good giveaways, good opponents, whatever), the students come out in force.

If you're a big sports fan, I encourage you to get to know people in the athletic department. There are lots of opportunities for students to help out various teams and perhaps even get some scholarship aid if that is something you're interested in doing.

(12-20-2013 07:43 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  I'm going to be a freshmen at Rice next year and just have a few questions regarding Rice sports and particularly student involvement that I thought some of you might be able to help out with. I've been following this board since September and it's been great!...

Congrats, and welcome to the family! :)

I can't say much about student involvement of late because I don't make it back to TX for many games, but some of my favorite memories of my Rice days involved sports. The 1994 UT football game is one of those, along with some excellent road trips.

Students who want to help build support for Rice teams should find Dr. K to be more engaged than his predecessor. That is very promising!

(12-20-2013 09:10 PM)That Guy 2012 Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 07:43 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  3)What was the rationale for putting tarps over the end zone seats? I know Baylor did the same thing at Floyd Casey for a while, but why???

And for #3...I have a few guesses, but anything would be speculation. I'll leave that to someone else.

Welcome!

Because it looks a lot better than empty benches, and we don't need the extra seats.