I grew up going to Alabama football games and going to Crimsonette try-outs from as young as I can remember. I was a competitive twirler at age 4, was the feature twirler with the Bibb County High School marching band ages 6-9, and a majorette through my high school years. In 1992, I made the University of Alabama Crimsonette line, one of 18, and was Captain my last three years.
My first practice with the band playing behind me was unbelievable. I couldn’t think or remember the routine, and I was so overwhelmed by the sound. My first pre-game was blazing hot, mascara in my eyes, sweat everywhere, and the TV cameraman on the sideline was literally in my face for my first “Yeah Alabama.” Talk about nervous!
The Million Dollar Band was under the direction of America’s first female D1 band director, Kathryn Scott, and the Crimsonette coach and choreographer was Marion Powell. Our shows were so creative, and I loved it. The shows were themed and we had different costumes and props, and even had dressing rooms on the sideline. I was more nervous about putting on the right thing in 15 seconds, than dropping or performing. Some of the shows we did were Swing, Western, Gospel, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Mis, Movies, and Decades of Music.
We practiced every afternoon, late Thursday nights, and game day mornings. My neighbor was a trainer for the football team and he told me that when the band was practicing that Saturday morning at Legion Field, someone ran in and said the Crimsonettes are here. So, he ran out and said,” Where are they?” He was shocked to see us all in hair rollers and no makeup!
The second quarter was my least favorite part of the game because we left the stands to redo our hair, makeup, stretch, and get ready for half-time. I hated missing the game.
My second year in Bryant Denny, right before the half, I think we were playing Arkansas. Leah Pennington and I, who both loved the game, were talking to the opposing punter as he was deep in the end zone right in front of us. We were trying to get in his head, saying “You know you are going to fumble this ball… You know you are going to drop it!” And he did! We were high fiving! So that’s why the punter fumbled in the end zone.
My first away game with the pep band was Arkansas. They would take four Crimsonettes each trip. I got to go as a freshman, because everyone else wanted a weekend off. After the game, I thought I had time to use the restroom. When I came out and walked to the band bus, it was gone! I got left at the stadium, in Arkansas, and we didn’t have phones back then. I knew there was a fan bus of older Alabama fans, so I ran and found them. Thankfully, they were happy to take me to the band hotel!
I have so many wonderful memories from my days at of The University of Alabama. I actually met my husband there. Wes was a receiver on the football team. He had broken his ankle and had surgery that Friday. As I was leaving the field after pre-game, Marion, my coach, said “There is Wes; I always wanted y’all to meet.” He was sitting in the wheelchair section above the field, kind of out of it because of surgery. A year later, we met at an FCA meeting. He wore his glasses that day, he came over to me and his lens fell out of his glasses! He was so embarrassed, took his glasses off, and didn’t know where to look, because he couldn’t see!
I am so thankful for my time at the University and the opportunity to be a Crimsonette. There were so many wonderful experiences, leaders, and friendships that I still hold dear today. As I reminisce on the 90’s, I can’t help but feeling thankful and blessed.
Roll Tide,
Cae
