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The Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, represent the University of Maryland, College Park in NCAA sports. The University of Maryland is an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision school that belongs to the Atlantic Coast Conference and currently sponsors 27 varsity sports. Their mascot is Testudo the Turtle, who was born in 1932, when Dr. Curley Byrd suggested that the school's mascot should be the diamondback terrapin. Their official colors are red, white, black, and gold.
[edit] HistoryThe University of Maryland, College Park was established in 1856. Between 1921 and 1953, the Terps were part of the Southern Conference (SoCon). In 1953, Maryland seceded with six other SoCon schools to form the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The school's sports teams are called the Terrapins, and the mascot of the University is a diamondback terrapin named Testudo. The school's primary colors are red and white. [edit] Teams[edit] Men
[edit] Women
[edit] Traditions[edit] Fan supportMaryland fans, especially students, are known to be very loyal and supportive of Maryland Athletics. In 2005, The Princeton Review rated Maryland first in their "Students Pack the Stadiums" ranking of student athletic support.[1] [edit] Songs and chantsVictory Song The Maryland Victory Song was written in 1928 by Thornton W. Allen. It is played frequently during Terp Basketball and Football games. During Football games, it is played after every touchdown the Terps score, regardless of whether the team is winning or losing, celebrating the immediate victory of accomplishment. Ironically, the "Victory" song is played even after defeat. The lyrics are as follows: Maryland we're all behind you, During the M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D section of the victory song, Terrapins fans show their clenched fists, and alternate pumping them in the air, beginning with their right fist on the "M" and alternating between left and right with each letter of the MARYLAND. The motion resembles someone climbing a ladder.[2] Alma Mater & Fight Song Other official school songs include the school's Alma Mater and Fight Song. Each of these are played at every home football game during the pregame festivities.[3] "Hey, You Suck!" A popular saying among the students at Maryland is a simple "Hey, You Suck!" directed at opponents. Students have incorporated the phrase into Gary Glitter's popular sports anthem "Rock and Roll Part Two" (often referred to as the "Hey Song"), leading the school to cease playing the song. They have also incorporated it into the traditional "Na-na-na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" song uttered by sports fans following a foul-out of an opposing basketball player. Currently at basketball games immediately prior to tipoff, and at football games following a Terrapins touchdown, the student section begins performing an impromptu a cappella version of "Rock and Roll Part Two", as the band was banned from playing the song.[4]
[edit] Football and BasketballKey Plays At football games, Terp fans also shake their keys to signify urgency ("Key" Plays).[5] Fist Pump At the beginning of each men's basketball game, Maryland Coach Gary Williams pumps his fist to signify a good game.[6] Midnight Madness Midnight Madness was originally started by Maryland Head Coach Lefty Driesell in 1970. Midnight Madness is held at the earliest time the Men's Basketball Team can practice, which used to be midnight on the first day of practice. Students would attend the practice and over the years it has evolved into a circus-like atmosphere, including light shows, magic shows, the mascot trampoline challenge, skits, food, beverage, and other fanfare. Recently, Maryland and some other schools have moved the start of Midnight Madness to earlier in the day - generally around 7 o'clock - with permission of the NCAA, of course. This is to encourage more families and fans who aren't even students to attend the event. As a result of this change, Midnight Madness has been rebranded as "Maryland Madness".[7] Newspaper Shaking Maryland students attempt to read the newspaper as the opposing team is being introduced. They shake the paper as the visiting team is introduced.[8] [edit] Other Sport TraditionsThe Crew The Crew is an exceptionally dedicated group of Men's Soccer fans. They generally sit behind the goal the opposing team is defending and berate the opposing goalie, referring to him by formal (given) name. Members of the Crew often travel to away games to continue to support their Terps. The Crew also organize activities to join the soccer environment.[9] [edit] Fan incidentsThe University has experienced a number of on-and-off the field incidents including rioting and damaging campus property. The incidents have caused negative publicity for the university. In the early 2000s, security officers quelled sports-related rioting at least three times in as many years. After a major basketball loss in 2000, one thousand freshmen and sophomores swarmed across campus and caused significant property damage.[10] Following a win versus Duke in 2002, 18 people, including 3 students, were arrested after a crowd of about 3,000 tramped down Route 1, setting fires and throwing trash.[11] In the wake of these riots, the University Senate approved a rule that allows for students to be expelled for rioting off campus, even if they are not arrested.[12] Students and fans clashed with police in riot gear following the school's victory in the women's basketball national title game in April 2006, echoing unruly celebrations associated with the men's team in recent years.[13] [edit] National championshipsAs of December 2008[update], Maryland has won 25 NCAA National Championships.[14] Of these, 18 are in women's sports and 7 are in men's sports. Maryland has secured championships in the following sports:
[edit] Sports alumniBaseball Basketball
Football
Golf Gymnastics Men's lacrosse Men's soccer
Track & Field Women's lacrosse [edit] Current notable professionals[edit] FootballMain article: List of Maryland Terrapins in professional football [edit] Basketball
[edit] Baseball
[edit] Soccer
[edit] Maryland Athletic Hall of FameThe Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1982.[15] Notable members include:
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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