A&M-Commerce restores the Victory Bell tradition, invites students and fans to “Call the Roll”

By Lion Athletics

COMMERCE – Texas A&M University-Commerce has announced the re-establishment of the Victory Bell tradition, beginning with the Lion Football game on Saturday against Grambling.

“We are proud to reinstall a tradition that traces its roots to the very founding of the university. As the university continues to enjoy unparalleled growth, it is important to preserve and celebrate the traditions that bind generations of students and alumni,” said Director of Athletics Jim Curry.

“Thank you to the student engagement team and the student traditions council for their partnership with athletics, and for taking a leading role in restoring and maintaining this important tradition.”

The Victory Bell was brought to Commerce in 1895 when founder William Mayo moved the campus from Cooper. The original bell was used to call students to classes. The solid granite base of the bell was donated in 1927.

Since the early 1930s, the Victory Bell became a regular part of football games. It was rung each time the Lions scored a point during the game, and following a Lion win a group of cheerleaders rang the ball for every point scored by the Lion football team. The Victory Bell tradition was featured in Sports Illustrated magazine in 1964, see HERE for the article.

The original Victory Bell still resides on campus in front of Ferguson Hall on Education Drive and remains a feature element of prospective student tours and new student convocation. An image of the Victory Bell is emblazoned on one side of the university class ring. The original bell will soon be restored and permanently relocated to a more prominent position on campus where the history of the Victory Bell can be highlighted and celebrated.

The Traditions Council will serve as the primary stewards of the Victory Bell, in partnership with the athletics department and the office of student engagement. While finalizing procurement of a new bell that is similar in design and size to the original, an interim bell will support game days in the meantime and placed immediately in front of the student section on Saturday.  

During the game, the bell will be rung each time the Lions score a point by a member of the A&M-Commerce Traditions Council. Following a win, the bell will be rung once for every point scored. The new Victory Bell will be moved to other major events around campus, including other athletics home contests, and rung by members of the Traditions Council.

Representing another expansion of a long-standing tradition, following a Lion win and the playing of the fight song and alma mater, the football team will gather in front of the student section where coach Clint Dolezel invites all Lion fans, alumni, and students to join the team in Calling the Roll. Since its origin in 1958, Lion football teams have called the roll following every win. Immediately thereafter, the Victory Bell will ring to celebrate the Lion win.

All fans are encouraged to bring a Victory Bell to ring as the football team walks through tailgate during the Victory Walk, on third and fourth down when the defense is on the field, and during other key moments throughout the game.

WHEN THE VICTORY BELL IS RUNG

• After the Lions score a point
• Following a Lion win, for every point scored by the Lions in the win

WHEN FANS SHOULD RING THEIR BELLS

• During the Victory Walk as team walks through tailgate
• Third Downs and other key moments in-game
• Every time the Lions score a point
• Following a Lion win

CALL THE ROLL LYRICS
When the roll is called up yonder
When the roll is called up yonder
When the roll is called up yonder
When the roll Is called up yonder I’ll be there!

POSTGAME ORDER OF TRADITIONS FOLLOWING A LION WIN

1. Fight Song
2. Alma Mater
3. Call The Roll
4. Ringing the Victory Bell

Tickets are still available for this Saturday’s game against Grambling and can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/Tickets.