About the Alma Mater

The alma mater was written in 1911 by George A. Wauchope, an English professor at USC, and set to the music of Robert Burns' "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton." It was written as a result of the need for this type of school song. A March 1911 issue of the GAMECOCK reported that a year or two earlier the faculty, "realizing we should have a soul stirring alma mater," offered a prize of $50, but not much had been done. Several songs, including "A Health to Carolina," were written after this and other articles asked for an alma mater. All of these songs that were submitted were placed in a songbook and sung at chapel.

Although it was several years before the song written by Dr. Wauchope became known as the Alma Mater of the University, it was apparently was the most popular one as soon as it came out.

Ever since Professor George A. Wauchope penned the words to Carolina's Alma Mater, its singing at athletic events has been one of the University's most revered traditions. Over the years the custom has arisen of raising the right hand, with fingers cupped, when the phrase "Here's A Health, Carolina" occurs, as if offering a toast. To many alumni, the "toast" is synonymous with events on the athletic field.

About the Present Fight Song

The tune is from the musical "How Now, Dow Jones" and the original song is titled "Step to the Rear" (composed by Elmer Bernstein with original lyrics by Carolyn Leigh). The sheet music is copyrighted to Carwin Music, Incorporated in 1967. The music was chosen as a USC Fight Song by former football coach and Athletic Director, Paul Deitzel. Mr. Deitzel wrote the lyrics to this USC Fight Song.