The Beta Delta Tradition At Cornell: RYM BERRY '04

Big Red '51?

The fascinating origin story of Cornell's most famous nickname

A Mystery Solved

Have you ever wondered when the nickname "Big Red" was first used to designate Cornell athletics and sports teams? The following accounts indicate that this tradition could be counted among Romeyn Berry's many contributions to the university.

The Origin of "The Big Red Team"

The 1988 edition of Songs of Cornell relates Romeyn Berry's recollection of the origin of the Cornell fight song "The Big Red Team." In a handwritten letter dated October 23, 1940, Berry says that in the fall of '05, a cheerleader announced a prize of $25 for "a Cornell football fight song indigenous in words and music":

"I was told by that cheerleader not to make the words boastful, bumptious or vainglorious because the prospects looked pretty punk for the team. I wrote the lyrics to 'The Big Red Team' that afternoon and produced them at dinner. Charles E. Tourison '05 [also a Beta], then leader of the Glee Club, wrote the music after dinner, and by 10:00 p.m. the brothers were singing the thing repeatedly with zest."

The Creative Process

1
$25 prize announced for fight song
2
Berry writes lyrics in one afternoon
3
Tourison '05 composes music after dinner
4
Brothers sing with zest by 10:00 PM

Historical Significance

Berry's account suggests that the famous "Big Red" nickname may have originated from this fraternity house collaboration.

  • • First use of "Big Red Team" terminology
  • • Created by Beta Theta Pi brothers
  • • Won the $25 prize competition
  • • Became Cornell tradition

Berry's Historic Claim

"To the best of my knowledge and belief the appellation 'Big Red Team' was never used before that. It fitted the meter and the rhythm. The song won the prize and was sung and played by the band at a football game about two weeks later."
— Romeyn Berry '04, October 23, 1940

Beta Theta Pi Connection

This story highlights the significant contributions that Beta Theta Pi brothers have made to Cornell University traditions. Both Romeyn Berry '04 and Charles E. Tourison '05 were members of our fraternity, working together to create what may have become one of Cornell's most enduring traditions.

The collaborative spirit shown in the Beta house that evening in 1905—with Berry writing lyrics, Tourison composing music, and the brothers singing with enthusiasm—exemplifies the brotherhood and creativity that have long characterized Beta Delta.