At the University of Maryland , football has a long tradition. The Terp Alley walk requires probably first an explanation of “What is a Terrapin?”
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Testudo got his start back in 1932, when then-football coach Dr. H. Curley Byrd recommended that the Diamondback terrapin be made the school mascot. It is also the Maryland State Reptile. The suggestion was in response to The Diamondback’s (the school paper, even back then) search for a new “official” mascot. Before this search, Maryland teams were called the Old Liners. The terrapin, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay, seemed a great choice and a logical one coming from Byrd. Why he is called Testudo is unknown, though there are many theories.
The Walk Down Terp Alley happens approximately two hours before kickoff at every home football game, fans join Testudo, the Spirit Squad and the Mighty Sound of Maryland as the football team walks through Terp Alley on its way to Maryland Stadium. Terp Alley starts as the team exits the bus at the Stadium Drive traffic circle and continues through the west gate of the stadium. (SOURCE)
Other Traditions: Maryland flag unfurling, “The Victory Song,” “Testudo,” Scott Van Pelt, Under Armour
