The ’70s and ’80s saw a lot of crazy traditions, including the two most rambunctious spirit groups Trinity has ever seen. They were said to have completed each other.
The Sperm Squad was a group of male students who dressed in all white and rushed the football field during the annual homecoming game.
“My first memory as a sperm is when I got dressed in my thermal underwear, stuffed a pillow under my shirt, and put on my sunglasses. I thought, ‘Gee I can’t believe you are doing this.’ But then someone handed me a beer and I drank it and it didn’t seem like such a silly thing to do after all.” ---Trinitonian, 1985
The Sperm Squad was led by the Head Sperm. The Head Sperm was crucial to the operation; he recruited new sperm each year and new Ova, the female counterpart to the Sperm Squad. The Ova were an all-female squad who dressed in pink and carried umbrellas. Before halftime, the sperm and ova would “form” in separate lounges where they had an “attitude modification” party to get them excited.
When it came time, the wad would stream from the dorm in “one long flowing mass,”as described in the Trinitonian. When the Ova were sighted, the magic would happen. The wad would begin the group’s ritual dance, called the Gator, which included pursuit of the Ova to the tune of “La Grange” by ZZ Top.
“[When] the urge overcomes us we burst from the goal posts and I think you know what happens next.” --Trinitonian 1985
The Head Sperm, unidentified by name, explained that the anticipation for the event mounted all year: “We have a mission in life just like real sperm: Get the ova!”
Each year the Sperm Squad and Ova grew in number and audacity, until 1989. They were shut down after years of growing opposition amongst the administration, as well as groups of alumni, parents, and students, who felt that the group paraded on the field and danced in an obscene manner. The University threatened expulsion to all sperm and ova who entered the stadium in 1989, abolishing the tradition.
Despite their vulgarity, we can appreciate the Sperm and Ova’s bravery and exacting nature. They never once blew it.
“It’s not something we want to do. It’s something we have to do. We’re drawn to it like salmon swimming upstream.” --Head Sperm, Trinitonian 1985
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