5 Questions: Meet New Crimson Chaos President Jacob Pickle

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The close of a school year brings with it many changes, including a passing of the torch for the official student group of University of Alabama Athletics.

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On Tuesday, it was made official that Jacob Pickle, an economics major student from Lynn Haven, Florida, will take over as the next president of Crimson Chaos.

Pickle will succeed Ethan Lamb as the group's president, while Andy Hayes — a junior operations management major from Helena— has been named vice president.

The four-person Crimson Chaos executive board consists of Mary Lavorato, Major Yancy, Natalie Davis and Parker Lindmark.

Popularized by the late Crimson Tide basketball super fan Luke Ratliff — affectionately known as "Fluffopotamus" — the group has swelled in popularity since its inception, particularly during the Nate Oats era with the men's basketball program.

Crimson Chaos is open for any University of Alabama student to join and those interested can click here to learn more.

Tuscaloosa Patch caught up with the new president of Crimson Chaos to learn more about him as he gears up for his tenure to begin.

Q: What was your very first Alabama athletics experience?

"My first Alabama athletics experience was attending the Alabama/UT Chattanooga senior day in 2009. The thing I best remember was Javier Arenas returning a punt for a touchdown right into the end zone we were closest to."

Q: What does Crimson Chaos represent to you?

"Crimson Chaos represents the ability of sports to break down barriers as the great equalizer. Our members come from all over the country and world, study many different subjects, and live very different lives. But when we’re in the student section of Coleman [Coliseum], Rhoads [Stadium], Foster [Auditorium], the soccer stadium, or any other venue, we’re all one together rooting for the same thing. In a campus and world that’s so often divided, Crimson Chaos drops those binders and creates a really neat space for all UA students who join."

Q: What traditions to you plan to continue to observe during your tenure?

"I’m excited to be able to continue to honor Luke Ratliff through the passing of the plaid jacket at the beginning of the basketball season with his parents and Ethan Lamb, our former president. I also plan to keep meeting with as many coaches as possible to coordinate how to best support their individual teams. The handshake line with [UA women's soccer] Coach [Wes] Hart after each soccer game, chanting back and forth with the gymnastics team during meets, and attending all home games and as many away games as possible for all of our athletic programs!"

Q: What individual mark do you hope to leave on Crimson Chaos once your tenure is finished?

"I hope to leave a mark of inclusivity for Crimson Chaos. I feel very passionately that sports are the great equalizer for all people, and especially so at Alabama. I love this university, and I want every student to know they have a safe, fun place to spend time while on campus. To the freshman who just moved 1,000 miles away from their family, I want them to know they’re welcome in our organization. To the in-state kid who grew up going to games, matches, and meets, this organization is still for you and we value your perspective. I never want anyone to leave an event thinking any less than that they were seen for who they were and welcomed into the Alabama athletics family with open arms."

Q: Why should students become involved with Crimson Chaos?

"First off, our student athletes need your support! College athletes are students just like us. They’re in our classes, our dorm rooms, and on our walks to class. They care just as much about wearing the Script A proudly, and they want so badly to look up in the stands and see their peers passionately cheering them on. Seeing the faces on our soccer team light up as the student crowds grew from 20 to 100 to 200 to 1,000 was an incredible experience that I hope we can bring to other sports. Crimson Chaos is a family, and a place where anyone can express their passion for athletics, or just come to have a great experience on campus."

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