Traditions:
Victory March Fight Song and Words
In 1956, after being commanded to direct the UB Marching Band, Dr. Robert Mols composed our march to be performed after scoring and at the completion of every football game. This march has remained as the official school fight song for the University at Buffalo ever since.
At some point in the 1960s the original lyrics for the fight song were composed; the author at this point is unknown. After the dismantling of the marching band in 1972, the words were lost. Efforts are still ongoing to recover these words.
Years later, numerous parties and individuals, including Sports Illustrated magazine, contacted the University requesting information regarding the lyrics. In the summer of 2000, Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly published an article stating that the University had no lyrics to their fight song.
Shortly thereafter, Dr. Robert Mols was contacted by the "Thunder of the East" to either recreate or compose new lyrics for Victory March. And he did just that. Below is a copy of the original words generously presented to the "Thunder of the East".
(click to enlarge)
UB Victory March Lyrics
Fight, Fight for Buffalo
Be proud to fight for our dear Blue and White
So, thunder through, Go Blue!
Give a cheer, never fear!
Don't stop 'til we have won!
Cheer, cheer for Buffalo
Our spirit will be with you 'till the end
So show your colors proud and true
For the glory of our dear Buffalo!
University at Buffalo Fight Songs
Along with Victory March, Go For A Touchdown and Buffalo Fight Song are the University's Fight Songs. These can be heard during many of the pre-game show performances of the "Thunder of the East".
University at Buffalo Alma Mater
The Alma Mater was first sung by the University of Buffalo Glee Club in the season of 1905 and 1906. The music was first composed by W.S. Goodale, M.D. '03 and the original lyrics by Samual B. Botsford, L.L.B., '02. The exact date of composition remains a mystery, however we can conclude that the composition was written before the graduation of both authors. In 1916 and in 1939 the Alma Mater was included in the University of Buffalo Song Book.
In 1961 at the request of Frank Cipolla, Director of Bands, Livingston Gearhart arranged the University of Buffalo Alma Mater for band. Until 2003, all performances by the band of the Alma Mater were of this arrangement.
In the spring of 2003, James E. Mauck, Director of Athletic Bands, wrote an improved arrangement of the UB Alma Mater. This arrangement was first performed by the UB Pep Band at the "Spectacle of Sound" concert in Slee Concert Hall, on April 11, 2003. All performances of the Alma Mater by the UB Athletic Bands are now of this arrangement.
