Why does stanford blow a train whistle

Since the mids, Overholtzer has missed only one Big Game. He was even there when Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton announced the postponement of the game — the first time the rivalry had been postponed in 55 years. It gives you energy. It is just such an important moment for all of those seniors who care so much and want that chance to battle for the Axe. Rusty Simmons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rsimmons sfchronicle. Most Popular. More on the Big Game.

Top of the News. Cal outbreak: With high vaccination rates, what should testing policies be? In disastrous drought, California could see its first big reservoir run dry. How are they doing it? On anniversary of Bay Bridge, we look at designs that went nowhere. Stanford 40 Va Tech The horn was a blarin' tonight!!!! Harbaugh to the 49ers, and Luck most likely will stay at Stanford unless The horn sounds great, but I still miss the cannon.

Way to go Cardinal. Kent in Carmel Valley. Unfortunately there were a couple of terrible accidents involving cannons at college football games and the NCAA banned them from inside the stadium. Today the few remaining college cannons fire a pyrotechnic charge that hangs off the end of the barrel, and as far as I know they are fired electrically.

The old tamp guns were just too dangerous - the tamp rod could fly 40 to 50 yards - the fingers did not go as far as they were far less aerodynamic. University of Texas uses a fake cannon that fires 10 gauge shotgun shells. After about a second, I loosen the tension on the cord, but the whistle keeps blowing.

One second becomes two, which becomes three. I finally reach down and flip the valve back with my hand — guess it needed some more oil. I overcompensate on the second pull, which is far too short, before letting out another protracted blast on the third.

Quickly, AxeComm falls back into homework. At a. How do you do! In the corner, someone dozes off. I ask the AxeComm members why they like being there. The birdcage is a freshman dorm lounge under the stars.

I ask the members of AxeComm if they have a least favorite thing about Cal, and suddenly, the birdcage perks up. Even the guy napping in the corner stirs. People begin to characterize the enemy student population, launching into a discussion about UC admissions standards. Another AxeComm member counters that Cal certainly has its fair share of weirdos.

The only person with her mind made up is Selby Sturzenegger.