6C HOMECOMING
THE UNIVERSITY DABY KANSAN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2006
Texas A&M spirit rivals Kansas Pride
BY BETSY PROFFITT
Founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1876, Texas A&M University is one of the most tradition-rich colleges in the nation. Located in College Station, the Aggies may lack our Rock Chalk, but certainly display strong school spirit through their own unique style.
Texas A&M was established as a military institution and, next to academies, is home to the largest uniformed body of students. The school's approximately 2,200 military students are called the Corps of Cadets, and although there is no military obligation, approximately 30 percent are commissioned. The presence of the Corps of Cadets, who have also been called the
Keepers of Spirit and Guardians of Tradition, contributes largely to the strong school spirit.
Nic Taunton, student body president at Texas A&M, said his favorite tradition is "Silver Taps." On the first Tuesday of every month, a ceremony is held in front of the Academic Building honoring students who have recently died.
The school's Department of Student Life Web site explains that the ceremony began in 1898 following the death of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a general during the American Civil War, former governor of Texas and former Texas A&M president. Thousands of students silently gather together at 10:30 p.m. All campus lights are turned off and the Ross Volunteers, a special
unit in the Corps of Cadets, do a 21-gun salute. Six buglers then play "Silver Taps" three times to conclude the evening.
"It is one of the most selfless acts that can be done to honor a fellow member of our Aggie Family," Taunton, a senior from Katy, Texas, said.
The Corps of Cadets play a leading role in every aspect of Aggie life. Football in the Lone Star State gathers enormous attention and at A&M this is no exception. The cheering student body is called the Twelfth Man and stands throughout the entire game. Jaclyn Sherman, a junior at Texas &M, explains that the name stems from a student in 1922 who was summoned from the stands to suit up when only 11 players remained uninjured.
Because the school does not have cheerleaders, five students are elected each year by the student body to serve as yell leaders for the season. These students lead the Midnight Yell, a pep rally held every night before game day. At this event the Fightin' Texas Aggies Band plays and the yell leaders direct the Twelfth Man as they chant army yells and sing spirit songs. Toward the end of the Midnight Yell the lights go out and the Aggies kiss their dates. If they do not have one then they flick a cigarette lighter and find a match.
bonfire reached 109 feet, and since then, the administration regulated the collaboration of logs to a maximum of 55 feet high.
Probably the most famous Aggie tradition began in the early 1900s when the cadets made a bonfire to congratulate the team's win. Each year the bonfire, as well as the structure itself, grew in popularity and size. The Texas A&M bonfire was the largest in the world consisting of 5,000 logs. In 1969, the
The tradition stopped though because of an accident, which occurred in 1999 when the structure fell during construction killing 12 students and injuring 27 others. A memorial now stands where the pre-Texas game celebration once took place.
Our Homecoming opponents may have a Twelfth Man and strong military backing, but our Jayhawk spirit cannot be topped. When Saturday morning arrives, the crimson and blue will be in full force so be prepared to wave the wheat.
Kansan correspondent Betsy Proffitt can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
Edited by Janiece Gatson
For many years, students at Texas A&M would construct a massive bonfire as part of their homecoming celebration. In 1999, however, the tradition stopped because the structure topped over and fell during construction. The accident killed 12 students and injured another 27.
PHOTO COURTEST OF THE BATTALION
Professors embrace old traditions of Homecoming celebration
BY LAURA VEST
Tailgating and post-game parties are among some of the most highly-prized festivities that mark the 94-year Homecoming tradition.
There are other traditions, too. Students don't always think them, but professors do — especially since many of them have taught at the University of Kansas for several years.
Lloyd Sponholtz, an associate professor of history who has taught at the University since 1967, mentioned a love for the band, parades and floats.
"I also like the coaches and their pep talks, the student leaders and the Rock Chalk (chant)," he said.
Bernie Kish, professor of sports management and ethics, said he loves reuniting with alumni and former friends and seeing the students interested in football. He said he appreciated a football game against a quality opponent and a packed stadium.
"A full stadium intimidates
the opponent," Kish said. "We used to schedule games against someone we thought we could beat so the alumni could witness a victory."
The sound of a large marching band also appeals to Kish.
"This is what makes Homecoming — the pre-game and the half-time show. KU has always had an outstanding band," he said.
Professor of Spanish Connie Garcia-Blanchard, whose sons have all graduated from the University, said the five senses are a guaranteed way to intensify any experience, including Homecoming.
Garcia-Blanchard said she loves the Homecoming season.
"Fall has its refreshing smells, brilliant orange hues and crisp air that is neither hot nor cold," she said.
"I like the excitement of it all," she said. "It energizes you even if you don't watch sports. It's like a coming home to show alumni the progress we've made."
She also praised the University
for its "sophisticated and thorough approach to Homecoming even the tailging."
"People make an effort for Homecoming," she said. "It gives you a warm feeling."
George Wilson, professor of chemistry for 20 years and associate vice provost for research, said Homecoming has a special purpose on campus.
"The importance is placed on the undergraduate experience," Wilson said. "Tied to this is the need to remain connected with alumni, so if KU Homecoming accomplishes that in part, then it may be quite important."
Whether the festivities lie in a 'perfectly-timed' homework project, in a frozen hand grasping an ice-cold beverage or in the midst of several fans clad in crimson and blue, Homecoming is a time for all to celebrate.
Kansan correspondent writer Laura Vest can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
Edited by Dianne Smith