Texas Aggie
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Texas Aggie is a term encompassing all those who are students or former students of Texas A&M University, and Texas Aggies may be used specifically to refer to a team in a Texas Aggie Athletics program. It is also the name of the monthly publication of the Association of Former Students.
Traditions are a large part of the "Aggie Experience." For example, about 95% of former students possess an Aggie Ring — which has changed little since the late 1800s. One of the greatest moments in the life of any Aggie is the day that they receive their Aggie Ring — a tradition which began with the Class of 1889. Over the years, the ring has rarely changed, other than the year of graduation, serving as a common link for former students. When an Aggie sees the ring on another Aggie's hand, a spontaneous "reunion" occurs.
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[edit] Traditions
The Aggie traditions include the Aggie Ring, described above, but also "Gig 'em", "Whoop!", Aggie Muster, Silver Taps, Reveille, 12th Man, Bonfire, Replant, Yell Leaders, Midnight Yell Practice, Maroon Out, Senior Boots, Boot Line, Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Ross Volunteers, Fish Drill Team, Fish Camp, and Elephant Walk.
[edit] Traditional phrases
Like many schools, Texas A&M has a single phrase that unites all students by merely saying it, or, rather, yelling it. That phrase is "Gig 'em." This phrase, coupled with the Thumbs Up, began before the A&M/TCU game in 1930, when Pinky Downs asked what the Aggies were going to do the TCU Horned Frogs on the football field. He answered his own question with the "now-famous" hand sign and yelled GIG 'EM. Thus began a tradition that spread to other Southwest Conference schools.
[edit] Traditional ceremonies
One of the most solemn is "Aggie Muster", observed each year on April 21 (San Jacinto Day). The first Muster was held on June 26, 1883, when a few former students passed the day swapping tales of their carefree days on campus. By 1903, the date had moved to April 21. The March 1923 alumni magazine urged, "If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas." In 1942 Aggie Muster gained worldwide attention when twenty-five Aggies led by Major General George F. Moore (class of 1908) held Muster in a cave on the island of Corregidor during the Japanese siege of the island fortress.
Today, Aggies worldwide gather on April 21 for a meal and a candlelight ceremony. A "Roll Call for the Absent is read, with the names of Aggies who have died during the past year called out one by one. For each name a candle is lit, and a friend or family member softly answers, "Here."
Another solemn event is Silver Taps, which is a brief gathering after dark on the first Tuesday of the month when an Aggie has died. Aggies silently walk from all over campus as the lights on campus go dark and hymns play from Albritton Tower, and gather in front of the Academic Building. Then the Ross Volunteers in their white dress uniforms fire a 21-gun salute and members of the Aggie Band play Silver Taps. All students then return to their dorms in silence and darkness.
Fish Camp is a three day camp that all incoming freshmen are invited to attend. This camp's purpose is to get the freshmen excited about their upcoming year, build social networks, and most importantly, to learn many Aggie traditions. This camp has taken place outside of Palestine, Texas every year since 1964.
Aggie Bonfire is a tradition since 1909 in which students build a massive bonfire before the annual game against The University of Texas. The Bonfire represents the Aggies burning desire to beat the Longhorns.
After the tragic accident in November 18, 1999 in which twelve students were killed, the bonfire is no longer officially sanctioned by the university.
[edit] Aggie spirit
The Aggie spirit is exemplified in sports with traditions such as the 12th Man and Yell Leaders.
The 12th Man tradition began in 1922 when, after losing players due to injury, the coach called on a student — E. King Gill — to suit up for the game. While he did not participate in the game, he is accredited with boosting the morale of the other players. Gill later said, "I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me." Today, the entire student body stands during all four quarters of every football game as a collective "12th Man," a symbol of their readiness if the team needs them.
The Yell Leaders consist of three seniors and two juniors who lead the student body in yells during the games. After the Aggies win a home game the Fish (freshmen in the Corps) throw the Yell Leaders into the Fish Pond and a yell practice is held at the YMCA. When the Aggies lose, everyone stays at Kyle Field to sing The 12th Man song.
