Howdy! One of the many traditions here at A&M.  Everyone greets one another with this friendly saying as they pass on campus, start a meeting, or have any kind of event where a bunch of good ol' ags are bunched up in a room. 

The 12th Man

The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born on the second of January 1922, when an underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, then the nation's top ranked team. As the hard fought game wore on, and the Aggies dug deeply into their limited reserves, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a squad man who was not in uniform. He had been up in the press box helping reporters identify players. His name was E. King Gill, and was a former football player who was only playing basketball. Gill was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready throughout the rest of the game, which A&M finally won 22-14. When the game ended, E. King Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines for the Aggies. 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."

This gesture was more than enough for the Aggie Team. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be thought of as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the eleven men on the gridiron needed assistance. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion amoung the entire student body; a spirit that has grown vigorously throughout the years. The entire student body at A&M is the Twelfth Man, and they stand during the entire game to show their support. The 12th Man is always in the stands waiting to be called upon if they are needed.

This tradition took on a new look in the 1980's when Coach Jackie Sherrill started the 12th Man Kick-Off Team composed of regular students through open tryouts. This 12th Man team performed very well and held opponents to one of the lowest yards per return averages in the league. Later, Head Coach R.C. Slocum changed the team to allow only one representative of the 12th Man on the kick off team. The 12th Man tradition also took musical form. The 12th Man sings this song after each game in which the Aggies are outscored.

The Aggie Ring

One of the greatest moments in the life of any Aggie is the day that they receive their Aggie Ring. This moment began with the Class of 1889. The original ring is very different from the ring worn today. At that time several companies made several different versions of the Aggie Ring. It wasn't until E. C. Jonas, class of 1894, designed a ring for his class that the ring we know today came into existence. It has remained exactly as Jonas designed it, with one exception; in 1964 the Legislature of the State of Texas changed the university's name from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas to Texas A&M University, and the name on the ring was changed accordingly.

The Aggie Ring is one of the most symbolic of our traditions. Everything seen on the ring represents a value that an Aggie should hold. On the top is a large shield, which symbolizes the desire to protect the reputation of the university.

The 13 stripes on the shield represent the 13 original states of America. The five stars on the shield refer to the phases of development of any Aggie: mind or intellect; body; spiritual attainment; emotional poise; and integrity of character.

The eagle symbolizes agility and power, and the ability to reach great heights. The large star on the side of the ring symbolizes the Seal of Texas. The five-pointed star is encircled with a wreath of olive and laurel leaves symbolizing achievement and a desire for peace. The live oak leaves symbolize the strength to fight for our country and our state. The leaves are joined at the bottom by an encircling ribbon to show the necessity of joining these two traits to accomplish one's ambition to serve.

An ancient cannon, a saber, and a rifle are on the other side of the ring and symbolize how citizens of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend it. The saber stands for valor and confidence, while the rifle and cannon stand for a preparedness and defense. The crossed flags of the United States and Texas recognize an Aggie's dual allegiance to both nation and state.

Traditionally, students wear their ring with the class year facing them to signify the fact that their time at A&M is not yet complete. During Senior Weekend at the annual Ring Dance, the student's ring is turned around to face the world proudly, just as the Aggie graduate will be ready to face the world.

Aggie Bonfire

Bonfire first began in the early 1900's as a symbol of the Aggie Spirit.
It was first created as a pile of wood and trash when the football was
returning on the train from a game.  The cadets decided to make a 
Bonfire to congratulate the team on their win.  This first Bonfire was held in the early morning hours of November 18, 1907.

Bonfire grew immensely through the years.  The largest Bonfire was in 1969 when it stood 109ft., only one foot shorter than Rudder tower.  After that, the administration decided to regulate the Bonfire height to 55ft.

There have been two years that Bonfire has not burned. First, in 1963,
following the death of President John F Kennedy, the senior class made one of the most difficult decision of their time at Texas A&M. In honor of their president, they decided to dismantle the Bonfire, which had been recently completed. The head yell leader at the time, Mike Marlowe, was quoted as saying, "It is the most we have and the least we can give."

The second time that Bonfire was built and did not burn was
November 18, 1999, Bonfire fell taking 12 of our fellow Aggies with it.  
This day was one of the most trying days for Aggies everywhere.  Aggies around the world united in one Spirit to get through these terrible times.  At this time, Bonfire has been postponed indefinitely.  No one knows if Bonfire will return.  At this point, Aggies must stay united and support one another in the many other Traditions that make A&M so unique.  The Aggie Spirit has created the Aggie Traditions and that Aggie Spirit will thrive through the trying times.  

Corp of Cadets

Texas A&M was established as a military institution, and the Corps of Cadets has played an important part in its history and development. Although membership in the Corps became voluntary in 1965, Texas A&M historically has produced more military officers than any other institution in the nation except for the service academies.

The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M is not just another ROTC unit as might be found on most campuses. The 2,200 men and women of the Corps form the largest uniformed body of students outside the U.S. military academies. Although cadets can earn commissions as military officers, membership in the Corps itself carries no military obligation. In fact, only about 30 percent of graduating cadets are commissioned, while the rest pursue civilian careers.

The Corps has more to offer than just military training. It is a tightly-knit group of students that offers camaraderie as well as leadership training that is useful in all post-college careers. All Corps activities and organizations are open to all qualified applicants regardless of gender, and the Corps encourages female participation.

Texas A&M has rich military history. More than 200 of its graduates have become generals or admirals. More Aggies were commissioned and fought in World War II than men from West Point or Annapolis.

Gig'em!

Pinky Downs, class of 1906 and a member of the Board of Regents from 1923 to 1933 is credited with the Gig'em hand sign. Downs was at the 1930 Yell Practice before the TCU game and shouted out "What are we going to do to those Horned Frogs?". His muse did not fail him as he improvised, borrowing a term from frog hunting. "Gig 'em, Aggies!" he said as he made a fist with his thumb extended straight up. The gesture became the first hand sign of The Southwest Confernce.

Aggie Muster

Aggies gathered together on June 26,1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and in the classroom. By April 21, 1903, this annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas' Independence on San Jacinto Day. These early meetings included field games and banquets for Aggies to reflect and celebrate their memories of Aggieland. 'Let every alumni answer a roll call' wrote the former students. It was not until 1922, however, that April 21 became the official day of events for all Aggies, thus, the annual tradition of Muster was born. The March 1923 Texas Aggie 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.

Still remembering and honoring the time spent in Aggieland, the tradition of mustering has grown in strength, meaning, and spirit. By 1929, meeting had grown worldwide, and in 1942 Aggie Muster gained international recognition. Twenty-five men, led by General George Moore '08, mustered during the Japanese Siege of the Philippine island of Corregidor. Knowing that Muster might soon be called for them, these Aggies embodied the essence of commitment, dedication, and friendship- the Aggie Spirit. They risked their lives to honor their beliefs and values. That small group of Aggies on an outpost during World War II inspired what has developed into one of our greatest traditions.

Muster is celebrated in more than four-hundred places world wide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. The ceremony brings together more Aggies, worldwide, on one occasion than any other event.

The students of Texas A&M University coordinate the Campus Muster. Because Muster was established to bring Aggies together, each Campus Muster is dedicated to the fifty-year reunion class. The Campus Muster involves an entire day of activities for students both present and past. Alumni enjoy a special program including tours of the ever-changing campus. At noon, all Aggies congregate at the Academic Plaza for the Camaraderie Barbecue that rekindles the tradition of the original Muster celebration. That night, the Muster ceremony consists of an address by a keynote speaker, the reading of poems, followed by the Roll Call for the Absent. The Roll Call honors Aggies that have fallen since the last Muster roll was read. As the names are read, a friend or family member answers 'Here', and a candle is lit to symbolize that while those Aggies are not present in body, they will forever remain with us in Aggie Spirit.

Century-old roots provide the basis of Muster as Aggies know it today. It has changed, yet the Spirit in which it was established remains the same. Since the beginning, every Aggie has lived and become a part of the Aggie Spirit. What is felt today is not just the love of a fellow Aggie, it is the spirit of hundreds of thousands of Aggies who have gone before. Muster is how that Spirit is remembered and will continue to unite Texas A&M and the Aggie family. A&M may change, but the Spirit never will.

A&M Mascot Reveille

Reveille, the first lady of Aggieland, is the official mascot of Texas A&M University. She is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, and she is a Five-Star General. Reveille I came to Texas A&M in January 1931. A group of cadets hit a small black and white dog on their way back from Navasota. They picked up the dog and brought her back to school so they could care for her. The next morning, when "Reveille" was blown by a bugler, she started barking. She was named after this morning wakeup call. The following football season she was named the official mascot when she led the band onto the field during their half-time performance. When Reveille I died on January 18, 1944, she was given a formal military funeral on the gridiron of Kyle Field. She was then buried at the north entrance to the field, as all Reveilles are, facing the scoreboard so that she can always watch the Aggies outscore their opponent. Before naming Reveille II, there were several other unofficial mascot, such as Tripod, Spot, and Ranger. It was not until a later Reveille that she was a full-blood Collie.  The most current Reveille is Reveille VII and was inducted in 2001.

Reveille is the most revered dog on campus. Company E-2 has the privilege of taking care of Reveille. If she is sleeping on a cadet's bed, that cadet must sleep on the floor. Cadets address Reveille as "Miss Rev, m'am." If she is in class and barks while the professor is teaching, the class is to be immediately dismissed. Reveille is a highly cherished mascot and receives only the best.

Silver Taps

By far, one of Texas A&M's most honored traditions is Silver Taps. Silver Taps is held for a graduate of undergraduate student who passes away while enroolled at A&M. This final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed away the previous month.

The first Silver Taps was held in 1898 and honored Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the former governor of Texas and president of A&M College. Silver Taps is currently held in the Academic Plaza. On the day of Silver Taps, a small card with the deceased students name, class, major, and date of birth is placed as a notice at the base of the academic flagpole, in addition to the memorial located behind the flagpole. Around 10:15 that night, the lights are extinguished and hymns chime from Albritton Tower. Students silently gather at the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. At 10:30pm, the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad marches into the plaza and fire a twenty-one gun salute. Buglers then play a special rendition of Silver Taps by Colonel Richard Dunn. Taps is played three times from the dome of the Academic Building: once to the north, south, and west. It is not played to the east because the sun will never rise on that Aggie again. After the buglers play, the students silently return to their homes. Silver Taps is a sacred tradition that Aggies hold dear.

Fightin' Texas Aggie Yell Practice

Yell Practice began as a post dinner activity in 1913, when different corps companies would gather together to "learn heartily the old time pep." However, it was not until 1931, that Yell Practice as is known today, was held before the t.u. game. It began, when a group of cadets were gathered in Peanut Owen's dorm room in Puryear Hall. Someone suggested that all of the freshmen should fall out and meet on the steps of the YMCA building at midnight. The cadets notified senior yell leaders Horsefly Berryhill and Two Gun Herman from Sherman, who could not authorize it, but said that they may just show up. Well, needless to say, the word spread quickly, and when the freshmen began to arrive, there were railroad flares and torpedoes stuck in flower pots around the YMCA building to light the area. The first Midnight Yell had begun!!!

Today, Midnight Yell is held the night before a home game in Kyle Field and at the Grove on Thursday nights before away games. Also for away games, a site is designated for a Midnight Yell in the city of our opponent on the night before the game. For example, for the t.u. game, it is held at the Texas Capitol in Austin. For a yell at Kyle Field, yell leaders lead the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and the Twelfth Man into the stadium. The yell leaders lead the crowd in old army yells, the singing of the fight song, and tell fables of how the Aggies are going to beat the everlivin' hell out of our opponent for the next day. Lastly, the lights go out, and Aggies kiss their dates. If they don't have a date, all they have to do is flick their Bicks. As the story goes, the flames make it easier for two dateless people to find each other, and maybe they won't be dateless anymore!

The purpose of Midnight Yell is to pump up the Twelfth Man for the next day's big game!

Old Century Tree

The Century Tree has been a major fixture on Texas A&M's campus since Old Army Days. Located in Academic plaza between Hart and Legett Residence Halls, it has become a favorite romantic spot among students. As the legend goes, if two lovers walk underneath the tree's massive branches together, it is a sign that they will eventually marry. Moreover, If two lovers propose under the Century Tree, it is a sign that their marriage will last forever.

tu's Mascot Bevo

One of the most famous longhorns in the state is Bevo, the mascot of the University of Texas.

He got his name when, after a football game in 1916, Aggies branded the score, 13-10, on a longhorn steer. UT students changed the brand to "BEVO."

Texas Aggie Yell Leaders

Although nationally known for their spirit, the Texas    Aggies have no cheerleaders. This is because they have no school cheers. Instead, there are a variety of school yells used by the 12th Man team (the student body) in support of the team on the field or court. Each year 5 students (three seniors and two juniors) are elected by the student body to serve as Yell Leaders.

Standing for America

The Red, White and Blue Out was a tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorists attacks. Fans in the upper deck wore red t-shirts, while white was worn in the middle deck and blue in the lower deck. Kyle Field was flooded with the colors of the American flag for the September 22, 2001 home game versus Oklahoma State.  The event was created and pulled of by a group of current students in just under two weeks.  Over $150,000 was raised from t-shirt sales and donated personally to New York Fire Department Charities. 

All pictures and information courtesy of Texas A&M University.