Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

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Above: Twelfth Man Kickoff Team members Tom Be- vans, a junior psychology major from Houston, and Tom Bumgardner, a senior mechanical engineering major from Crosby, watch from the sidelines. Twelfth Man stands tall The Aggie tradition of the Twelfth Man began January 2, 1922. On that day, Coach Dana X. Bible called King Gill down from the stands to join the game against national champion Centre College. SWC Champion Texas A M had sus¬ tained so many injuries during the first half that Gill, a reserve, who had left the football team after the regular season to play basket¬ ball, was needed. He gladly volunteered and suited in the uniform of an injured player. He was never called into the game, but was the last man left on the bench when the game was over with the Aggies winning 22 to 14. Gill’s willingness to play was taken as the symbol of all Aggie fans, supporting their team, even to the point of entering the game. Today the student body, known as the Twelfth Man, continues this tradition by standing up, ready for duty, throughout all football games. This year, the Twelfth Man was given new meaning when Coach Jackie Sherrill started s a special kickoff squad. The squad was made f up of students who were not on the football team, but were willing to make an effort for Texas A M. Traditions 11

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Twelfth Man — n., 1. Aggies united in support of their team. 2. the Aggie kickoff team. 10 Traditions

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Reveille — n., 1. the canine mascot of Texas A M. 2. the First Lady of Aggieland. Spirited canine In 1931, a carload of Aggies returning to Texas A M after a football game accidentally hit a stray dog. Rushing to the dog’s aid, the Aggies found her with a broken leg and took her back to campus with them. Dubbed “Reveille” by one of the cadets because of her bark¬ ing during the playing of Rev¬ eille, she became a friend of the students, joining them in marches and formations. The original Reveille died in 1944 and was given a formal military funeral in Kyle Field. She, along with Reveilles II and III are buried at the entrance to Kyle Field. Reveille IV, a registered col¬ lie, is taken care of by Com¬ pany E-2, called Rebel-E, in the Corps of Cadets, and can be seen walking around campus and attending classes. As a mascot, she attends football and basketball games and, in the true spirit of Aggieland, barks at all opponents. 12 Traditons