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

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Showing her spirit for A M, a freshman girl from Keathley dorm wildcats after a yell.

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EXPRESS iG THE SPI1 m OF A M “It’s neat the wa; for the upcomin y everyone gets fired up g year.” s the first day of classes drew to a close, A M stu- dents gathered at Kyle Field for one of the first traditions of the year, All-University Night. On and off-campus Aggies were present to welcome back old students and to introduce the incoming freshmen to A M. “I think it’s a great way to let freshmen and even upperclassmen see and hear from some of the people who make things happen on this campus,” commented se¬ nior Melissa Muecke. “It’s neat the way everyone gets fired up for the upcoming year,” she said. Head Yell Leader senior Thomas Bu¬ ford opened the yell practice with general welcoming comments to the crowd and then turned the microphone over to Dr. Frank E. Vandiver, president of the Uni- veristy, for his official welcoming state¬ ment. Other welcoming speeches were made by Dr. John J. Koldus, vice presi¬ dent of student affairs, and senior Sean Royall, student body president. Whoops filled the air when Athletic Di- rector and Head Coach Jackie Sherrill was introduced to inform the crowd that the Aggies were going to be Cotton Bowl bound. Sherrill then presented Buford with an A M jersey in recognition of the time and effort he had put into practices with the team. Whoops and cheers contin¬ ued as Sherrill introduced the new mem¬ bers of the team and the candidates for the Aggie 12th Man Kick-off Team. The yell leaders rounded out the even¬ ing with the first yell practice of the year. Students were led in the traditional Aggie yells, while dorms and corps outfits added hump-its of their own. “I wanted to come for my last time since I’m a graduating senior. I love hearing the crowd get fired up and listening to the different yells by the dorms,” commented senior Dawn Mill¬ er. Following All U-Night students were able to meet each other at a Howdy dance, which was held at the Hall of Fame. By Denise Moehl 24 Life

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CAUGHT IN THE SPIRIT Football season brings a spirit that can n’er be told — the spirit of Aggieland. ( he beginning of every colle- m giate year signifies the kick- off of football season across the nation. Students, alumni and backers, young and old, gather to wear their alma mater’s colors, voice their support or dis¬ favor, crowd local restaurants or picnic from the tailgates of cars and to share in the spirit of the weekend. During home game weekends, prepara¬ tions for victory begin Friday night with pre-yell, pre-game action. For some fans, Northgate plays host. The Dixie Chicken, third major alcohol distributor of the coun¬ ty, accommodates 323 people, with many more overflowing onto University Drive. Dudley’s Draw and Sunset Grill also con¬ tribute their share of celebrators. As 12 a.m. draws near, Kyle Field begins to fill with thousands of Aggies and enthusiasts eager for Midnight Yell Practice. Tension and enthusiasm grow as the torches of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band break through the crowd. The Aggie War Hymn vibrates, initiating whoops from the crowd. Juniors in the Corps of Cadets and their dates run alongside band members as they enter Kyle Field. “There’s never a chance for air, and if you lose grip of your date’s beltloop you’re gonna drown in the waves; you’re holding on for dear life!” sophomore Grace Gon- zoles said. The five Yell leaders, clad in overalls, energetically lead the familiar yells, unique to the A M student body. “Farm¬ ers Fight” or a “Rah . . . rah . . . rah . . . rah ... T... A ... M ... C” is punched out before the aggi e crowd. Upon com¬ mand, the crowd assumes the bent-bodied position, known as the Aggie hump-it. Freshmen wildcats and junior whoops echo throughout the stadium. Rock and Rachel, the hero and heroine of stories told by the yell leaders, bring the cry, “Get Grody” and whoops from the crowd. The signal to cut the lights brings instant dark¬ ness, except for the matches or lighters of underclassmen and dateless students watching their upperclassmen and other Aggies practice scoring by kissing their dates. Game day activities begin early as visit¬ ing parents and friends roam dorm halls. Throughout the parking lots surrounding the stadium, families enjoy Tailgate par¬ ties and picnics. Some former students sport their maroon suits and boots around campus. Traffic is tight, ticket scalpers look for bids and a few youngsters sit at street intersections selling Aggie mums and memorabelia. “Rain or shine, we’re going to sell,” affirmed Tommy Parks, a mum salesman from College Station. About two hours before every home game kick-off, the Corps of Cadets marches into Kyle Field for inspection and review. Chanting their jodies, they parade from the Corps Quadrangle to pass by the reviewing stand in the stadium. Joe Routt Boulevard crowds with spectators as par¬ ents and friends strain for a glimpse of their special cadet. The game begins with Aggie fans stand¬ ing in front of their seats in the spirit of the 12th Man, waiting for the yell leaders’ 26 Life