Texas A&M By Freddie Brister At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Texas A&M University is the coeducational public school that lies in Collage Station in Texas. This university, which is also called TAMU or A&M, was formerly known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. However, the school was renamed as Texas A&M in 1963 even if the letters A and M did not really have explicit meaning anymore. Students, alumni and even sports teams of this institution have been known as the Aggies.

If there is one school in Texas where the school spirit is deeply ingrained in its students and alumni, it can only be Texas A&M. In fact, a number of school traditions practiced by the Aggies can be traced back to its foundation in the1890s. The Aggies believe that these traditions and practices are important in forging a spirit of respect and loyalty not only for the school but for the country as well. In fact, the bond of the students of TAMU and the Aggie spirit are especially perceivable during sports events.

Aside from the Aggie Rings and the Senior Boots, the one tradition that makes Texas A&M stand out is the concept of the 12th Man. Students and fans of the football team of the Aggies call themselves the 12th Man, or the 12th member of the 11-player football team, as a show of their support and devotion to the team. In fact, when players of Texas A&M is hurt or when the school band plays The Spirit of Aggieland or the Aggie War Hymn, the Aggies step off the bleachers as a symbol of respect. Another tradition that perks up the spirit of enthusiasm, desire and readiness is the Yell Leaders, which consists of only five members. Unlike in other universities that have several cheerleaders to rouse their fans for support of their sports teams, the Aggies only have five people, who are composed of three seniors and two juniors and are elected by the student body, to pass instructions of what to yell or cheer on Aggie fans during sports events. Majority, if not all, of Aggies watching the games heed the shouts of the Yell Leaders as a sign of unity and strong support for their fellow Aggies who are doing their best to win the games. Now, you may be wondering how the Aggies know how to respond to the hand gestures and signals given by Yell Leaders. Well then, you might find it interesting that the students of A&M actually have a Midnight Yell Practice at the Kyle Field on the eve of every game.

Aside from yells and cheers, another important part of every collegiate competition is the presence of the school mascot. In the case of the Texas A&M, Reveille is not simply a mascot but she is also considered as the first lady of the university, often called the Aggieland. The whole student body and even the alumni of TAMU show respect for Reveille. In fact the Aggies, especially the corps of cadets of the university, refer to Reveille as "Ma'am".

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