12th Man
The name given to Aggie football fans who support the eleven players on the field and stand during the game just as E. King Gill, the original 12th man, did in 1922 when he was called from the stands to be ready to enter the game if needed. Today, a walk-on (non-scholarship) player who shows Aggie Spirit through hard work and determination will wear the Number 12 jersey on special teams.
Aggie Code of Honor
“Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do.”
Aggie Spirit
A sense of loyalty and respect for the school and its traditions and values. It is often said about the Aggie Spirit that “From the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t explain it.”
Aggie Ring
A&M graduates will recognize one another anywhere around the world by their ring. Specific requirements must be met in order to for the ring to be purchased. The ring’s design has remained essentially unchanged since it as introduced in 1894. The ring is adorned with numerous symbols of the Aggie Spirit.
Senior Boots
Highly prized knee-high boots worn only by seniors in the Corps.
Seniors wearing their Senior Boots or Aggie Rings line up at the south end of Kyle Field to welcome the football team back onto the field after halftime.
Century Tree
The Century Tree, well over 100 years old, is found in Academic Plaza, tradition has it that if a couple walks under the branches of this tree, then they will eventually marry. If the proposal is under the tree, the marriage is supposed to last forever
Corp of Cadets
The Corp is a link to the early days of the school’s history when all students were required to receive military training. The Corp became voluntary in 1965. As of 2001, it was the largest uniformed student body outside of the service academies. The Corp is also referred to as the “Keepers of the Spirit” for their defense of Aggie Traditions. The Corps trains students in the ways of the military with the option of a commission to the military upon graduation. Currently, there are more than 2,450 cadets at TX A&M.
Family Weekend
An A&M tradition previously designated as Mother’s Day, Mother and Dad’s Day, Parent Appreciation, and Open House. Corps flower pinning, chapel services, military reviews, Parents of the Year receptions, campus tours and outfit award presentations have been part of the weekend since its beginning. New activities are continually being added and include a traditions program, concerts, Bevo Burn Barbecue, Maroon and White Football Game, All University Awards, an Farmer’s Fight
A phrase used in several Aggie Yells. The farmer was the school’s original mascot.
Final Review
A full military review that takes place at the end of the spring semester on Simpson Drill Field. The entire Corps marches past a reviewing stand for inspection. The Corps then returns to their dorms to change into the uniforms they will wear the following year, with the juniors donning their Senior Boots. The freshmen, sophomores, and juniors then march in formation past the reviewing stand.
Gig ‘em
Rather than saying goodbye, an Aggie will end a conversation by saying “Gig ‘em.” The term is thought to have originated in 1930 when Pinky Downs, an A&M board of regent, yelled about an upcoming opponent “What are we going to do to those Horned Frogs? Gig ‘em, Aggies!” as he made with a fist with his thumb straight up. “Gigging” a frog refers to the practice of impaling a frog with a multi-speared rod called a Gig.
Gill, E. King
The original 12th Man who, in 1922, came down from the stands to put on a uniform and stood at the sideline in case his heavily injured football team needed him to play. Today students stand throughout the game to show their readiness to support the team. A statue of E. King Gill stands next to Kyle Field.
Maroon Out
Though maroon shirts are worn to every football game by Aggie supporters, a particular predetermined football game is determined as “Maroon Out” where everyone is encouraged to wear maroon.
Midnight Yell Practice
Started in 1932 and held at Kyle Field at midnight the evening before a game, over 20,000 students practice cheers to be used at the upcoming game.
Muster
A ceremony held annually on April 21st to honor any current or former student who died during the previous year. The first Muster was held in 1883. Over 300 Musters take place around the world with the largest occurring on campus at Reed Arena. A Roll Call for the Absent takes place where a family member or friend says “Here” and lights a candle when the name of the deceased is called in order to signify that his/her spirit will last forever.
Reveille
The “First Lady” of A&M, Reveille is a purebred American collie that is the official Texas A&M mascot and is considered a Cadet General (the highest ranking member of the Corp). 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. The current Reveille IX, born on Nov 22, 2013, must be addressed by cadets as “Miss Reveille (or Rev), Ma’am.” A tradition is that if Reveille chooses to bark in class, that session is cancelled, however, this tradition is not often applied. A full military funeral is held at Kyle Field upon the death of a current or former mascot. Reveilles are buried in front of Kyle Field facing the scoreboard so they can watch the Aggie Football team “Beat the Hell Outta” the opponent.
Silver Taps
A ceremony held on the first Tuesday of the month, when necessary to recognized deceased current students. On the morning of Silver Taps, a small card with the deceased student’s name, class, major, and birth date is placed at the base of the flagpole in Academic Plaza. At 10:15 p.m. all lights on campus are extinguished and Albritton Tower begins to chime hymns. As the music begins, students gather silently in front of the statue of Sul Ross. At 10:30 pm the Ross Volunteers fire a 21-gun salute. Six buglers at the top of the Academic Building play a special rendition of Taps called “Silver Taps.” The song is played three times, to the north, south, and west, but never to the east because the sun will never rise for that Aggie again.
Whoop!
An Aggie’s exclamation towards anything positive or “Good bull.” Juniors and seniors are the only ones allowed to say this (except for sophomores Pulling Out).
