The Day of the 12th Man

The story of the 12th Man is special at Texas A&M University.

[T]he first recorded instance of the term “12th Man” referring to an individual was to denote E. King Gill and his actions in Dallas on 2 January 1922. At the Dixie Classic, the forerunner of the Cotton Bowl Classic, Texas A&M (then known as The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas) played defending national champion Centre College. In this hard fought game, which produced national publicity, an underdog Aggie team was slowly but surely defeating a team which boasted three All-Americans. During the game, A&M coach Dana X. Bible realized that one more injury would leave him without another backfield player to send into the game. Coach Bible remembered that Gill, an individual who had tried out for the squad but who “lacked the experience and ability to play for the varsity” had made the trip as a member of the school’s Corps of Cadets and was sitting with his friends in the stands. Bible sent for Gill and asked for him to suit up and be ready if needed. 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.” Although he did not actually play in the game, his readiness to play was noted. As there were 11 men on the field, E. King Gill was the 12th Man, hence the term. (From Wikipedia)

As Aggies, we are all 12th Man. We stand at the ready at every game, and stand at the ready for any Aggie in need.

Today, at 12:12 PM, on 12/12/12, Aggies around the world will participate in the ultimate Aggie moment: playing the school’s war hymn at their place of work, home, or wherever they may be. Several Aggies at Hubby’s place of work will be participating, and I shall be on the phone with my sister and brother, warbling my head off.

Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! GIG ‘EM, AGGIES!!! AY!!!

WHOOP!!!! 😉