August 25, 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS ● TRADITIONS NIGHT HISTORY ● VP OF STUDENT AFFAIRS WELCOME ● DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS WELCOME ● TRADITIONS NIGHT LEADERSHIP TEAM ● HUDDLE GROUP LEADERS ● LOGISTICS CHAIRS ● GENERAL GUIDELINES ● LETTER FROM THE NAMESAKE ● SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ● MAP ● THE QUAD ● THE ACADEMIC PLAZA ● BONFIRE MEMORIAL ● THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER STUDENTS ● TEXAS A&M LETTERMEN'S ASSOCIATION ● AGGIE TRADITIONS ● AGGIE WILDCATS ● AGGIE YELLS 1 TRADITIONS NIGHT HISTORY Howdy Ags! We’re pleased to welcome you to Traditions Night: A Student-Athlete’s First Tradition! In summer 2017, the first effort to create such an event resulted in the partnership of Fish Camp and Texas A&M Athletics to create Fish Camp Session Zero, the first ever Student-Athlete only Fish Camp Session. We continued and expanded our partnership with the Division of Student Affairs including Fish Camp and Aggie Transition Camp to create a unique first year experience for our student-athletes. We entitled this extended orientation experience Traditions Night. The purpose of Traditions Night, an interactive campus tour, is to officially welcome incoming student-athletes to Texas A&M University by providing you with a program that captures the spirit of Aggieland. Student-athletes choose to attend TAMU for a variety of reasons, and unlike the majority of the student population many do not really know the true depth of the traditions that make Texas A&M University, Texas A&M. Our goal is to provide our students with an extended orientation program that leaves each student feeling a greater sense of belonging and pride in their university. 2 DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS WELCOME 3 LETTER FROM THE NAMESAKE 4 TRADITIONS NIGHT LEADERSHIP TEAM This is your traditions leadership team! Each of these individuals contributed to making this night a success! ● Nicole Leonard - Director of Traditions Night ● Ricky Waer - Assistant Director of Staff Development ● Brooke Tyree - Assistant Director of Internal Operations ● Patrick Johnson II - Assistant Director of External Operations ● Natalie Scheifele - Head Huddle Leader ● Kristi Mejias - Director of Academic Services ● Bradley Burroughs - Extended Orientation Specialist ● Cameron Gourley - Extended Orientation Leader Liaison GENERAL GUIDELINES ● Name tags must be worn at all times. ● Masks are not mandatory, but they are encouraged to wear if you feel more comfortable with one on. ● Travel with your designated huddle group. Get to know new people! ● Please drink plenty of water! It’s very easy to become dehydrated while in the heat. ● Beware of heat and sunburns. ● In case of injury (no matter how minor) seek medical attention immediately; let your huddle group leader know that you need assistance! Questions? During your time at Traditions Night, if you experience a problem, have a question, or need anything at all, your Huddle Group Leaders and Traditions Night Staff Members are here to make your experience the best it can be. Talk to any of them or find someone with a polo shirt. We’re here to help you! 5 HUDDLE GROUP LEADERS Huddle group leaders work together to make your Traditions Night experience as smooth and exciting as possible! We’d love to answer any questions you may have later in the semester, so feel free to contact us! Student-Athlete Huddle Leaders: ● Abi Ahrens ● Alle Durkin ● Ashley Conrad ● Carrie Fish ● Chloe Stepanek ● Connor Schulman ● Eleanor Szeryk ● Emily Chastain ● Emme Nelson ● Grace Plain ● Jake Lanier ● Joseph Benn ● Katelyn Buckley ● Katherine McElaney ● Kenner Taylor ● Madison Wanicka ● Maggie Nealon ● Megan Hopper ● Morgan Rosia ● Rody Barker ● Star Ferguson ATC/Fish Camp Huddle Leaders: ● Alyssa Akomer ● Christopher Bitter ● Daniel Dixson ● Rachel Greve ● Katherine Knight ● Reagan Kracht ● John Old ● David Pham ● Lauren Ramirez ● Abigail Richter ● Kenadie Schmitz ● Andrew Seidel ● Brendon Wu 6 SCHEDULE FOR TEAM WHITE ● 5:15-6:00pm: Check-In and Photos with Reville at the Ford Hall of Champions ● 6:00-7:30pm: Welcome Dinner and Opening Remarks at the Ford Hall of Champions ● 7:30-7:40pm: Walk to the Quad ● 7:40-7:55pm: At Quad ● 7:55-8:05pm: Walk to Administration Building ● 8:05-8:20pm: At Admin Building ● 8:20-8:25pm: Walk to Bonfire ● 8:25-8:45pm: At Bonfire ● 8:45-8:55pm: Walk to Academic Plaza ● 8:55-9:15pm: At Academic Plaza ● 9:15-9:30pm: Walk to E. King Gill statue ● 9:30-9:35pm: At E. King Gill statue ● 9:35-9:40pm: Walk to Kyle Field and Enter at the South-East Entrance ● 9:40-10:05pm: Kyle Field Yell Practice SCHEDULE FOR TEAM MAROON ● 5:15-6:00pm: Check-In and Photos with Reville at the Ford Hall of Champions ● 6:00-7:30pm: Welcome Dinner and Opening Remarks at the Ford Hall of Champions ● 7:30-7:35pm: Walk to E. King Gill statue ● 7:35-7:40pm: At E. King Gill statue ● 7:40-7:50pm: Walk to Academic Plaza ● 7:50-8:10pm: At Academic Plaza ● 8:10-8:20pm: Walk to Bonfire ● 8:25-8:45pm: At Bonfire ● 8:45-8:50pm: Walk to Administration Building ● 8:50-9:05pm: At Administration Building ● 9:05-9:15pm: Walk to the Quad ● 9:15-9:30pm: At the Quad ● 9:30-9:40pm: Walk to Kyle Field and Enter at the South-East Entrance ● 9:40-10:05pm: Kyle Field Yell Practice 7 MAP 8 THE QUAD The Quad is a significant landmark on Texas A&M campus. The twelve arches represent the spirit of the 12th man, an idea that is significant to the history of our university. The Corp of Cadets, also known as the ‘Keepers of the Spirit’, live in this section of campus, and can often be found practicing formation on the quad. THE ACADEMIC PLAZA Located in the heart of campus, the Academic Plaza houses the Academic Building, Lawrence Sullivan ‘Sul’ Ross Statue, and The Century Tree in addition to many other landmarks. The Academic Plaza is home to many important pieces of Texas A&M history. 9 BONFIRE MEMORIAL The annual Bonfire construction was an aggie tradition dating back to 1909. Every year, Aggie students would construct a massive Bonfire before the annual t.u. football game. The Bonfire would then would be put to flames after midnight yell. On November 18th, 1999 Bonfire collapsed at 2:42 am, killing 12 Aggies, and injuring 27 others. This collapse marked a time of tragedy for the town of College Station. Students, staff, and community members remembered what it meant to be united under the aggie spirit as they came together to support one another in this time of loss. Five years later, the Bonfire Memorial was built in the exact location of the 1999 Bonfire collapse. It serves not only as a reminder of the tradition and history of Texas A&M, but as a homage to those who lost their lives, and to all of those impacted by the tragedy. To learn more about the Aggie Bonfire Memorial, you can visit http://www.bonfire.tamu.edu 10 THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER STUDENTS The Association of Former Students traces its origin to the Ex-Cadets Association formed in 1879 and later to the A&M Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Fraternity. In 1919, a coalition was formed and adopted the name "The Association of Former Students." Since 1879, much has changed in organization and details, but the fundamental objectives of The Association remain the same. The Association is responsible for continuing to keep the highly valued Aggie Network alive, through important engagements like donor recognition, Aggie ring distribution, and many other important programs. To learn more about The Association of Former Students, visit http://www.aggienetwork.com 11 TEXAS A&M LETTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION The Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association was founded in 1974 by 180 men who had a unique vision for the future of athletics at Texas A&M University. As an extension of the old On-Campus T-Association, the Lettermen’s Association was created to provide a means for former students who won Varsity Letters at Texas A&M to gather from time to time and support the University’s athletic programs. While originally limited to male members, women joined the Association in 1983. Today the Association is one of the most visible and well-respected organizations in the University System, with active members spanning nearly 70 class years and representing all intercollegiate sports. Since its inception, the Lettermen’s Association has assumed ever increasing levels of responsibility in providing support for athletics at Texas A&M. The Association founded and presents the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor at the Annual Burgess Banquet. It also maintains the Archives of A&M Athletic History with team photos and plaques commemorating All-American, Olympic, and League Championships. The Association is also a leader in recognizing the academic and athletic achievements of current athletes. Today more than ever the Lettermen’s Association is committed to providing support and recognition for our men’s and women’s athletic programs. One of the Lettermen’s Association’s greatest endeavor was fulfilled when the Jackie Sherrill Lettermen’s Club opened with the renovation of Kyle Field. This first-class facility honors the athletes of the past while providing a place for fellowship during football game days and events. With the continued support of a strong and growing membership, and the vision of dedicated officers, the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association will become an even greater contributor to Texas A&M University. To learn more about the Texas A&M Letterman’s Association, visit https://aggielettermen.org 12 AGGIE TRADITIONS Got a lil’ story for you Ags... Texas A&M’s school spirit is legendary.