Probably the most well known of all Texas A&M traditions--The 12th Man at Texas A&M symbolizes our deep history, fan unity and unwavering support of the football team.The history of the 12th Man tradition dates back to January 1, 1922 when the underdog Aggies took on top-ranked Centre College in the Dixie Classic in Dallas, Texas. The story goes that Coach D.X. Bible called upon a student, E. King Gill, to come out of the stands and to suit up and replace some injured players."...I put on the uniform of one of the injured players. We got under the stands and he put on my clothes and I put on his uniform. I was ready to play but was never sent into the game...."--E. King Gill, original 12th ManGill never entered the game, but stood ready to play until the 4th quarter ended. After the game, Gill stated, "I wish I could say I went in and scored the winning touchdown, but I didn't. All I did was stand by, ready to go in case my team needed me."To this day, Aggies in the stands at Kyle Field--the 12th Man--remain standing for the entire game (except during the opposing school’s half-time band performance), symbolizing a readiness to support the team. In recent years, Aggies have also begun waving white "12th Man" towels.Arguably one of the loudest and most intimidating crowds in college football, The 12th Man has helped the Aggie football team win many games.Oh, in case you were curious, the Aggies beat Centre College 22-14.
Texas first public institution of higher learning, opened Oct. 4, 1876. Ranks as the nations sixth-largest university in enrollment, with more than 46,000 students (44,910 on the main campus and 1,677 at the institutions branch campus, Texas A&M University at Galveston for 2005-06 academic year.
