TwelfthAG
09-29-2006, 10:36 PM
Texas Tech announces 13th Man
BY KEVIN HARGROVE | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
- publication data - Posted: Monday, September 25, 2006
Updated: Monday, September 25, 2006 1:16 a.m.
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Texas A&M has grown in intensity in recent years. Although Tech fans usually mock the Aggie traditions, they have acknowledged that the 12th man Tradition honored by Texas A&M seems to raise the level of performance of Aggie football players.
In response, Joe Whitmore, President of Texas Tech University, has announced a “new tradition” at Texas Tech: The 13th Man. The tradition is similar to the tradition of the 12th Man of Texas A&M. The primary difference is that while the Aggies' 12th Man tradition can be traced to a historical event, the 13th Man tradition is not. When asked about the origin of the 13th Man, Mr. Whitmore responded “We learned the details of the 12th Man Tradition a few years ago. We wanted something bigger. We initiated a survey in 2003, asking the students for ideas about ‘what’s bigger than 12?’ Earlier this year, one of our more enterprising students took his copy of the survey to the Dean of our School of Math. A team of graduate students assisted in solving the problem, and within a few weeks we had the answer…13!"
Some students were disheartened with the announcement of the new “13th Man” tradition. It was rumored that the new tradition would replace Texas Tech’s current tradition, which inolves screaming obscenities during the game. Mr. Whitmore addressed the student body last Thursday, and commented that the "The 13th Man will enhance, not replace our tradition of screaming obscenities. Years ago the screaming was focused towards the players of the opposing team. I've noticed in recent years that the tradition has grown to include vulgar language towards students and families wearing our opponents colors. I'm pleased to see the display of school spirit by our students!"
The Aggies' tradition includes standing throughout the entire football game, showing readiness to play if called upon. Tech officials recognize risk of potential accidents in asking extremely drunk students to remain standing for the duration of a game. Mike Sherman, a senior undecided major from San Angelo, says "Standing up during a game is hard. Plus, when your sitting down you can aim your vomit between your shoes and it just falls down through the bleachers. If you're standing it goes everywhere."
Don't be surprised if you see a number of 13th Man shirts at upcoming games. Billy Joe Tolliver, Tech Alum and former quarterback for the Red Raiders is involved in shirt printing at the University Bookstore located near the Texas Tech Campus. Mr. Tolliver says "I printed six or seven of these shirts last week. We might need some more."
Classic
Source (http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=706203&page=1&forum_id=5)
BY KEVIN HARGROVE | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
- publication data - Posted: Monday, September 25, 2006
Updated: Monday, September 25, 2006 1:16 a.m.
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Texas A&M has grown in intensity in recent years. Although Tech fans usually mock the Aggie traditions, they have acknowledged that the 12th man Tradition honored by Texas A&M seems to raise the level of performance of Aggie football players.
In response, Joe Whitmore, President of Texas Tech University, has announced a “new tradition” at Texas Tech: The 13th Man. The tradition is similar to the tradition of the 12th Man of Texas A&M. The primary difference is that while the Aggies' 12th Man tradition can be traced to a historical event, the 13th Man tradition is not. When asked about the origin of the 13th Man, Mr. Whitmore responded “We learned the details of the 12th Man Tradition a few years ago. We wanted something bigger. We initiated a survey in 2003, asking the students for ideas about ‘what’s bigger than 12?’ Earlier this year, one of our more enterprising students took his copy of the survey to the Dean of our School of Math. A team of graduate students assisted in solving the problem, and within a few weeks we had the answer…13!"
Some students were disheartened with the announcement of the new “13th Man” tradition. It was rumored that the new tradition would replace Texas Tech’s current tradition, which inolves screaming obscenities during the game. Mr. Whitmore addressed the student body last Thursday, and commented that the "The 13th Man will enhance, not replace our tradition of screaming obscenities. Years ago the screaming was focused towards the players of the opposing team. I've noticed in recent years that the tradition has grown to include vulgar language towards students and families wearing our opponents colors. I'm pleased to see the display of school spirit by our students!"
The Aggies' tradition includes standing throughout the entire football game, showing readiness to play if called upon. Tech officials recognize risk of potential accidents in asking extremely drunk students to remain standing for the duration of a game. Mike Sherman, a senior undecided major from San Angelo, says "Standing up during a game is hard. Plus, when your sitting down you can aim your vomit between your shoes and it just falls down through the bleachers. If you're standing it goes everywhere."
Don't be surprised if you see a number of 13th Man shirts at upcoming games. Billy Joe Tolliver, Tech Alum and former quarterback for the Red Raiders is involved in shirt printing at the University Bookstore located near the Texas Tech Campus. Mr. Tolliver says "I printed six or seven of these shirts last week. We might need some more."
Classic
Source (http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=706203&page=1&forum_id=5)