History of the Yell Leaders
For over 100 years, the Yell Leaders have embodied the unique Aggie Spirit for which Texas A&M is so well known. The Yell Leaders are comprised of five students that are elected by the student body. They are the official spirit organization of the university and they lead Aggie fans in “yells” during athletic and other university events. Unlike cheerleaders, the Yell Leaders do not perform gymnastic feats. Instead they use a variety of hand signals, called “pass backs”, to direct and intensify the crowd. The Texas Aggie Yell Leaders represent the 12th Man at Aggie athletic events, serve as campus ambassadors to A&M and Aggie Mother’s Clubs across Texas and the U.S., and regularly make appearances at campus-wide events for current, new, and prospective students, former students, campus administrators, visitors, and dignitaries. Midnight Yell Practice has been dubbed a “College Football Bucket List” item and is one of Texas A&M’s most well-known traditions.
Yesterday…
When A&M was an all-male military college in 1907, students often invited guests from Texas Women’s University to take the train to College Station and attend Aggie football games. Then as now, only a certain number of guest tickets were available, and these would be handed out based on seniority, so freshmen were rarely able to bring guests to the games.
According to legend, the Aggies were being out-scored so badly during one football game that the ladies were threatening to leave the game due to boredom. To prevent this, the upperclassmen ordered the freshmen, or “fish,” to find a way to entertain their bored guests. The freshmen raided a janitor’s closet and changed into the white coveralls they found there and began leading the crowd in yells from the track area in front of the stands. The freshmen got so much attention from the ladies that it was decided that only upperclassmen would be allowed to participate in this entertainment in the future.
Today…
Today, the Texas Aggie Yell Leaders have evolved into a team of five upperclassmen, three seniors and two juniors. Student body elections to choose the Aggie Yell Leaders are held annually, and it is not uncommon for more than twice as many students to vote for yell leader candidates than to vote in the Student Body President elections.
The Yell Leaders attend all home and away football games, all home basketball games, all home volleyball games, all home soccer matches, and post-season football, basketball, and volleyball. They can always be found on the sidelines of the playing field in front of the student section. Additionally, the Yell Leaders can be seen annually at the Texas A&M Coach’s Nights, all new student conferences, all Fish Camp sessions, and numerous campus events hosted by student organizations and university departments.
Meet the Yell Leaders
Reid Williams ’20
Howdy! I am a Marketing major from Devers, Texas and a member of the Corps of Cadets, Company L-1. I’m a first generation Aggie, but my admiration for Texas A&M started back in 2nd grade when my uncle brought me to a Fightin’ Texas Aggie football game, WHOOP! It wasn’t until I came here as a freshman that I developed a deep love for A&M and learned what it truly means to be an Aggie. From time to time, I try to describe Texas A&M to people that have no idea about it, but I feel like I could never do it justice because people have a hard time understanding how respectful, loyal, loving, and passionate Aggies are towards one another. During my time as yell leader, I will strive to go above and beyond by using every opportunity to best serve this university. My hope for every student is to strive to leave your legacy somewhere within this community and allow this community to leave an impact on you.
Blake Jones ’19
Howdy! I am an Industrial Distribution major from San Antonio, TX and a member of the Corps of Cadets, Squadron “Gator” 2. I am proud to be a third generation Aggie and continue my family’s legacy. Texas A&M always felt like home to me, and throughout my time here, I have found community like nothing I have ever felt before. Whether through serving on Aggie Muster Committee, riding into Kyle Field on game days with Parsons Mounted Cavalry, or just seeing a friendly face in class, every day I get to experience the Aggie Spirit in a new way. I couldn’t be more thankful for my time here in Aggieland. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve Aggies in this role and strive to give back to the University that has given me so much.
Gavin Suel ’19*
Howdy! I’m a Kinesiology major from College Station, Texas and a member of the Corps of Cadets, Company E-2. I was born in College Station and grew up enjoying Aggie Football and watching the Corps march into Kyle Field. When I was eleven, my family moved to Kenya, Africa to do mission work. There, I grew in my faith and maturity, but nothing diminished my desire to be an Aggie! At A&M, I joined the Corps and was blessed with the honor of Mascot Corporal my sophomore year. Getting to watch Reveille embody the Aggie Spirit and seeing its effect on everyone she encountered only increased my passion for this university, its traditions, and the people here. As a Yell Leader, it’s my goal to help everyone experience that same Aggie Spirit that has so impacted me.
*Head Yell Leader
Connor Joseph ’19
Howdy! I am an Agribusiness major from College Station, Texas and a member of the Corps of Cadets in Squadron 17. I am a third generation Aggie, and a love for this university has been instilled in me since birth.Through the community I have found in Fish Aides, the Brotherhood of Christian Aggies, and Squadron 17, I have realized that our Core Values and the Spirit of the 12th Man foster an atmosphere of family and togetherness. These moments of unity are manifested in events like Silver Taps, Muster, Bonfire Remembrance, The Big Event, and standing together in Kyle Field. My prayer for my time as a Yell Leader is that I love people well, honor my faith and my family, and share my love for Texas A&M University.
Karsten Lowe ’20
Howdy! I am an Industrial Distribution major from, San Antonio, Texas, and a member of the Corps of Cadets, Company E-2. Initially I was admitted to this University through the Blinn T.E.A.M program. This program gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual while still being connected to the A&M family. The values and traditions here at Texas A&M immediately resonated with me, and my love for this university only grew. Through my experiences in the Corps, I had the immense honor of serving as one of Reveille’s assistant handlers. This helped shape my view and understanding of this University and what it truly means to be a humble servant. Getting to see the joy Reveille brought to everyone she encountered deepened my love and connection with the Aggie Spirit. It is my goal to help every Aggie feel the same deep sense of connection with the Aggie Family.