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 TWU students 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 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 women of TWU 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 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

Jacob Huffman ’21

Howdy! I am a Sports Conditioning Major from Weatherford, TX and a member of the Corps of Cadets in Company H-1. I’m a first generation Aggie who was drawn to A&M initially because of a scholarship from the Marine Corps. Very quickly, however, I realized that this university embodies the same core values that I hold dearly, and I fell in love. Values such as integrity, respect, and grit set Aggies apart from the rest, and it is a privilege to be able to promote the values that make this university so special. As a Yell Leader it is my ambition to help others feel the same love for this university and ideals that make us all Aggies.

Kenny Cantrell ’20

Howdy! I am an Agribusiness major from Weatherford, Texas and a member of the Corps of Cadets, Company G-2. I’m proud to be a third generation Aggie and continue the legacy that my family has set before me. Ever since I was a little kid, Texas A&M was the only college I dreamed of going to. Once I arrived on campus, I already felt a part of the Aggie family; however, my last three years here have shown me many different ways the Aggie Spirit can change lives. I have been blessed to experience the unifying Aggie Spirit by partaking in the ceremony for George H.W. Bush, showing my Fish Camp kids the importance of Muster and Silver Taps, and standing with the rest of the 12^th Man during the historic 7 OT win over LSU. It is my goal to serve Texas A&M University by spreading the Aggie Spirit to everyone so that they can experience Aggie traditions and understand the importance of our core values.

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.

*Head Yell Leader

Reid Williams ’20

Howdy! I am a Marketing major from Devers, Texas and a member of the Corps of Cadets, in 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 attending my first Silver Taps, to rooting on our sports teams to b.t.h.o. whoever we are playing. I have had the true pleasure of being totally engulfed in the spirit and traditions of Aggieland. 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 try to leave your legacy somewhere within this community and allow this community to leave an impact on you.

Keller Cox ’21

Howdy! I’m a Construction Science major from Houston, Texas, and a member of the Corps of Cadets in Squadron 17. I am a first generation Aggie and knew very little about A&M growing up. In fact, it wasn’t until 8th grade that I went to my first Aggie Football game. Then, after watching my brother decide to attend and hearing of his experience, I knew A&M was where I was meant to be. Since my fish year in the Corps, I’ve learned that it is our traditions and the people that make A&M so special. From my buddies in Squadron 17, and friends and community in Fish Aides and Aggie Men’s Club, I’ve seen first hand the spirit that can ne’er be told. Without these things, this would just be another school. As a yell leader, my goal is to both share and show that same spirit that called me here in the first place.