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One of the most well known
traditions at Texas A&M is the Twelfth Man. This colorful tradition has been told and retold to
generations of Aggie students, and is part of cohesive substance that
binds A&M students together.
The tradition dates back to New
Year's Day 1922. The underdog
Aggie football team was playing Center College in the Dixie Classic (later
to become the Cotton Bowl) and the players sustained numerous injuries.
In an effort to reinforce his team, A&M coach Dana X. Bible
called E. King Gill, #24, out of the stands to suit up and be ready to
play if needed.
In the end, Gill never actually
played, but was the only remaining substitute left on the bench when the
game ended--A&M victorious, 24-14. Gill's readiness to suit up greatly impressed the student body,
which today continues to stand ready to play if needed. This standing in mass by the student body, known as the
Twelfth Man, recalls the spirit and loyalty shown by E. King Gill.
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