FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA
RING DAY + BAMA PREVIEW
Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Taking on the Tide in Tuscaloosa No. 22 Texas A&M faces No. 1 Alabama in first road game By Abigail Ochoa @AbigailOchoa88 Annie Lui — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M looks to establish a run game to upset the No. 1 ranked Alabama on the road.
This weekend, No. 1 Alabama will meet their toughest opponent so far this season as they face off against Jimbo Fisher and No. 22 Texas A&M.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban said this matchup is unlike the previous teams they’ve played thus far. Saban credits the challenge of facing A&M to the Aggies’ balanced offense, highly ranked defense and talented punter. “This is a really good team that we’re playing,” Saban said. “The best team that we’ve played so far. [It’s] really going to be important that we do
a good job in preparation all week and getting ready for a big game.” The Crimson Tide remains 3-0 this season, defeating their opponents by a minimum of 37 points each game. With a big 62-7 win over Ole Miss last week, Alabama is making sure they don’t get comfortable, pushing for improvement in practice this week. FOOTBALL ON PG. 2
A shining symbol of the Aggie family Thousands celebrate academic achievements at Ring Day By Daniella Gutierrez @dani_talia95 Over 3,000 Aggies will receive their Aggie Rings on Friday at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. Ring distribution is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Of the 4,372 rings ordered, over 96 percent will go to students at the College Station campus, while 100 rings are distributed at A&M-Galveston, 56 at the Qatar campus and one at the A&M Law School. Kathryn Greenwade, Vice President of Communications and Human Resources at The Association of Former Students, said Aggie Ring Day is a celebration of achievement, the Aggie spirit and the Aggie network. “You’ve always belonged,” said Gre-
enwade, “But now you have a very visible reminder that you belong.” According to Greenwade, the September Ring distribution is traditionally the second largest of the year, the largest being in April, with 6,500 rings presented during the April 2018 Ring Day. Greenwade said she expects 38,000 to 40,000 people to circulate through the alumni center throughout the day, and accommodations are set up to ensure the safety of pedestrians. “Texas A&M transportation services is going to close Houston street to vehicles from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. just to make sure that it’s safe for pedestrians to cross,” Greenwade said. “We are highly encouraging everyone to park at the West Campus Garage and then utilize the Ring Day shuttle. There will be eight shuttles running continuously.” For many, Aggie Ring Day is a monumental step into the Aggie community. Greenwade said the atmosphere of the event is emotional in many ways,
and people should expect to see lots of smiles and happy tears. “When you get your ring, you feel like you’re joining such a storied past and history,” Greenwade said. “When you think about the Ring dating back to 1889 and the people who’ve worn the ring and the impact they’ve made on our world, it just makes you very proud to be part of that.” Community health senior Kayla Hutchins received her Aggie Ring in April 2018. She said her experience was crazy, but unforgettable. “Those 10 seconds between them grabbing your box and putting your ring on your finger is nothing but excitement,” Hutchins said. As a first-generation college student, Hutchins said attending A&M and receiving her Aggie Ring has been a big accomplishment. “Make it a big deal,” Hutchins said. “It only happens once, so make sure it’s everything you want it to be.” Cassie Stricker and Katy Baldock — THE BATTALION
RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH
REGISTER TODAY! cscfundraising.com | fundraising@csc-usa.com | 832.730.2300