The Battalion - September 21, 2018 by The Battalion

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

Senior Boot Bag

RINGDAY

The Battalion | 9.21.18

Megan Rodriguez, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 2018 fall semester and 2019 spring semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

Price Includes Logo and Name (More logos available) Shop for Little Aggies to an Aggie Xmas etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows by Charlotte, Reveille’s Seamstress For A&M Sterling Jewelry: stores.ebay.com/charboeg979 1711 N Earl Rudder Fwy Bryan, TX 77803 979-778-2293 charboeg@yahoo.com

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN FOR THE

2019 AGGIELAND!

AR Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2019 Aggieland yearbook.

ALL CLASSES: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday September 24th thru October 5th The Sanders Corp Museum Library It’s your yearbook. Be in it.

ANSWERS

to todays puzzles

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Ellen, Clara, Clark and Jesus Palomo use Bus 12 to spread the Aggie Spirit around campus and to many events around the nation.

12 years of spreading the spirit on Bus 12 Aggie family travels to traditions in A&M-themed school bus By Jordan Burnham @RJordanBurnham This Ring Day marks the 12th year that Bus 12, a new Aggie tradition, will be attending the event. Members of a die-hard Aggie family, the Lanes came up with the idea to transform a school bus into something that would promote the Aggie Spirit at away-game Midnight Yells. The family gained support from the Association of Former Students and created what is now considered an Aggie tradition. Bus 12 has attended every Ring Day since the event’s beginning in 2006 — a total of 36 — and it brings the spirit to other events as well. According to Brent Lane, Class of 2005, Bus 12 was a way to give back to the university. “It gave us the opportunity to spread Aggie Spirit on campus, for away games and any and all of the special events that the bus takes part in,” Lane said. Bus 12 can often be seen driving around on campus before home-game

Yell Practices. According to Lane, when the bus blasts music by the Aggie Band, the reaction on people’s faces is priceless. “Their reactions are great because its just sheer joy,” Lane said. “It brings joy to people who are around, kind of like when you were a kid and the ice cream truck showed up. It’s fun to bring that kind of excitement to the campus.” According to Ellen Palomo, Class of 2007 and one of the family members involved with Bus 12, the platform on top of the bus allows the Yell Leaders to lead Yell Practice at away-game Midnight Yells. One of her favorite Yell Practices takes place at the Fort Worth Stockyards. “It gives you goosebumps to see that many Aggies together, especially when you’re far away from A&M,” Palomo said. “It’s a rallying point and that is really special…You feel really proud because you feel like it’s contributing something to the life of A&M and current students and former students — and that’s a special event.” Bus 12 has become a special part of Ring Day, and thousands of students have been able to take photos by the

bus, according to Palomo. “It’s a neat part of Ring Day because the bus is all about spirit and excitement and passion — I mean it’s Aggie passion on wheels,” Palomo said. “It’s just part of commemorating that special day for everybody, and that’s a really special thing.” Jesus Palomo, Class of 2007, said Bus 12 has been able to travel to many places throughout the United States for away games and parades. “We have taken it to California, Oklahoma and all the way to Florida,” Jesus Palomo said. “We’ve been to both ends of [the country].” Ellen Palomo said the bus has become an integral part of her family’s life, including her children Clark and Clara, and their doors are always open. “Whenever you see the bus, you’re always welcome in the bus,” Palomo said. “Because that’s what we built it for and it makes us happy when it brings Aggies together or it opens the door to people that are new to the Aggie family.”

CONGRATULATIONS! 3,900 shiny new Aggie Rings will be delivered at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center

Sept. 21

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Aggie Ring Tickets distributed online at: tx.ag/AggieRingDayTicket

Visit tx.ag/RingDay for more information, parking, transportation and ensuring the best experience for you and your guests. Houston Street will be closed. No drop offs.

Jesse Everett — THE BATTALION

Senior Deshawn Capers-Smith celebrates after a play during the game against Clemson, where the Aggies challenged the Tigers to the final minutes of the game.

Celebrate responsibly. The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M encourages Aggies to celebrate this significant moment, but celebrate it responsibly. The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M do not endorse or support any activities involving binge drinking.

The Association of Former Students is HERE for Aggies during their days as students and former students, THERE for Aggies as they make their way around the world and EVERYWHERE that the Aggie Network needs us to be.

FOOTBALL CONTINUED “We sat down and we have a lot to work on and improve on,” Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. said. “Every day, we have a mindset to get better and focus more on our opponent and we’re going to do that this week.” Smith’s teammate, linebacker Christian Miller, said improving their communication against a strong A&M offense is key. “Keep executing and working on the small things,” Miller said. “Work on our communication, from front to back and overall, just keep improving every week.” The Aggies are 8-2 against the Crimson Tide, with the last five meetings in favor of Alabama. However, Saban isn’t ruling out A&M just yet. With Jimbo Fisher at the helm, Saban said A&M is earning a new look in the SEC. “I think everybody who takes over a pro-

gram is really working hard to establish the principles and the vales of the organization — the standard you want people to work to in terms of effort, toughness and tangibles,” Saban said. “Jimbo has obviously done a really good job of that. They’re a completely different kind of team than they’ve been in the past.” The game will serve as A&M’s first time on the road this season and Alabama’s SEC season home opener. Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney said being home comes with it’s own challenges and expectations for the team. “You always feel the pressure to win at home because you want to defend home field,” McKinney said. “ We kind of go out there with more focus and being more prepared and ready to win.” Alabama will strive to secure a 4-0 season record against A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff begins at 2:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS.

NEWS FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 9.21.18

AROUND THE SEC A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 4

With the season now in full swing, the SEC is becoming increasingly competitive with each game. Week three featured the western division’s first showdowns, as LSU pulled off a stunning upset at Auburn and Alabama rolled past Ole Miss in Oxford. Meanwhile in the East, Vanderbilt kept it close against the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame, and Missouri narrowly escaped Purdue. Here’s a look at some pivotal games around the conference as we wrap up the first month of the 2018 season.

By Dylan Poitevint @Poitite

No. 14 Mississippi State (3-0) at Kentucky (3-0)

No. 2 Georgia (3-0) at Missouri (3-0)

Sat. Sept. 22, Kroger Field, Lexington, KY 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2

Sat. Sept. 22, Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO 11:00 a.m. on ESPN

In this interdivisional match-up, Mississippi State squares off with their first legitimate opponent while Kentucky faces what is arguably the second hardest game on their schedule. Mississippi State is coming off of a strong performance against UL-Lafayette, who they defeated 56-10. Senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ rout of Lafayette. Fitzgerald also led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, gaining 107 yards on the ground for four touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Mississippi State will get behind senior defensive end Montez Sweat, who has three sacks so far on the season. Meanwhile, Kentucky is feeling strong after picking up their third straight win with a victory over Murray State. The Wildcats have already racked up a conference win and will look to junior running back Benny Snell to carry them during Saturday’s game. Snell is averaging 125 yards a game, but will have a tough challenge against a Bulldog defense that ranks eighth overall in the nation and allowing only 85 rushing yards a game. Look for Mississippi State to control both sides of the ball and grab their first conference win of 2018.

This battle in the east could be one of the better games seen in the division in 2018. Georgia enters as a clear favorite, but Missouri is the seventh overall offense in the nation, racking up 589 yards a game. The Tigers’ explosive offense will have to scheme well, as Georgia’s defense is the best in the SEC, ranking seventh nationally. Georgia is also coming off of a strong performance in their 49-7 blowout win over Middle Tennessee. The Bulldogs also have a big divisional win over South Carolina. Georgia’s sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm is averaging an impressive 80.4 percent completion rate, and their run game is also very strong, averaging 272 yards a game. On the other hand, Missouri is looking very strong under senior quarterback Drew Lock, who threw for 375 passing yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers in their narrow win over Purdue last week. The Missouri defense will have to step up this week as they rank only 74th nationally, allowing 379.7 yards a game. This will be the difference-maker in Saturday’s showdown, as Georgia will dominate with their potent run game and overall talent.

Prediction: Mississippi State 38, Kentucky 24

Prediction: Georgia 38, Missouri 21

Tennessee (2-1) vs Florida (2-1)

No. 9 Auburn (2-1) vs Arkansas (1-2)

Sat. Sept. 22, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN 6:00 p.m. on ESPN

Sat. Sept. 22, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL 6:30 p.m. on SECN

The “Third Saturday in September” should be an interesting match-up this year as both Florida and Tennessee come in somewhat evenly matched in this 48th meeting between the two schools. The Volunteers are looking for revenge after Florida’s circus catch Hail Mary that won the game for the Gators in 2017. Both teams have had their struggles so far in 2018, with Tennessee dropping their first game in embarrassing fashion to West Virginia in week one, and Florida upsetting loss to Kentucky at home in week two. Florida has been struggling offensively, ranked 95th in the country. Sophomore quarterback Feleipe Franks has had his ups and downs, struggling with completion percentage at 53.3 percent. Franks will face a Volunteer Squad that ranks 14th nationally, allowing only 291.7 yards a game. Watch for Tennessee to use Neyland’s atmosphere to give them an edge this year, as the Volunteers will get their payback against the Gators.

Both Arkansas and Auburn are coming off of tough losses to North Texas and LSU, respectively. In Arkansas’ case, a road win over Auburn would put an end to a cold start this season and put Chad Morris’ Razorbacks back on course. On the other hand, Auburn is looking to bounce back after their stunning loss to LSU last week at home. Arkansas has truly struggled, with losses to Colorado State and North Texas. Auburn will be a very difficult team to open up conference play against. The Razorbacks are still looking for consistency at quarterback and sophomore Ty Storey has been named the starter, but he will need to step up against the Tigers’ vaunted defense. He only has a 56 percent completion rate with three touchdowns and two interceptions in 2018. With a win over Washington, Auburn is ranked ninth in the nation and is a proven contender who will go into Saturday with a chip on their shoulder. Don’t expect any surprises in this one. Auburn will crush Arkansas on Saturday, as the Razorbacks continue their struggles.

Prediction: Tennessee 27, Florida 24

Prediction: Auburn 42, Arkansas 13

WEEK 4: STAFF PICKS No. 22 Texas A&M at No. 1 Alabama Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m. on CBS

Angel Franco

Sports Editor @angelmadison_

ANGEL

Jimbo Fisher won’t beat Nick Saban this time. Maybe next year. Also Happy Ring day Cassie, Andreah and Logan!

Luke Henkhaus ABIGAIL LUKE

SAMANTHA TAYLOR

Managing Editor @luke_henkhaus

I hate to say it, but we’re about to be a bunch of Tusca-losers...

Taylor Fennell

News Editor @taylorpaige1299

I’ll never stop believing in Jimbo... even if we’re playing Bama.

Abigail Ochoa

Asst. Sports Editor @AbigailOchoa88

Alabama at home and Tua at quarterback... yikes!

Samantha Mahler

Asst. Life & Arts Editor @mahlersamantha

Sandra Bullock didn’t like Nick Saban in “The Blind Side”, so I probably shouldn’t like him either.

Cassie Stricker

Photo Chief @cassie_stricker

My head says Alabama but my heart says A&M... at least I have my Aggie Ring now.

CASSIE

MEGAN JESSE

Megan Rodriguez

Editor-in-Chief @MeganLRodriguez

“You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:6

Jesse Everett

Asst. Photo Chief @JesseEverett17

We need 12th Man Jesus

RINGDAY

The Battalion | 9.21.18

A little piece of Aggieland Aggie photographer captures her gold Cassie Stricker @cassie_stricker

s the oldest child, I’ve always been the one to experience all of the “firsts.” I was the first in my family to attend college and become an Aggie, though not the last, and I’ll be the first to graduate with a college degree. This weekend, I will be the first to receive my Aggie Ring — the symbol of everything I’ve worked so hard for — surrounded by the friends and family who have loved and supported me along the way. I know I wouldn’t be here today without my mom, who made sure I knew from an early age that despite being a first-generation college student, college was an option for me. She started saving money to put toward college for her three children when I was in elementary school. Even through a divorce and a few years of raising three young children on a single income, she never stopped saving for us and for the futures she wanted us to have. For me, this ring is the embodiment of all of the hard work that’s gone into getting me to and through college. It represents not

only how far I’ve come, but how far I can go. My life has changed so much in just a few years, but some things have stayed the same. Namely, my love for my family and friends, and my passion for telling stories through photos. For the last six football seasons, I’ve spent my Friday nights or Saturdays on a football field with a camera in hand. I started photographing football during my junior year of high school, not because I wanted to, but because I was asked to by the yearbook adviser. I knew almost nothing about the sport, but I quickly came to love covering football games. Walking off the field after my last high school game, I thought I would never enjoy covering another team as much as I’d enjoyed my two years on the sidelines with the Smithson Valley Rangers. Boy, was I wrong. I’ll never forget the first time I stepped onto Kyle Field to photograph a football game. It was 2015 and the Aggies were taking on Bama. I was immediately overwhelmed by how intense the energy was. There’s nothing quite like feeling — yes, feeling — the roar of the 12th Man or watching the student section sway during the War Hymn from down on the field.

Now, three years later, I’m still photographing Aggie football for The Battalion and Aggieland Yearbook. There’s no place I feel more at home than on the sidelines of Kyle Field. For the last four home games of my senior season, there will be an Aggie Ring on my finger, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve met many photographers and reporters over the years who proudly wear their Aggie Rings while covering football games. For me, that’s been a reminder that this will always be my home — that graduating doesn’t mean I’ll never find my way back to the sidelines and the team that helped me discover my love for sports photography. When I walk off of Kyle Field for the last time as a student after A&M plays LSU in November, I will undoubtedly feel like I’m leaving a little piece of myself behind. But more importantly, I know that I’ll be able to carry this little, golden piece of Aggieland with me no matter what field I’m on or what team I’m photographing. No matter where I am, they’ll know I’m an Aggie. Cassie Stricker is an agricultural communications and journalism senior and photo chief for The Battalion.

Angel Franco — THE BATTALION

Senior Cassie Stricker is a self-taught photographer and a first generation Aggie.

A promise fulfilled A daughter completes her late father’s dying wish Savannah Mehrtens @SJMehrtens

Provided

Senior Savannah Mehrtens sees her Aggie Ring as a symbol of family.

didn’t really want to be an Aggie. I thought the culture was crazy, if not regressive, and that the school was solely meant for football — a sport I couldn’t care less about at the time. My eyes were directly set on ending up somewhere in northern California (to be fair, they still are). However, my Dad knew better. He had his heart set on Aggieland. The night I received my acceptance letter into Texas A&M-Galveston, my Dad was still at work. When he came in from a long day on his feet — just like every day because he was a preowned car sales manager at a luxury car dealership — I was able to cheer him up by handing him a large white envelope holding my acceptance folder. When he realized I had been accepted, he cried in front of me for the third time in my life that I could remember. “I haven’t been this proud since the doctor said ‘She’s a beautiful little girl,’” my Dad said while my best friend filmed his reaction. “Oh my God Savannah. I am so proud of you, that is amazing.” Holding that letter, we didn’t know what the future would hold but we had high hopes. On the day I left for my New Student Conference, my Dad left for his new job in Beaumont. It was the beginning of a new chapter of our family’s life and one step closer for my parents to eventually retire in Galveston. What we didn’t know was that it would

be the last time my Dad ever stepped foot in our house. The summer before my freshman year of college was spent predominantly in two places: McKinney, the town I had called home for eight years and at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. At home, I had a typical summer; I worked, hung out with friends and took care of our house. I spent the other time at MD Anderson spending time with my father, who had been diagnosed only weeks after moving to his new job with stage four lung cancer which had metastasized throughout his body. When I found out my Dad had maximum of months, not years, to live, I went back to visit him for the second time. After I saw his condition, which had propelled rapidly since the first visit, I sat on a white-tiled bathroom floor down the hallway from his hospital room crying with my best friend on the floor next to me. All I could focus on was the rage I felt, the hopelessness of both my Dad’s limited future and the uncertainty of my own without him. The last thing I was thinking about was my Aggie Ring. To no surprise, when I walked back into his room less than 30 minutes later it wasn’t long until he would want to point at his ring finger on his right hand, which he did again and again. That was his way of telling me I was going to get my Aggie Ring because he had lost his ability to speak. To top it off, his psychologist was an Aggie and wore her ring proudly. Every time she came into his room, he would grab her hand and point at her ring and then at me, as if to make sure I knew the exact

ring he was talking about. “I promise, Dad,” I would say, shaking my head and chuckling at his stubborn behavior he passed down to me. I still dreamed about northern California, but a promise is a promise. I was clearly wrong about Texas A&M. I transferred to the main campus, which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I found organizations that define who I am and I have made lifelong friends. My Dad knew one thing, the same thing that sold him from the first time we visited A&M-Galveston: The Aggie Family is a family forever, one that will always be there to support you. He knew that when he was gone, I would be in a place that could support me. Now I know, Dad, that you were right. My ring will be a symbol of being a part of that family. When my mother, the strongest woman I know, hands me my ring on Friday, I know my Dad will be smiling and pointing at my finger, wherever he may be. A promise is a promise. “It’s still the same old story / A fight for love and glory / A case of do or die / The world will always welcome lovers / As time goes by” –“As Time Goes By,” sung by Dooley Wilson and written by Herman Hupfeld and a song dear to my family’s heart. I’m a proud Aggie with a piece of gold to prove it. Here’s looking at you, Dad. Savannah Mehrtens is a university studies senior and news reporter for The Battalion.

Embracing the comfort zone Texas A&M is familiar but it’s changed my life for the better Jake Metzler

@jjakemetzler

&M was always something of a default university for me. Both of my parents attended this university, as well as my oldest brother. Every year, at least once a year, from the time I was very young, we attended an A&M football game. It was always the plan, provided no better plan ever came up. Being the unambitious adolescent I was, no better plan ever came up. When I started here in 2015, I already had a friend group that came with me from my high school in Katy, which is only about an hour and a half away, and even a girlfriend, who’s now my fiancé, that I’d been seeing for about three months. It is in this context that you can understand that for me, the word that best encapsulates my entrance and experience with A&M is “comfortable.” At first, certainly, I hated that comfort. I accepted it as a personal failing that I had failed to real-

ly explore my opportunities and options when it came to universities, and that just by going along with what was laid in front of me, I had chosen the easy, and thereby inherently inferior, path. That’s not to say that there has been no stress since I arrived. By the end of my freshman year, I’d changed my major from Computer Science to Political Science, a fairly substantial jump. Since then I’ve worked hard to seek opportunity and keep my grades as high as they have been. Yet the level of comfort provided by A&M has made all of those things so much easier. Where I initially resented the comfort of A&M as a failure on my part to make my own way and be ambitious, I now recognize it as a strength of the university, and something I have truly come to appreciate. Was there some validity to my earlier thoughts that I should have made a more expansive search when I was looking for a university? Absolutely. I have come to accept that I cannot change that, and had I gone somewhere else, I would have missed out on so much. I can’t change

what happened then, but I can appreciate all the great things that have come to me from going here. Like my continued and strengthened friendships with those I came here with from high school, and new friends found at A&M. But most importantly, my engagement to a high school significant other I likely wouldn’t be with if not for my attendance here. As I obtain my ring, I look back on these relationships and experiences with extreme appreciation, knowing that I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I am well aware that this does not represent everyone’s experience with A&M, but from the people I have talked to, it isn’t an uncommon one. To those who share my experience, I just want to offer the following: you may have wanted to be somewhere else, but now that you’re here, embrace it, and you will find reasons for joy, and gain experiences and relationships you will cherish. Jake Metzler is a environmental design senior and news reporter for The Battalion.

Provided

Senior Jake Metzler looks forward to a Ring Day with his high school sweetheart, turned fiancé.

FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 9.21.18

5 things to watch for during A&M-Alabama By Brian Bass @brianbass4

1 Abby Collida — THE BATTALION

Sophomore Kellen Mond looks to lead No. 22 Texas A&M to an upset against No. 1 Alabama on the road.

A&M’s front five presence If these past three weeks have proven anything defensively, it’s that the front can make big-time plays happen. The biggest challenge for the front will be creating pressure on Tagovailoa, who hasn’t missed more than six throws in any given game this season. At the same time, the best opponent that Alabama has played this year is a weaker Ole Miss squad. The Crimson Tide will run the ball, but that’s definitely on the back burner in terms of offensive production. A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko has done a good job coaching and emphasizing physicality. It will make the difference in these huge games coming down the stretch.

Covering the spread Texas A&M has exceeded expectations early in the season and will continue to improve. The game against Clemson was a prime example of how well A&M can cover the spread, and play at the highest of levels. This week’s matchup is no different. Alabama has not played a top 25 team this season, and definitely not one as well coached as the Aggies. A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher is well aware of the system that the Crimson Tide will run, having coached with Nick Saban when they were both at LSU. Expect a close and competitive game this weekend in Tuscaloosa.

Breakout in the run game Trayveon Williams has become one of the prime running backs to watch out for this year, and he is set to have a breakout game in a big environment. Williams struggled in the Clemson game against the best defensive line in the country, but he may be able to put up some big yards against this Alabama defense. He won’t be alone. Freshman Jashaun Corbin has also complemented this offense well, with flashes of greatness on the few runs he has had this year. Be looking out for him and another solid performance from Kwame Etwi.

Mond vs. Tagovailoa

Another battle in the trenches

The quarterback situation in Tuscaloosa has been a roller coaster over the past six months. However, one thing is clear — Tua Tagovailoa is the best signal caller Nick Saban has had in his tenure. Tagovailoa has ascended to stardom in an astoundingly short time as starting quarterback. He holds first place in the Heisman race and leads the nation right now in total QBR. Kellen Mond has done a very similar job in College Station. He has risen every week in QBR rankings, proving himself to be a force and hard to read at times. Mond has had a few lucky bounces this season, but it’s clear he is improving every week. With a strong performance and a win this weekend, he could find himself in the Heisman race very soon.

It’s part two along the line of scrimmage this Saturday. Alabama has been known to have phenomenal offensive and defensive lines in years past, but the Aggies plan to put them to the test. Trayveon Williams and Kellen Mond will depend on the A&M offensive line to maintain a pocket and create holes to make big plays. Alabama defensive end Raekwon Davis will be the main threat to Mond’s passing game, but he can be held up if he rushes too aggressively. Mond may be on the run a little more than in past games, but he can definitely make some big plays.

Annie Lui — THE BATTALION

Redshirt senior and 12th Man Cullen Gillaspia raises his hands in celebration as junior Trayveon Williams stretches out for one of four Aggie rushing touchdowns against University of Louisana-Monroe on Sept. 15.

High-powered offenses to clash at Bryant-Denny Stadium Star players for A&M and Alabama set to test each other Saturday during game in Tuscaloosa By Jack Holmes @Jack_Holmes98 After hosting No. 2 Clemson just two weeks ago, No. 22 Texas A&M will travel to Tuscaloosa to face top-ranked Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The game will be a matchup of two high-powered offenses. The Aggies are ranked first in the SEC and fifth in the country in total offense with 1,789 yards, while Alabama leads the country in scoring, averaging just over 56 points per game. “We’re playing a really, really good team — both sides of the ball and special teams,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “Very well-coached and play hard. Scored a lot of points. A lot of production on offense.” A&M quarterback Kellen Mond will lead the offense again on Saturday. After earning the starting job, the sophomore has looked confident from day one, throwing for 824 yards and six touchdowns. Mond has also rushed for three scores. Saban said he knows what he’s up against this weekend. “He’s a really good athlete,” Saban said. “He does a great job of extending plays, which he did last year. … He looks a lot more comfortable and a lot more confident in the passing game, executing the passing game, which is something that they’re really good at. … I think a lot of it is because he has done a really good job of distributing the ball.” Tua Tagovailoa will be the man under center for Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon. The sophomore quarterback, who helped Alabama lift last year’s national championship tro-

phy, also had a fast start to the year, totaling 646 yards, eight touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. However, Fisher has not forgotten that Alabama has two quarterbacks that can make plays. “Tua [Tagovailoa] is playing outstanding,” Fisher said. “And then Jalen [Hurts], when he plays, he plays outstanding. We’re going to have our hands full, that’s for sure.” Of the eight touchdowns passes Tagovailoa has thrown, an SEC-leading six have been caught by sophomore Jerry Jeudy. The wide receiver has caught 11 passes for 287 yards this season and is averaging 26.1 yards per catch. Jeudy is not the only pass catcher making big plays, as sophomore DeVonta Smith is averaging 20.4 yards per reception. “The goal is to always eliminate explosive plays,” A&M linebacker Tyrel Dodson said. “The goal is always to play perfect, but sometimes you don’t play perfect. … We’re going to be ready to play and be ready to stop every explosive play.” A&M has a group of wide receivers that have shown they can also make explosive plays. Sophomore wide receiver Jhamon Ausbon has lead the way for the Aggies, totaling 201 yards this season. “I feel very confident in our ability to move the ball against anyone,” Ausbon said. “I feel like if you want to win and go far in this league, you have to feel that way about every opponent you face. … As long as we go into the game with that mentality, we’ll be fine.” Fellow wide receiver and sophomore Kendrick Rogers had a breakout game against Clemson, totaling 120 yards and catching two touchdowns. Camron Buckley has 165 yards to start the season, while junior tight end Jace Sternberger has totaled 146 yards and three touchdown catches this season. How well each team is able to do on the ground will like-

ly be key to the outcome of this game. The Aggies’ have a stud in Trayveon Williams. The junior running back leads the conference in rushing yards with 399 and has also punched in four touchdowns. Senior running back Kwame Etwi and freshman Jashaun Corbin have capitalized on their chances in the running game. Etwi has averaged 7.3 yards per carry on 14 touches this season, while Corbin has already rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown in his young career. Etwi believes his freshman teammate can play an important role on this A&M offense. “Jashaun [Corbin] is great, I love him,” Etwi said. “He brings speed, he’s physical and one thing about Jashaun is that he’s smart. He’s going to be great for us. I’m proud of how he’s been playing. He’s been playing amazing.” Alabama has a capable ball carrier of their own in sophomore running back Najee Harris. He has averaged 6.8 yard per carry this season, rushing for 203 yards total yards and three touchdowns. Senior running back Damien Harris is also having a strong season, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He gashed the Aggies for 124 yards and a touchdown last season. “I think putting emphasis on having leverage, staying in your gap and eliminating explosive plays,” Dodson said. “Damien Harris is a good back. I love playing against him, and I can’t wait to play against him Saturday.” This matchup of two top-25 teams has a chance to be one of the better games on the slate this weekend. Even so, Fisher knows it will not be an easy afternoon for the Aggies. “Alabama has an outstanding team as we all know, defending national champions and all that,” Fisher said. “They’re playing outstanding this year. [It’s] going to take three phases – offense, defense, special teams…They can score points, even with their defense.”

NEWS

The Battalion | 9.21.18

Former astronaut visits Aggieland, awards scholarships Charlie Duke connects with Aggie scientists of tomorrow on campus By Vanessa Hernandez @Galileaaa6 Rudder Auditorium was filled with students and families eager to hear the story of an astronaut’s journey to the moon and celebrate the scientific achievements of two Texas A&M students. On Thursday, Charles Moss “Charlie” Duke Jr., a former astronaut, retired U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot, visited A&M to share his story of becoming the 10th and youngest person to walk on the moon. He was one of the 19 chosen by NASA in April 1966 for their fifth astronaut group. Duke explored the moon’s terrain with Commander John Young and Command Module Pilot T.K. Mattingly during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. Duke said there was a half moon when the mission landed. “When my wife Dotty and I go out and we see this, it brings back a lot of memories,”

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Charles Moss “Charlie” Duke Jr., retired astronaut, visited Texas A&M.

Duke said. “I still look up like ‘There I was.’” Duke is part of the Board of Directors for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which awards 50 scholarships to college students around the country. He presented $10,000 scholarships to two A&M students in the STEM program on behalf of the ASF. Biology senior Ashley Hayden is one of the two scholarship recipients. “I am very honored to have received this scholarship,” Hayden said. “I wasn’t expecting to actually get it. A lot of networking has come out of this and I have enjoyed meeting everyone. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given.” Hayden has conducted research over the migration trails of monarch butterflies. She spoke about a group of monarchs taken to space for scientific study and how they felt lost in the different environment. Hayden said she could relate to the feeling of being lost when she first came to A&M as a first-generation college student and didn’t know what to do. “I want anyone to know who is struggling through something that they can make

it through because if I could make it up here on this stage, then everyone can also make it,” Hayden said. The second ASF scholarship recipient is biomedical engineering senior Ashley Holt, who plans to pursue an M.D. and a PhD after graduation. “I am in awe, it was such an incredible moment to receive something like this that will allow me to continue in my future plans,” Holt said. “Now it’s just about finishing up here and onto the next step.” Holt had the opportunity this past summer to conduct research outside of A&M at the National Institutes of Health, where she searched for the location of a protein which could be connected to caloric cancer. According to Holt, this research motivated her to leave an impact on the field of medicine and to become the researcher she aspires to be. “We are not the only students at A&M capable of such things,” Hayden said. “We have exceptional peers who are equally talented, and who have the chances to receive great opportunities.”

Painting Aggie perfection Knox uses artistic talent to capture A&M culture By Harismitha Ayyappan @HarismithaA Famed former student Benjamin Knox will create portraits and unveil his new Kyle Field painting at Ring Day on Friday. Knox, Class of 1990, was commissioned by Texas A&M to paint a number of popular campus monuments. He started his business out of his dorm as a sophomore to pay his way through college. As time passed, his business grew and eventually led to him being commissioned by the school and surrounding businesses to make paintings and murals. The Aggie artist has worked with the university for years now. Knox has also been an important part of A&M’s Ring Day traditions. He’s continuing this tradition by joining

the Aggie families in commemorating their students during this year’s event. Knox will be in attendance this year to sell ring print gifts for those getting their ring. “I started creating artwork to pay for school because I was completely broke and that was in 1988, so I’m celebrating 30 years of being your Texas Aggie artist,” Knocks said. “By my senior year, I was sponsored to set up and sell my artwork. I had a full fledged art career, and it just kept going from there.” Along with working with A&M, Knox has worked on important and pivotal pieces for the state of Texas and its political figures. “I’ve had the opportunity to be the artist for President Bush ‘41 [and] for Texas Governor Perry,” Knox said. “I did the state gift of Texas that was given to dignitaries. Also the Historical Moments of Kyle Field, which is an exhibit I have in my gallery right now.”

Knox he’s proud to have been part of the Ring Day tradition for almost 20 years. “I find special Ring Day art prints and drawings that I have done and drawings that I’ve done of the Aggie Ring with your year on them and I do these special, memorable gifts for people,” Knox said. “I used to give out the first ring and give a speech, so I’m very much indoctrinated into the program.” Vice President of Communications and Human Resources of the Association of Former Students Kathryn Greenwade said working with Knox over the years has been a valuable experience. “We enjoy working with Benjamin on Ring Day and in other endeavors,” Greenwade said. “We greatly appreciate his support of scholarships through The Association. He is always eager to help and we enjoy having him with us on Ring Day.”

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Benjamin Knox, Class of 1990, was commissioned to paint famous Aggie moments.

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FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 9.21.18

The newest voice of the Texas Aggies

Andrew Monaco Sr. takes over radio play-by-play duties for A&M By Hannah Underwood @hannahbunderwoo For the first time since 1985, the “Voice of the Aggies” title does not belong to Dave South. Instead, a new voice is taking over play-by-play duties for Aggie football and men’s basketball games. Andrew Monaco Sr. has previously held jobs with the Orlando Magic and, most recently, the San Antonio Spurs. Monaco was first bitten by the broadcasting bug in high school. One of his teachers was a former NBC employee and arranged for old audio equipment to be sent to the school. Here, Monaco gained hands on experience assembling newscasts. “It was almost a taste of the real world as opposed to just learning [about] it,” Monaco said. “It was really fascinating and you learned a little bit of everything about TV and production.” Monaco continued to pursue broadcast journalism at the University of Maryland. Once there, he immediately started working at the radio station on campus covering football, men’s basketball and lacrosse. He also served as the sports editor of the campus newspaper. “If A&M had lacrosse, then [this] would be the same job that I had when I was in college,” Monaco said. “I’m really glad I got a chance to do that. That was definitely the bug, to be able to host, to do color, to then do play-by-play. I [was] really fortunate to finally do it hands on.” Monaco said the connections he made throughout his life have shaped his career, beginning with his first job out of college. Listening to an Atlantic City, New Jersey, sports talk station in his parents’ house, Monaco heard the voice of a former Maryland classmate. “[He] was a couple years ahead of me,” Monaco said. “He says ‘This is my last show. I’m going to Salisbury, Maryland to take over as sports director at the TV station.’ Well, I know the name, so I immediately gave a call.” Monaco was hired a few weeks later and began splitting hosting and live coverage duties with the station’s sports director. He said the learning curve was steep, and offered him his first chance to handle losing a job. “I wish I could tell you I knew what I was doing, but I’m not sure,” Monaco said. “I’m glad to have had that opportuni-

ty. When that format changed, that was it. They say if you haven’t been fired in this business you haven’t been in this business, so I’m kind of glad it was my very first job. I wasn’t fired, but the format changed — it’s the same thing.” That experience helped Monaco secure his next venture as broadcast coordinator and host for the Orlando Magic. “I learned later I got the job with the Magic because one of the vice presidents used to drive his kids to school every morning and apparently his kids liked listening [to me],” Monaco said. “It just goes to show you don’t know who’s listening, who’s reading, who’s watching. That was a big opportunity for me with the Magic, that’s for sure.” During his time with the Magic, Monaco became close friends with Dennis Newman at the Florida Radio Network, a relationship he says changed the course of his career. Several years into their friendship, Monaco had moved on to doing play-by-play for the Orlando Cubs — now the Rays — and Newman had taken his place with the Magic. One weekend, TV broadcaster for the Magic David Steele was unable to cover a Magic game due to a scheduling conflict with the Florida Gators, and instead offered the job to Newman. Newman declined, because of his desire to stay on the radio, and passed the opportunity along to Monaco. “I think that helped a lot of people with the Magic see what I could do on the TV side,” Monaco said. “I’ve thanked [Newman] time and time again. I couldn’t lose there. If Dennis went over and did TV, I was doing radio for the Magic Radio Network, so I didn’t think that I could lose. I’ve always been really thankful that he thought of me to do that.” Soon after, Orlando became the landing spot for both an International Hockey League and WNBA team, and Monaco began doing TV for the hockey team and radio broadcasts for the WNBA. In 2001, however, the city began making plans to get rid of those teams. That wasn’t the end of the line for Monaco though, as he saw that San Antonio was going to have a similar job with the Rampage and the Stars, so he reached out to the organization. “I originally got hired [in San Antonio] to do the Rampage,” Monaco said. “They knew that I had the NBA in my background, but I was hired to do hockey and the WNBA.” During his first year in San Antonio, Monaco got his chance to return to the NBA. A scheduling conflict allowed him to broadcast a Spurs game, and soon he

was covering the Rampage, hosting for the Spurs and sideline reporting for the WNBA. In 2007, he primarily worked on Spurs broadcasts. “It was really busy, but I love that,” Monaco said. “That was always fun. [I’m] very fortunate that the opportunity came and it had been what I was doing with the Magic and parlayed that into the Spurs overall.” When Dave South announced his retirement last fall, Monaco was immediately intrigued by the job opening. During the hiring process, the Vice President of Broadcast Operations at Learfield Communications asked Monaco why he would leave the Spurs for Aggieland. “I laid it out for him,” Monaco said. “[There are] very few jobs like this in the country. Not every college job is like this. I think it’s special, I think it’s unique. For me personally, I think [it’s] the biggest job that I’ve had. They don’t open very often. I jokingly say that it took 33 years for this one to open because that’s how long Dave was here. We throw ‘icon’ around an awful lot. He’s an icon and when you heard Dave, you knew it was A&M.” Monaco officially started his playby-play duties on Aug. 30 as the Aggies took on Northwestern State. He said the broadcast went smoothly, something he worked toward over the summer, along with partners, Dave Elmendorf and Will Johnson. The trio traveled to Birmingham, Alabama together to attend a meeting of SEC officials and discuss various rule changes for this season. Looking back on that first show, Monaco said he never felt more comfortable during a first broadcast. “That’s a testament I think to Dave and Will for making it very comfortable, and I think it’s a testament of the trust that everyone has put in me,” Monaco said. It hasn’t only been trust Monaco received since arriving on campus. He said the Aggie family has been “unbelievable” since his hiring was announced June 8. “Jimbo Fisher used the word ‘embrace,’” Monaco said. “That’s the word I use. Being embraced by this Aggie family, that made things a lot easier.” Monaco said he knows he can never fully replace Dave South, and that is not his goal. His goal is to be himself and make Aggie fans proud. “I did joke with [Dave], ‘I’m a little mad at you. The shadow you cast is really long and the shoes that I have to fill are really big,’ and he chuckled and looked at me and said, ‘You’re going to be just fine,’” Monaco said.

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Andrew Monaco Sr. became A&M’s radio play-byplay announcer after Dave South retired last season.

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RINGDAY

The Battalion | 9.21.18

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

1. Senior Yell Leader Blake Jones was awarded his ring at the ceremony. 2. Senior Donovan Wilson reacts to his mother surprising him with an appearance. 3. Senior Kingsley Keke poses with his family after the ceremony. 4. Head coach Jimbo Fisher passed out the rings at the ceremony.

Gridiron Gold

Texas A&M football players receive rings ahead of Alabama road game By Angel Franco @angelmadison_

With friends, family and teammates gathered in the Bright Football Complex’s Hagner Auditorium, Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher presented members of the A&M football team with their Aggie Rings. The ceremony took place Wednesday before the team traveled to Tuscaloosa for the Aggies’ game against No. 1 Alabama. Porter Garner III, CEO and President of The Association of Former Students, reminded the players in attendance that the Aggie Ring was the most noticeable tradition of the Aggie Network. “First let me congratulate everyone getting their ring,” Garner said. “This is a major milestone in the life of an Aggie. … The important thing today is that you are putting on the

greatest symbol of the Aggie Network. This ring will tell a lot of people a lot about who you are. … There is no other network like the Aggie Network.” After presenting the rings to telecommunication senior Erik McCoy, university studies senior Daniel LaCamera, recreation, parks and tourism sciences senior Connor Lanfear, business administration senior Riley Garner, industrial engineering senior Kwame Etwi and economics senior Justin Dworaczyk, Fisher paused before calling the next name on the list. “We’ve got another ring here for somebody who didn’t expect that they were going to get their ring today. … But I think it is a big moment,” Fisher said. Recreation, parks and tourism sciences senior Donovan Wilson didn’t think he’d be receiving his ring this semester. But thanks to some secret planning by his mother, Michell, the A&M defensive back was surprised with his own piece of Aggie gold. When Fisher called his name, the auditorium erupted.

Donovan Wilson said he had no idea he was included in the ceremony, but felt extremely thankful. “I was just shocked and excited,” Donovan Wilson said. “I didn’t expect it at all. … To be able to connect with all the Aggies and the network, to be a part of it is like a dream come true.” For Wilson’s mother, the opportunity to surprise her son with his Aggie Ring and watch the joy in his face was something she said she would cherish for the rest of her life. “I already knew the importance of the ring,” Michell Wilson said. “And for him — the hard work he’s done — to be able to help him achieve his that goal, it meant the world to me.” Holly McBerty, administrative coordinator for Fisher, helped arrange the surprise. McBerty said Michell Wilson contacted her a few weeks ago looking for a way to get the ring to Donovan Wilson since he had no idea she had ordered it for him. McBerty said she felt lucky to help make

the day memorable for Donovan Wilson. “I was so happy for her to see her son work so hard and get his Aggie Ring and for her to be able to provide that for him and see how excited he was,” McBerty said. Blake Jones, senior yell leader and industrial distribution senior, was invited to partake in the ceremony since he too would be traveling to Tuscaloosa on Ring Day. Jones said he was thankful for the opportunity to have Fisher present him his ring. A third-generation Aggie, Jones said he looks forward to continuing the legacy of wearing the Aggie Ring. “It means a lot, especially coming home from an Aggie family and now to be the third generation wearing the Aggie Ring, is just super special to carry on,” Jones said. Kingsley Keke, ag leadership and development senior, said receiving his ring in front of his teammates made him emotional. “I don’t cry a lot, but I almost shed a tear,” Keke said. “[I’ve been] working hard in class and it showed today. I’m blessed.”

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