The most wonderful time of the year is here, and no, it’s not Christmas. It’s March Madness.
4-seed Texas A&M men’s basketball is set to face the 13-seed Yale Bulldogs in the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament at 6:25 p.m. on Thursday.
Yale enters the matchup on a high after defeating Cornell in a thriller to take home its seventh Ivy League Tournament title under coach James Jones. Senior guard John Poulakidas recorded 25 points in the game, 23 of which came in
the second half, where he did not miss a single shot. Poulakidas’ perfect performance earned him Ivy League Tournament MVP honors.
Poulakidas is a serious threat from beyond the arc. Over his four seasons with the Bulldogs, he has shot
40.2% from 3-point land and 40.9% from the floor this season. The Naperville, Illinois native is averaging 19.2 points per game this season.
Dominant 3-point shooters have given the Aggies issues in the past.
In 2023, the 12th Man watched in anguish as Penn State’s fifth-year
senior G Andrew Funk knocked down eight threes in the Nittany Lions’ 76-59 trouncing of the Aggies in the first round of the tournament. In 2024, Houston sophomore G Emanuel Sharp sank seven from beyond the arc in the Cougar’s 100-95 overtime win in the second round of the tournament.
Even in 2025, Tennessee senior G Chaz Lanier’s eight-3-pointer game and Vanderbilt junior forward Tyler Nickel’s seven-3-pointer game led their respective teams to victory over the Maroon and White.
In Poulakidas’ last tournament appearance, he knocked down six threes as Yale upset then-4-seed Auburn in the first round. He finished the game with 28 points, two rebounds and two assists. Stopping — or at least limiting — Poulakidas will be a deciding factor for the Aggies as they face the third-oldest college in the United States.
Senior G Bez Mbeng rounds out the Bulldogs’ backcourt and has quite the resume of his own. He has been named a finalist for the Lefty Drissell Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as being named the Ivy League’s Player and Defensive Player of the Year. Against Cornell,
Mbeng recorded 15 points, four assists and seven rebounds. While he is not as much of a deep threat as Poulakidas, Mbeng has the ability to take over games.
The Aggies are entering the tournament with a very different situation than the Bulldogs, with A&M coming off a double-overtime loss to the Texas Longhorns in an SEC tournament rendition of the Lone Star Showdown.
Graduate G Wade Taylor IV, whose jersey is already hanging in the rafters of Reed Arena, embodied the spirit of A&M basketball in the loss. Taylor accounted for 29 of the Aggies’ 89 points, seven rebounds and three assists, with 17 of his points coming from the charity stripe. Taylor, A&M’s all-time leading scorer, will be a major factor in the team’s offensive success.
Yale’s smaller size opens the
door for junior F Pharrel Payne to have a day down low.
Payne found his scoring stride later in the season even with limited minutes. He is the Aggies’ third-leading scorer for the season and stands second in blocks. When Payne gets hot, defenders should be worried.
Payne contributes to A&M’s strong, physical brand of basketball. Between him, graduate F Henry Coleman III, graduate F Andersson Garcia and junior F Solomon Washington, expect Yale to struggle in the paint on both ends of the court.
Thursday’s matchup will be the Aggies’ third-straight March Madness appearance under coach Buzz Williams. It will be Yale’s fourth appearance in five seasons.
If A&M wins, it will go on to face the winner of Michigan vs. UC San Diego.
Aggies’ road to San Antonio starts with a battle against Yale
Graphic by Zoe Rich and Pranay Dhoopar — THE BATTALION
The village behind Henry Coleman III
From driveway hoops in Richmond to A&M’s third-straight NCAA Tournament, the Coleman family stands strong, side-by-side
By Ian Curtis Managing Editor
Every time graduate forward Henry Coleman III takes the court, he has a village standing behind him.
In a rented townhouse just shy of three miles from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, parents Hank and Cynthia Coleman assembled the latest gathering of “Henry’s village” as he and Texas A&M men’s basketball battled in the SEC Tournament.
Younger brother Leland Coleman was there, fresh off of his freshman season as a forward at New Orleans.
So too were cousins from Florida — and those are just the ones who could make it to the Aggies’ first game.
Between biological family, connections made through basketball and what Cynthia calls the “Hokie football family” — a group made up of Hank’s Virginia Tech football teammates — the Colemans have built a dedicated support system for their children that has helped propel both sons to Division I and Henry to the NCAA Tournament.
“That was a commitment we made to each other when we got married and decided to have kids,” Cynthia said. “We would always surround them with good, wholesome people. ... Both of them know that they have people that, no matter what, if they couldn’t get to us for any other reason, they could call them and they’re going to pick up immediately.”
Henry said he’s all the better for it.
“I don’t take it for granted at
“The best leaders are learners”
Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, it didn’t take long for Henry’s leadership skills to present themselves.
Try the first grade, when Ms. Taylor — still a family friend — needed to reign in a young Henry who was upfront in the classroom at all times, determined to be involved.
So she made him second-in-command of the class.
“I think that helped him, at a very young age, to say ‘OK, when the teacher’s not around, then it’s Henry Coleman,’” Hank said. “I can help lead the class and that sort of thing, and he just accepted that responsibility. He wasn’t shy about it.”
There, Henry learned the lessons he’d later apply at Trinity Episcopal School as class president and in his playing career.
“Some of the best leaders are people who listen the most, who sit in the back and are able to dissect what people are saying, because they’re not saying what comes in their mind first,” Henry said. “For myself, it was just being a sponge of knowledge and soak up as much knowledge as I can, because the best leaders are learners.”
A gifted athlete from the beginning, Henry tried all sorts of sports, from baseball to taekwondo. But his basketball talent clearly set him apart from his peers.
And broke a basket or two along the way.
“My dad can remember this, because he came out with a shocked look on his face,” Leland said. “We’re playing on a low rim, and Henry goes up to dunk, and Henry breaks our rim. He breaks the backboard, and there’s no more driveway basketball after that.”
As it became clear to the rest of the country just how good Henry was, the recruiting calls started rolling in:
all,” Henry said. “It’s a blessing, truly, how much they’ve supported me, sacrificed so much for me and my younger brother. They held me to a standard since I was little, ‘Whatever you’re going to do, you’re going to put your best foot forward, and you’re going to be the best at it, because you put in a ton of work.’” for a
Tony Bennett at Virginia — huge for UVA alum Cynthia. Buzz Williams, then at Virginia Tech. Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.
It was a stressful process for the family as a whole. Especially for Leland.
“I’d see Henry in between classes, I’m like ‘Oh, I’ll go say hello to my brother,’” Leland said. “I’ll go look, he’s outside. He’s on the phone on the bench in the courtyard. I’m like ‘OK, I guess I’ll say hello to Henry at lunch.’ Oh no, unexpected visit from a coach at lunch. … I don’t get a chance to talk with my brother till about 11:30. ... Those nights are the most memorable.”
In both of their recruitments — Henry’s was a whirlwind that led him to Duke before he transferred to A&M, while Leland’s was a difficult one marred by COVID-19-induced restrictions and challenges — both Coleman brothers relied on their parents and a strict policy of having days where they could just do something other than basketball.
Don’t think about it. Don’t train. Just go fishing with some buddies.
“For kids, you still have to be a kid,” Henry said. “I think some of your biggest attributes and characteristics come from other things, not sports, from school, from fishing. When you’re fishing, it takes patience, so you build these different characteristics without being in
a sport. And so I had to do those things for my health and to keep me grounded.”
The other thing that helped the brothers was simply relying on each other.
“He’s my biggest supporter, and I’m his biggest supporter”
Growing up in a household of two future Division I basketball players was the gauntlet one might expect, Leland says.
“Growing up with Henry, everything was a competition, from waking up to who could get dressed the fastest,” Leland said. “Kid made everything competitive. So I feel like, early on, Henry paved the way for me to have that competitive edge. … What he’s done along the way is really helped me become who I am.”
It’s this competitiveness that drove Leland to be a Division I player himself.
“I wanted to be Henry,” Leland said. “I wanted to be the team captain. I wanted to be the star player. I wanted to be a college athlete. And then when I saw him continue to achieve those goals over and over, doing things that he wanted to do, it made me work ten times harder.”
Henry continues to be a strong presence in Leland’s life, and vice versa. Each sibling has come to expect a quick call or text after a game to talk ball and life.
“He’s my biggest supporter, and I’m his biggest supporter,” Henry said. “He’s my inspiration as far as how he handles his dayto-day life, how he goes about it. It means a ton. … He’s working every single day, and he’s getting better.”
That includes being there at each other’s low points too. Even as Leland lost a scholarship offer last May, Henry — just after his graduation from A&M — was there to be a rock for his brother.
“I remember losing that offer, and I was crying, I was yelling and everything,” Leland said. “Henry turned around, brought his car back that
back, and I fell into his arms. And he took me back to his apartment, and that right there is my blessing, because he’s always there for me, forever will be. I’m just so thankful that he’s become this amazing person to not just me or our parents, but to everybody around
him.” for on Southeastern athlete committees.
“That’s where my heart is”
It didn’t take long for Henry to get acclimated to Texas. Far from Richmond, Henry has blossomed into a leader on and off the court in Aggieland. The school record holder for career offensive rebounds, he’s also been on multiple Southeastern Conference student
has also gone all-in on A&M —
The rest of the Coleman family has also gone all-in on A&M — as they watched Tennessee defeat Texas in the SEC Tournament, Cynthia and Leland both eagerly threw up “horns down” hand
ly threw “horns signs.
“You’ll see me in more A&M and New Orleans gear than you’ll see me in UVA gear, because that’s where my heart is,” Cynthia Henry’s village has even expanded to include folks from the
where my said. “It’s with the boys.” Aggie Network.
“The most incredible people who have shared unbelievable stories with us about how they have their kids that look up to Henry,” Cynthia said. “And I’m like, ‘Oh
And as Henry ends his time with the Maroon and White, no one knows what the future holds. But he has plenty of options, Hank and Cynthia are quick to assure.
He’ll have Henry’s village supporting him every step of the way.
my god.’ It’s humbling.” and been ilies
“What Henry and I are, they’re the backbone,” Leland said. “And they’ve been great examples to follow on how to carry ourselves as we go out into the world where we’re their projection. And it’s a beautiful projection to see. It’s been amazing. You can ask families around us, and they’ll talk like ‘Man, how do we get like the
Coleman family?’”
Leland Coleman laughs during an interview following the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Hank and Cynthia Coleman smile during an interview following the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, March 14, 2025. Hannah Harrison
Hannah Harrison — THE BATTALION
Even in Nashville, maroon stands out
Despite a double-overtime loss to Texas, the 12th Man left its mark on the SEC Tournament
By Ian Curtis Managing Editor
As Ole Miss and Arkansas took to the court at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee before Texas A&M men’s basketball’s SEC Tournament opener against Texas, the student sections at each baseline looked somewhat depressing.
Even with both schools safely set for the NCAA Tournament, no more than a couple dozen students — if that — filled in the space beside the basket as the Rebels took home the win with a last-second gamewinning 3-pointer from senior guard Sean Pedulla.
Not so for the 12th Man. Packed
shoulder-to-shoulder in between the Hullabaloo Band and the Aggies’ bench, the A&M student section filled up their allotted capacity and brought the energy to Nashville — even as the Maroon and White fell in double overtime to the Longhorns.
“It felt like we were in Reed, which was really cool,” management information systems senior and president of Reed Rowdies, A&M’s organized student section, Noah Reyes said. “Just like a bit different, because we were all compacted together. I thought that was really neat. It was very, very exciting. It felt like we had a full crowd there. It almost even felt like a home game, comparatively.”
During the game — through two overtimes of intense moments — the effect of the traveling 12th Man was palpable, even to the Aggies on the court themselves.
“I could feel it,” coach Buzz Williams said. “ … Once the starters
are mentioned, I see my wife and I kind of just lock in. But I could kind of feel the energy from the students. I love having the band, just because I’m old. I think that adds to the collegiate environment. And I also think the old adults that were here to support us, I thought they were pretty excited too.”
One Texas player even chirped back at the students in attendance after one comment hit a little too close to home.
And after fouling out, junior forward Solomon Washington helped lead the 12th Man’s organized yells when he saw the opportunity.
For Reyes, that tangible impact is the type of sight that makes trips like the one to Nashville worth it.
“That’s a big part of what made me kind of fall in love with Reed Rowdies, is that impact that you can have on the game,” Reyes said. “They can feel our presence. It definitely feels really cool. As a
student, it doesn’t always feel like there’s a lot you can do in those kinds of situations, but being there is definitely one of the few things that definitely you can do that can make an impact.”
The loyalty that the 12th Man showed in Nashville stood out to the 15 other fanbases in attendance, petroleum engineering senior Grant Oltrogge said.
Fans of programs like Tennessee and Kentucky, who normally pack Bridgestone Arena to the gills, all took notice.
“We were the best student section at the tournament, by far,” Oltrogge said. “ … We had a ton of fans come. Texas had literally zero students in their student section, and we were at capacity for our student section. So it was really awesome to see that.”
And while the loss to Texas wasn’t what A&M wanted, the Aggies still added to their list of milestones, as graduate G Wade Taylor IV became
the SEC Tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Taylor is one of the eight Aggies who will be playing the final game of their college careers in the NCAA Tournament.
Over the past few years, he and the rest of the senior class have made their mark in Aggieland, both on and off the court — culminating in Taylor’s jersey being hung in the rafters of Reed Arena.
And for fans like Oltrogge who watched the Aggies grow and improve over the years, the SEC Tournament trip was an emotional send-off for a team they’ve poured their heart and soul into.
“This team is Aggies,” Oltrogge said. “Going and seeing them after we beat Arkansas, they all walk out and they go straight to the baseball game and support the baseball team. It shows they truly represent who we are as Aggies. I have no greater love than this basketball team this year for A&M sports.”
Cinderella, Cinderella: Big Dance sleepers
Which schools can make a surprise run to the Sweet 16 this year?
By Braxton Dore’ Sports Editor
The Big Dance is officially here.
While many say this could be a particularly difficult year for heavy-hitting programs and over-seeded teams, anything is possible in the one-and-done men’s basketball NCAA Tournament.
Here are a few teams have just enough volatility to make a new Cinderella story out of their time in the Field of 68.
McNeese State
Coach Will Wade has made history on the mid-major level, making it to the tournament two years in a row with the underdogs out of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
After investigations into recruiting violations during his stint at LSU, Wade found himself in an unusual place for college basketball: in the swamps of Southwest Louisiana. He’s not looked back since arriving in 2023, leading the Cowboys to an overall 57-10 record and their first Dance appearance in 22 years.
The Cowboys have circumstance rooting for them too, as 12-seeds are historically good against the 5-seed. Currently, McNeese is posting a 35% win chance against the Clemson Tigers.
McNeese also boasts one of the best defenses in the country, sitting at 15th with 64 points allowed per game. If Clemson wants to avoid this upset, it’s going to be accomplished on the offensive production side, which they have struggled with as of late, pushing past 75 points only once in the past five games. All in all, the Swamp Cowboys
will be looking for their first win in the NCAA Tournament as Wade reportedly is set to take the job at North Carolina State next year.
Akron
Everyone reading this is shaking their head at the fact that a team with a -15.5 spread going against them is on this list. Get over it.
This is the best Akron team in years, and it faces one of the shakiest Arizona squads in recent seasons.
However, Arizona still is a title contender under the record holder for most wins in his first two years on the job, coach Tommy Lloyd. Things appear grimmer for this Wildcat squad who finished fourth in the Big 12 and lost 12 games, good for the most during Lloyd’s time in Tuscon, Arizona.
With recent losses to Kansas, Iowa State, BYU and Kansas State, don’t be stunned when Arizona stumbles against the Zips, who are on a seven game winning streak after dominating the Mid-American Conferenceall season long.
Drake
The Bulldogs have already played the role of David versus Goliath against Vanderbilt, Miami and Kansas State, winning decisively against the Commodores 81-70 in the preseason Shiners Children’s Charleston Classic.
Drake’s biggest asset this year is its defense, ringing in at No. 1 in the country in scoring defense, allowing 58.4 ppg and forcing around 13 turnovers a game.
Their opponent, 6-seed Missouri, has some firepower on the
offensive side with a trio of experienced guards in seniors Caleb Grill, Tamar Bates and junior Mark Mitchell, who all average north of 13 ppg. Lights out defense against an unstoppable offense that averages 84.5 points a game should be a classic brawl in Wichita.
UC San Diego
The Big West is looking for its first win in the Big Dance since 2019, when 13-seed UC Irvine upset 4-seed Kansas State in a thrilling 70-64 finish. The best shot for a win now rests on the Tritons to slay the 5-seed Big Ten Tournament champions, Michigan.
Although this seems like a truly daunting task for a UC school that has never competed in a Divi-
sion I NCAA Tournament — the Tritons were elevated from DII in 2020 and have been in the transition period for the last four years — there might be just enough cracks in Michigan’s canvas for a second round possibility for UCSD.
The Wolverines are coming off of a five-game stretch against four top-25 opponents in Maryland, Michigan State, Purdue and Wisconsin, dropping two of the five to the Terrapins and the in-state rival Spartans. Michigan also struggles to keep the ball, giving it over 14 times per game, a stark contrast to the Tritons, who forced an average of just under 16 and only gave up 8.7 a game.
Sticky (or non-sticky) hands will determine the outcome for the first time Dancers from La Jolla, California.
The Texas A&M student section waves their hands as Texas shoots a free throw during Texas A&M’s game against Texas at the SEC Tournament in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Hannah Harrison THE BATTALION
The FedExForum after the game between Clemson and New Mexico State during the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Aggies aim to sink the Crimson Tide
A&M softball looks to extend winning streak against No. 24 Alabama at Davis Diamond
By Kaylee Tracy Sports Writer
No. 6 Texas A&M softball is waking to new alarm bells in the recent mornings — the ballpark gong of a bat slamming a softball. A&M has racked up 235 total hits so far for the season and 23 collective homers to send the Maroon and White waltzing around the bags. The Aggies hope to carry the tune into their series against No. 24 Alabama on Friday, March 21, at 6 p.m.
Since the 2023 season, coach Trisha Ford has been racking up win after win donning her signature A&M visor. The fight against Florida was no different, earning Ford her 100th victory with Aggie softball.
But the Gators’ scales are slippery, A&M would have to fight for this win — early on maroon bled over Davis Diamond dirt as the Aggies found themselves pinched in the Gators’ jaws at the start of Southeastern Conference play.
It would be in the shadowed depths of the seventh inning that A&M cemented its victory in the series against the Blue and Orange. The winning play was born the minute graduate designated player Mac Barbara trod up to the batter’s box. Her single to center sent junior third baseman Kennedy Powell dropping to the dirt on a Florida throwing error and skidding home for the 3-2 triumph over Florida.
“That dive at home plate was huge,” Ford said. “Man, you could watch that over and over again. Way to get first to third.”
The Aggie win was not to last, however, with the Gators pulling ahead in the following games, 12-4 and 4-2, sinking the Fightin’ Farmers among the bottom feeders of Gainesville’s Lake Alice.
Then Auburn tossed a buoy.
A&M surfaced with a series sweep, digging laced cleats into perfect pivots and securing clean catches that got the 12th Man howling.
The Aggies clinched the series with a run-rule win against the then-No. 22 Tigers, as 12 unanswered runs shoveled a wolf hole for the Navy and Orange. The Aggies
A&M baseball takes on No.
Aggies look to improve record with first ranked win over Commodores
By Roman Arteaga Senior Sports Writer
Coming into the game with a disappointing 11-9 record, Texas A&M baseball travels to Nashville, Tennessee to play No. 22 Vanderbilt in a three-game series at Hawkins Field beginning Thursday, March 20. After a rollercoaster 17-7 runrule victory over A&M-Corpus Christi, the Maroon and White have a chance to secure their first ranked victory and first Southeastern Conference victory of the season. In their last game, junior shortstop Kaeden Kent went ballistic, scoring two runs and contributing three RBIs to spark the Aggies’ momentum. Junior center fielder Jace LaViolette demonstrated why he was the 2025 SEC Preseason Player of the Year, scoring a run off of four hits and two RBIs to keep A&M in control late in the game. Other contributors, like seldom-used sophomore catcher Bear Harrison, played a major role as the Aggies forced A&M-Corpus Christi to throw 181 pitches between five different pitchers.
It was a well-balanced offense explosion from the Maroon and White as seven different players recorded hits, nine different players crossed home plate and Harrison sent two home runs to left field. Just like A&M, Vanderbilt runruled Belmont 13-2 to improve its record to 16-5. Senior utility Jacob Humphrey led the way with three runs and an RBI, while sophomore left-fielder Braden Holcomb added two runs off of two at-bats. On the defensive side, freshman right-handed pitcher Hudson Barton led the way with three strike-
outs, while other pitchers contributed as well.
The Commodores looked scary against the Bruins stringing consecutive hits together to score in all seven innings without allowing the crosstown rivals any chance to strike back. With 10 different scorers on the board, Belmont was absolutely hapless in the matchup.
“Losing is never the standard, but we attacked it like we were supposed to attack it, and that is what we are going to do this weekend,” coach Michael Earley said. “No matter who plays or what the lineup is, our guys are going to go in and play their tails off. I can promise you that.”
While this game looks like it could be a conference thriller, there are some questions regarding A&M’s play and the season it has had so far. With an 0-3 conference record, A&M has had quite the fall from preseason grace. After a memorable finals run in last year’s Men’s College World Series, it was expected that A&M would pick up where they left off. However, the bats going cold and relief pitching issues have derailed the Aggies’ success.
On the offensive end, while making contact with the ball has never been an issue, the Maroon and White’s lackluster ability to string consecutive hits together to capitalize on scoring opportunities has been a huge problem. In their losses this season, the Aggies have scored just 18 runs while their opponents have scored 42. Against a staunch Commodore defense, the Fightin’ Farmers’ bats need to get hot and connect on multiple hits in a row to ensure scores and put pressure on their opponent. Also 1-4 against ranked opponents, the Commodores will be a formidable test for the
and White. If they want any chance at
sported smiles that would make a softball swoon, finishing Auburn off the following Sunday.
The Lord rested on the seventh day, watching as loaded bases in the top of the first gagged Auburn. Barbara then landed a two-strike single to center field, spurring senior shortstop Koko Wooley and junior third baseman Kennedy Powell tap dancing through home for A&M’s starter pair of points.
As six nail-biting innings went by, the game pacified into a rhythm of ground outs and futile base advancements. That was, at least, until the brink of the seventh, when junior second baseman Kylei Griffin pinch hit for freshman 2B KK Dement.
“She hasn’t had an at bat in a while,” Ford said. “She stayed ready.”
Griffin’s single to center field sent sophomore pinch runner Hailey Golden pushing off second like a diver starved for air, gunning for home plate and pocketing A&M’s third and final point of the series. With a loss to Florida and a series sweep over Auburn, the Aggies are champing at the bit to face their next victim — or conqueror.
Beat the hell out of … water?
Since 2001, A&M has suffered 21 losses to Alabama. However, the Aggies drowned the Crimson Tide in their last matchup, away at Rhoads Stadium, winning 9-4 with five runs in the sixth and final inning alone.
“Every game in the SEC is big,” senior center fielder Allie Enright said. “Alabama was a fun series last year, so we’re looking forward to it.” As of this season, Alabama has 35 home runs and a .356 batting average. Their most recent matchup was against No. 19 Mississippi State, where they lost, 4-3, as the game wrapped midway through the sixth inning.
“They have some speed,” junior third baseman Amari Harper said. “They’re very scrappy and quick. They can use their tools against any opponent, so I think we just have to be ready for it.”
A&M claimed victory over Alabama on foreign ground last season. Now, it looks to bring drought to the Crimson Tide as “Roll Tide Roll” meets “Farmers Fight” at Davis Diamond on Friday, March 21.
Texas A&M infielder Koko Wooley (3) and pitcher Grace Sparks (32) laugh during Texas A&M’s game against Texas State at Davis Diamond on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Taylor Barnett THE BATTALION
Texas A&M infielder KK Dement (16) smiles as she runs to third base during Texas A&M’s game against Texas State at Davis Diamond on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Taylor Barnett THE BATTALION
GALLERY: SEC Tournament
Photos by Hannah Harrison
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Concerns arise over Texas Rattlesnake Roundup
Experts comment on culture, conservation and negative attitudes toward snakes
By Erin Wunderlich News Reporter
The year is 2024 in Sweetwater Jaycees, Texas. A young girl in a straw cowgirl hat holds a long, lifeless snake in her tiny hands, determination etching the lines of her face. Her frown is one mixed with concentration. Surrounding her are family and friends laughing, eating barbecue and enjoying the weather.
After straining her arms a bit wider, she gives one nal, triumphant pull and rips it in half — skinning the snake following decapitation. National Geographic photographer Javier Aznar González de Rueda captured the scene as the girl earned a pat on the back from her dad.
The World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup occurs annually in Sweetwater Jaycees the second week of March. It brings together families, friends and neighbors to hunt down all the rattlesnakes they can nd.
Some say it’s a spectacle of southern culture.
Conservationists call it a barbaric, unethical practice.
“As a hunter and outdoorsman, I assure you there is no special glory in rattlesnake hunting, it’s not di cult,” Texas A&M professor and co-director in the department of ecology and conservation biology Lee Fitzgerald, Ph.D., said in a 2006 letter to The Eagle. “At the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, rattlesnakes are decapitated and skinned alive in the ‘Skinning Pit’ as a form of public entertainment and there is no limit on how many can be killed. The spectacle is anything but charming.”
In American culture, snakes are something to be afraid of. Associate professor of global
languages and Chinese culture Jun Lei, Ph.D., said she often hears Aggie students refer to people they dislike as “snakes,” or manipulative and untrustworthy.
In Chinese culture, snakes are instead associated with wisdom, intelligence, regenerative power and transformation.
“The snake shows a subtle power,” Lei said. “It uses that power to achieve goals through careful observation and strategic patience, rather than brutal force.
A common Chinese saying poetically expresses the belief that turtles and snakes can live for a thousand years, symbolizing longevity and endurance.”
Chinese students at A&M are still celebrating Lunar New Year — also known as Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea and more — which
began Jan. 29. It’s a celebration of the arriving spring and new year based on the lunisolar calendar. 2025 marks the sixth animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle: the Year of the Snake.
In her research, Lei studies the White Snake Legends, some of the most beloved snake narratives in Chinese literature. She says that throughout the Chinese dynasties, the White Snake (Bai Suzhen) is transformed from a symbol of evil to one of benevolence — a transition she hopes to see happen in American culture through proper education of snakes and their true nature.
“At its core, the legend explores the tensions between di erent realms of existence while celebrating the transformative power of love and devotion,” Lei said. “Unlike ordinary snake
imagery, white snakes in Chinese folklore are particularly auspicious, often seen as embodiments of divine or ancestral presence. In some religions, the appearance of a white snake is considered a blessing that foretells exceptional good fortune.”
Fitzgerald said snakes are misunderstood and the fear surrounding them stems from common misconceptions and bad personal experiences.
“Everybody has a snake story,” Fitzgerald said. “The number one misconception about snakes is that many species are venomous, but they’re usually harmless.”
Most snakes, like the infamous western diamondback rattlesnake, will rarely attack unless they feel threatened. In general, they are quite secretive and solitary creatures.
“Rattlesnakes will also very rarely attack you, but when approached or hassled, they are always on the defensive and may feel threatened,” Fitzgerald said. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas is home to over 115 native snake species, but only 15 are truly venomous.
“These endangered species of snakes are part of our wildlife,” Fitzgerald said. “They play important roles in the ecosystem as predators. They just look a little di erent. They just look a little scary. I think that’s why people judge them.”
Fitzgerald is also the faculty curator of amphibians and reptiles at the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections at A&M.
Taste of Aggieland celebrates local cuisine
The annual event showcases the best of Bryan-College Station’s culinary scene through community engagement
By Mollie Blake Life & Arts Writer
The 2025 Taste of Aggieland, held at the Brazos County Expo on February 27, was a celebration of all things food, community and local talent. From a diverse array of local vendors to an inspiring culinary competition featuring high school students, it brought together the Bryan-College Station community to enjoy unique flavors and discover the next generation of culinary stars.
Hosted by the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, attendees sampled dishes from long-established eateries and rising culinary stars, such as Stella Southern Café, a popular spot in south College Station.
Noah Lair, Stella’s catering manager, said the event was a great way to connect with the community and showcase their commitment to quality ingredients.
“We really pride ourselves on getting the best ingredients and using them to make the best food,” Lair said.
Another standout vendor was JLM Chicken & Waffles, a local food truck-turned-restaurant.
Owner Juanita Christian spoke about her family’s legacy with the restaurant, which honors her late daughters, Lacey and Margo. She said the community’s support has helped her business thrive.
“Lacey wanted to start a restaurant, so we opened a food truck,” Christian said. “After she passed, Margo and I kept it going, and after Margo passed a year later, I carried on their love and their heart in my food.”
JLM Chicken & Waffles’
Cajun tenders, inspired by Lacey’s original seasoning blend, was a particular hit among attendees.
For Christian, Taste of Aggieland represents more than just a business opportunity; it’s a chance to give back to the people who have supported her.
“The Brazos Valley is like one big family,” Christian said. “We try to support everything in the community, especially education and schools.”
Beyond food, it also offered attendees a unique opportunity to discover new eateries.
Kelsey Montgomery and Chris Ledesma, two local residents, found themselves exploring local vendors and discovering hidden gems like Rail and Rye, a Navasota-based restaurant.
“I’d heard about them on Facebook, but actually tasting their food was a great experience,” Ledesma said. “I was shocked at how good it was. Definitely made an impression.” Montgomery and Ledesma both highlighted the value of local shopping and dining, emphasizing the economic benefits that small businesses bring to the community.
“They put their earnings back into the community, and that makes a big difference,” Ledesma said.
Montgomery said the event continues to foster a sense of connection among Bryan-College Station’s residents.
“I think just seeing the whole community and trying new things makes the event special,” Montgomery said. “You hear about places and want to try them, and this gives you that chance.”
While local food vendors provided plenty of flavor, the true highlight of the evening was The Fork, a high school culinary competition that brought together students from across the Brazos Valley. Teams from local schools competed for the coveted giant fork in front of an audience of community members and food industry professionals.
“The students not only executed their dishes well but also showed creativity and an understanding
of flavor and technique,” Karla Castillo said.
Castillo, the chair of the BryanCollege Station Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and an anchor at KBTX, served as a judge for the competition.
The winning team from College Station High School impressed the judges with their dish, a pecan crusted hatch chili chicken thighs with andouille cream sauce accompanied by cheesy green chili grits and bacon gastrique.
The meal showcased the students’ technical skills and their ability to balance complex flavors.
“The chicken was cooked perfectly — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside,” Castillo said. “The grits were seasoned just right, and everything came together in a way that showed a lot of thought and care.”
Sophomore Harper Watkins, a member of the winning team, credited their success to teamwork and guidance from their instructor, Kayla Poe.
“We really worked together as a team to get everything right,”
Watkins said. “Ms. Poe helped us a lot with figuring out how to balance the flavors and make sure everything was cooked to perfection.”
The Fork competition not only showcased the students’ talent but also highlighted the importance of community support for the next generation of chefs. Glen Brewer, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce BryanCollege Station Chamber of Commerce, said the competition is about more than the food.
“It’s about giving these students a chance to show what they can do and how they can impact the culinary world,” Brewer said.
“It’s a way for the community to support our future chefs and entrepreneurs.”
For the students, The Fork was a valuable learning experience, providing them the opportunity to prove their skills and connect with local industry professionals.
“This competition has been a great opportunity to learn from other chefs and get feedback that will help us grow,” sophomore
Myia Gonzalez, another member of the winning team, said. “We’re really excited about what the future holds. We’re passionate about cooking, and this competition gave us a chance to learn and improve.” Brewer summed up the event with a sense of optimism for the future.
“These students are the future of our food scene,” Brewer said. “It’s incredible to see their passion and talent, and we’re lucky to be part of their journey as they continue to develop their skills.”
With the community’s support and a growing network of talented individuals, Bryan-College Station’s culinary scene looks poised for success. The 2025 Taste of Aggieland not only showcased the best of the region’s food but also provided a platform for the next generation of culinary leaders to shine.
“As the future of our industry, it’s exciting to see these students grow,” Castillo said. “The future of Bryan-College Station’s food scene looks incredibly bright.”
The College Station High School culinary team wins The Fork trophy from the culinary competition held at the Taste of Aggieland event in Bryan on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Kennedy Long — THE BATTALION
Dr. Lee Fitzgerald holding a specimen (Eastern Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula) in the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections.
Erin Wunderlich — THE BATTALION
‘The ignorance
of all involved’
Student justice
petitions
A&M’s Student Senate, calls out “egregious violation” of the Code
By Nicholas Gutteridge Editor-in-Chief
Electronic systems engineering technology senior Sawyer Bagley has filed a case in the Judicial Court of Texas A&M alleging that the Student Senate is in “egregious violation of the SGA Code & its/ their duties” and asked the Court to declare unconstitutional any action violating procedure during its 77th Session, which began in April 2024 and ends today, March 19.
Bagley is an associate justice on the eight-person Judicial Court and its former chief justice. In a statement, Bagley said he is recusing himself from his position and, from this point on, the only communication to occur between him and any member of the Court or Student Government Association will be as the petitioner, not as a justice.
“Compound this with no access to any legislation, using either personal emails or TAMU emails, it is evident the Student Senate & its leaders are either grossly incompetent in their duties or intentionally obscuring details and happenings,” the petition reads. “The evidence is sufficient to deem the actions & decisions of the 77th session to be corrupt, either deliberately by its leaders, its whole, or due to the ignorance of all involved.”
In the petition, Bagley listed facts he claims is unconstitutional behavior, including legislation on the Senate’s website being inaccessible, meeting recordings no longer being posted and attendance not being recorded properly. Bagley noted 49 students on the sheet had more absences than the combined number of excused and unexcused absences, “showing a clear lack of accountability & proper execution of duty.”
“Furthermore, of these 49 senators, ten have 11 or more total absences & six more Senators who have 6 or more unexcused absences but less than 11 total,” the petition reads. “Meaning, 16 Senators should have been removed from the position according to the faulty attendance records.”
He also said the Constitution and Student Government Association Code, last updated in January 2024 and December 2024, respectively, are outdated.
“Combining this with the issue of no student being able to access live recordings, legislation, and even more egregious, the Senate website, under governing documents, denies access to the SGA Code,” the petition reads. “Note that the 76th session documents can be accessed and are also outdated.”
Bagley claimed the legislative body enacted changes it didn’t have the jurisdiction to do, like when it gave the chair of the Senate’s Finance Committee and the student body vice president seats on the Student Affairs Fee Advisory Board. The group advises administrators on how to spend student fees.
He concluded by asking the Judicial Court to reprimand senators “in violation of their oath-sworn duties” and put an injunction on the Senate’s activities until “all valid offenses be remedied.” If no remedy is found, then he asks the justices to declare all legislation passed unconstitutional if the process in which it passed wasn’t transparent.
The collections have gathered over 2.3 million specimens since the 1930s, primarily to document the history of the United States and South America.
Researchers like Fitzgerald and assistant professor Tony Hibbits, Ph.D., use the Collections to create conservation plans. Right now, the duo is working to restore the endangered Louisiana Pine Snake, which was once native to Texas.
Longleaf pine forests, their native habitat, are now rare in Texas due to logging and urbanization.
“These endangered species send us a strong signal on how we’re caring for Texas,” Fitzgerald said.
“At the Collections, we can track how biodiversity is changing, what we’re losing and how it’s moving around across the face of the Earth.
And we can also use samples we keep in the frozen tissue collection for genetic analysis, which helps us know more about the DNA
signature of species. These practices, in turn, help with management strategies.”
Just last year, the Fort Worth Zoo released 75 Louisiana Pine Snakes into managed habitats within the Kisatchie National Forest after breeding them back to stable levels in captivity.
It’s events like the annual Texas Rattlesnake Roundup that perpetuate the stereotypes of snakes and harm the ecosystems those species provide benefits to. “I strongly object to uncontrolled commercialization of wildlife,” Fitzgerald said.
Assistant professor of global languages and cultures Meg Perret, Ph.D., said animals in most cultures usually become status symbols to be revered, like how eagles in the United States are protected because of their patriotic affiliation.
“People think of problems with the environment as being scientific,
but they’re actually also cultural and social issues,” Perret said. “Decisions around biodiversity conservation involve using social goals and cultural values which depend on the communities that people are from and their worldviews on the relationship between humans and the environment. Practices surrounding biodiversity conservation may change if they’re guided by different values and norms.”
By looking at snakes through different cultural lenses, there may be a way to promote conservation for endangered Texas species.
Fitzgerald said events like the Rattlesnake Roundup could be used as an educational tool instead of a harmful one by informing people about snake misconceptions and laying the groundwork for how important they are for Texas ecosystems. Educational activities such as
workshops and seminars from experts are offered in order to boost awareness. This group of experts is made of herpetologists who provide enriching presentations to the attendees. These demonstrations allow the audience to obtain a better grasp on the knowledge of the snakes’ behavior and biology. Advice on how to safely recover from snake bites and coexist with these creatures is also offered.
“It’s possible to transform traditional rattlesnake roundups into community activities that raise funds for charity and create a positive educational experience, including a snake show,” Fitzgerald said in a 2006 letter to The Eagle. “An enlightened community in Florida changed its roundup to a Rattlesnake Festival — they recognized the harmful effects of gassing and over-collecting rattlesnakes in their part of the country, so why can’t Texas?”
Biomedical cuts set to disrupt A&M
Experts comment on potential federal funding cuts that would delay, slow down research
By Julia Kazda Associate News Editor
“I further ask the Court, should their offenses be great enough, stipulate which Senators now have grounds to be impeached,” Bagley’s petition reads.
According to the Judicial Court’s bylaws, impeachment requires that the petitioner prove a substantial or gross violation of the Constitution or one’s role or oath.
“Furthermore, should any senator be found to have substantially neglected their oaths and/or duties, I plead the Court to remove them from their office, as allowed by the SGA Constitution,” the petition reads.
As part of President Donald Trump’s plan to cut back on government spending, he has announced that his administration will limit university research funding from the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. Funding enables universities to engage in biomedical research that creates cures for diseases and progresses science beneficial for the environment and
work, we are also starting to look at mild cognitive impairment which is seen in many individuals before they go on to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. We are using stimulation to test a new intervention target that may help cognitive and motor function.”
play critical roles in educating undergraduates,” Pentzer said.
Despite the circumstances, Pentzer said she has hope for A&M’s Division of Research.
Without the same financial support from NIH, the cognitive project will slow down, she said.
The proposed change caps how much of a grant can fund indirect costs, such as personnel or facilities, to 15% — a stark drop from the percentage universities nationwide have used for decades. Jessica Bernard, professor and researcher of cognition and neuroscience, said Texas A&M uses approximately 52.5% of NIH grants for indirect
Director of the Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center Wenshe Liu said he uses NIH funding for research drugs that fight against cancer and infectious diseases.
“I have a lot of excitement and hope that we can greet a better future,” Pentzer said. “Because whatever problems there were, why don’t we figure out what we actually want to design, and specifically how we want to create new knowledge that impacts all of our lives?”
On Feb. 21, a federal judge blocked the cuts for a second time due to the potential hindrance to medical advancement. However, the administration continues to fight back, claiming that the issue of budgeting lies within the executive branch’s domain.
“This is a huge cut,” Bernard said. “These costs help cover things like electricity, building repair … they also help, in part, to support many of our core research facilities. We cannot do research without this
“The general public needs to know that biomedical research has significantly lowered our health expenses by advancing my clinically approved drugs,” Liu said. “Compared to health expenses without these new drugs, what we have spent on NIH to support research is quite minimal. This is a very cost-effective business.”
These drugs are therapeutic candidates for acute myeloid leukemia and Covid-19. Any restrictions regarding funding will severely limit progress for this pursuit of medicine.
As the cuts are deliberated in court, Pentzer said the research department in the College of Arts and Sciences plans to continue as normal. But some Aggie researchers, such as Bernard, stand firm in their belief that NIH funding is not something to be tampered with.
The cap threatens to hinder research projects across campus, including Bernard’s latest work on tackling age-related diseases.
“Our main goal is to improve quality of life and function for older adults,” Bernard said. “This is one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population. In our newest
While things are not yet clear, Associate Dean for Research Emily Pentzer speculates that graduate students in Ph.D. programs will be the first to be cut.
“Which I think is not good because I think our graduate students
“How many of us have had a loved one or friend with cancer?” Bernard said. “Alzheimer’s Disease? Known someone who has suffered a stroke? Or known someone with heart disease? I think you would be hard-pressed to find a person who has not had their life impacted either directly, or indirectly via a loved one, by the NIH.”
Clockwise from the top: Overview of the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections. Dr. Lee Fitzgerald holding a specimen (Eastern Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula) in the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections. Photo of a Nerodia rhombifer (Diamondback Water Snake) snake specimen in the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections.
Photos courtsey of Erin Wunderlich
Review: Tikka House, an ode to Indian cuisine
A great addition to Bryan-College Station’s growing Indian restaurant scene
By Joshua Abraham OpinionWriter
Rating: 8.5/10
Good Indian restaurants are hard to come by in College Station — with classic restaurants like Layne’s Chicken Fingers and Dixie Chicken, Indian restaurants haven’t been a priority and have lacked expansion in the area.
When I heard that a new Indian restaurant called Tikka House had just opened, I knew it was a musttry for an Indian foodie like myself.
A branch restaurant with locations in Austin, Round Rock and Waco, Tikka House has been open for about two months. Conveniently, it’s located just a couple of minutes from the east side of campus along Texas Avenue.
As you walk in, you’re hit with an aroma of Indian spices. Tasteful paintings and Bollywood music really add to the ambiance, and the helpful staff welcomes you and brings you to your seat.
The lunch buffet was in full swing when I arrived, which is a great way to explore the menu when going to a restaurant for the first time. One dish I’d never tried was papdi chaat, a famous street food in South Asia consisting of fried potatoes, chickpeas, fried dough wafers and yogurt. I didn’t expect much, but it was bursting with flavor. There was a lightness and refreshing feeling to the dish, and it was a great start to the meal.
The chicken mambari was a must-try appetizer. It had the right amount of spice, but not too much to overpower the dish. The chicken was soft and tender, and the dish was clearly a favorite as it was constantly being replenished by staff.
But if there was only one must-try dish, it would have to be the seafood curry. Honestly, this might’ve been my favorite. A curry is supposed to be spicy and tantalize your tongue: it did exactly that. It was the right yellow color that a seafood curry should be, and the shrimp and fish were seasoned very well, enhancing the flavors of turmeric and tamarind. Needless to say, I went back for seconds and thirds.
While there was consistency throughout many of the dishes,
some did not live up to the standard that I was expecting. The naan felt stale and was hard to bite, lacking freshness and flavor. The same can be said about the aloo chilli, which was not crispy and drenched in sauce — it needs to be crispy to enhance the natural taste of the potato and chili.
However, a very crispy dish was the chicken lollipop. Coming from the tandoor oven, the outer shell of the chicken drumette was audibly crispy when bit, but still juicy and soft on the inside. These textures complemented each other, like a juicy piece of fried chicken should.
Dessert is a staple at a buffet; it’s the culmination of a good meal, just like the last two minutes of the fourth quarter as a team pushes for the win.
In Asian and Indian food, when someone compliments your dessert as “not too sweet,” you’ve accomplished a well-made sweet dish.
I know, it’s counterintuitive, but that’s the tradition of food from this region, and Tikka House has accomplished it well.
The sheera, a traditional Indian pudding made with semolina, sugar and ghee, was just the right amount of lightness and sweetness — not too sweet, but enough to elevate the dish. The strawberry mousse, was refreshing and smooth.
The meal was concluded with a classic Indian drink to wash everything down: a refreshing mango lassi. Famous for its rich and creamy taste, the quality of the ingredients shone in this drink.
Countering spicy food with a cooling sensation from the drink was very refreshing.
Now, does this restaurant justify the price tag? I don’t think so.
With the lunch buffet being $16.99 on weekdays and $18.99 on weekends, I’ve had others that were around the same price. However, they had a bigger selection and a greater variety of dishes. I would accept maybe $14.99 for a buffet like this, but the original price was a bit on the high end for me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my experience.
A good representation of South Indian foods for both newcomers and experienced Indian cuisine eaters is what an Indian restaurant must be willing to account for. There were many memorable dishes, and it would be a shame if you didn’t make the trip to try one of Aggieland’s best new restaurants.
Joshua Abraham is a kinesiology junior and opinion writer for The Battalion.
What are your desert island albums?
It’s an age-old question: If you were stranded on a desert island, which three
your inevitable sandy demise — choose carefully. We asked our writers: What’ll it be?
Have I ever listened to the album How to Build a Boat? No. Have I ever even heard of the Sons of Town Hall? Also no. But if I’m stranded on a desert island, the only thing more important than having some good tunes is having a way off that island. Everyone else can be slowly dying with their sunburns and their records — I’m off for an adventure on the open waves with my two remaining albums. Peace out.
The last album before Cobain’s death, In Utero encapsulates all the grunge and tortured angst of Nirvana. Not a day goes by that the wounded, raw sound of “HeartShaped Box” doesn’t fail to soothe my soul, the whole tracklist blending beauty with the grotesque and profane. It would be a blessing to spend my last days listening to this wonderful melancholy — beautiful in that it reminds us of what we aren’t, and simultaneously terrifying in that it reminds us of what we are.
Rap has been given a bad name by mainstream media, but Tana Talk 3 has proven to me the greatness that can come from the genre. Benny the Butcher tells a raw story of trial and tribulation, the replay value increasing with every listen. Producers Daringer and The Alchemist trade beats like punches in a boxing ring, and it’s an album I’ll happily be in the presence of as I’m dying on a desert island. Long live Griselda.
Look, when you’re on a desert island, you have to choose efficiently. Not only does Hamilton get me three hours of awesome Founding Father rap, it gets me one of the best plays ever. Honestly, though, I might not even need the soundtrack — I feel like I have it all memorized. I’ve caught myself rapping “My Shot” under my breath more than a few times when I’m making an important decision. Still, Lin-Manuel Miranda is so good that I have to bring it with me.
As someone who has consistently found themselves grouped into the top 0.05% of Lana Del Rey listeners each Spotify Wrapped for the last five years, I am qualified to say DYKTTATUOB is a god-tier album. It has everything a girl could want for a moody desert island stay. It has soft ballads to make you cry when you miss enjoying a cold Coca-Cola and your Nintendo Switch. It also has alternative rock that’s perfect for dancing like nobody’s watching, because let’s be honest — no one is. It’s a desert island.
Top: A sign along Texas Avenue advertises Tikka House on Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025. Bottom: The buffet inside Tikka House on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Opinion Editor
Charis Atkins
albums would you take with you? These are the only songs you’ll be able to listen to while time marches closer to
