MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA
FOOTBALL
Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Running back Trayveon Williams made the game winning touchdown against Kentucky.
WARRIOR
Texas A&M running back shines as Aggies upset Kentucky in Kyle Field By Angel Franco @angelmadison_
With Saturday’s game on the line in overtime, Texas A&M junior running back Trayveon Williams was given the ball on three straight plays. It was Williams’ third and final run of the game that gave A&M the 20-14 upset victory over No. 13 Kentucky. “It’s a great opportunity,” Williams said. “I’m just glad that this offense and this coaching staff has the trust in me to put me in those situations.” A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said Williams’ versatility and work ethic have allowed him to shine on the field. “He’s outstanding,” Fisher said. “He’s a warrior, he’s a competitor and he practices that way. Trayveon is a warrior, man, he can do it all. He can catch, he can run and he’s a great competitor.” For Williams, Saturday’s 138-yard performance was just reaffirming what he already knew — he is one of the best running backs in the country. “I proved that I am a great back,” Williams said. On the final play of the game, Williams credits redshirt senior full back Cullen Gillaspia with the clean running lane that allowed him to get into the end zone. “It was a simple inside zone run,” Williams said. “In that situation, I’ve got to run behind Cullen Gillaspia and he had a great block. He put me into the second level and I just had to make a guy miss and jump into the end zone.” Late in the fourth quarter, Williams was WILLIAMS ON PG. 3
Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION
The Singing Cadets were founded as the 9-member Texas A&M College Glee Club. In 1940, the student body voted to rename the group to its current title. Today, there are over 70 members of the Singing Cadets.
Singing through the centuries ‘The voice of Aggieland’ celebrates 125 years as ambassadors of A&M By Vernesha Hazel @verneeshaaa Texas A&M’s internationally famous Singing Cadets are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. As one of A&M’s oldest organizations, the Singing Cadets have represented the university all across America and the world, spreading the Aggie Spirit through music. What started out as a nine-member glee club has transformed into an internationally recognized chorale. Patrick Sheridan is a first-year master’s student in educational administration and human resource development and a fifthyear member of the Singing Cadets. He said
the organization represents a tradition that’s here to stay. “We were founded 17 years after the university was established and we’ve been here ever since,” Sheridan said. “A lot of old Ags know the Singing Cadets and it just shows that even though a lot of things change, some things never change.” The Singing Cadets are no strangers to travel, according to geophysics senior and traditions chairman Josh Simmons. The group takes trips throughout the year, including weekends and academic holidays. “Part of our mission statement is to advance public relations for Texas A&M, so we are a public relations organization,” Simmons said. “We get to go to places all over Texas and the nation as ambassadors of goodwill for A&M.” The Singing Cadets have performed for high-profile guests, including all five living
former presidents. Sheridan said one of his favorite memories was performing for former President George H.W. Bush at his residence in Maine. “In summer 2017 we went to Kennebunkport, Maine, where President George H.W. Bush spends his summers,” Sheridan said. “We got to sing in the living room with him and Barbara and one of the former prime ministers of the U.K. Another cool moment was the Deep From The Heart concert for hurricane relief. We got to sing the national anthem on stage with all five living former presidents and then [“God Bless the U.S.A.”] with Lee Greenwood, the creator of the song.” Performing in Maine was an experience Singing Cadets public relations manager Ty Wilson said he will never forget. Wilson is an agricultural communications and SINGING CADETS ON PG. 2
Celebrating chromosome 21 Community walks to support people with Down syndrome By Jordan Burnham @RJordanBurnham
Edith Anthony — THE BATTALION
The team “Dillon’s Dudes” led the Buddy Walk at Millican Reserve on Sunday morning.
Friends and family members walked, ran and relaxed together at Millican Reserve Sunday morning during Brazos Valley’s 15th annual Buddy Walk. A national event raising awareness for individuals with Down syndrome, Buddy Walk brings together teams of friends and family to promote understanding and inclusion. This year’s local event at Millican Reserve coincided with Down Syndrome Awareness month, celebrated each October. Fifty-three teams raised funds for the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley to host classes and social events throughout the year. This is the second year Millican Reserve hosted the event and included a 5K race in the festivities, according to Kelley Jordan, president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley and co-chair of Buddy Walk. “Every year our buddy walk continues to grow, so we add games and activities for any family to come out there and enjoy,” Jordan said. “It’s also a very special day in our community of indi-
viduals with Down syndrome because they get to show off their ring of support.” One of the main goals of Down syndrome awareness month is to negate the misinformation people often have about Down syndrome. Jordan said this includes the misconceptions that Down syndrome can be caught or that individuals with Down syndrome will not walk or talk. “You have Down syndrome from the moment you are conceived because its an extra copy of your 21st chromosome,” Jordan said. “A typical person has 46 chromosomes. Our individuals with Down syndrome have 47.” Jordan said many challenges individuals with Down syndrome faced in the past are fading away due to advances in speech and physical therapy. “They’re all wonderful people who have all the emotions and really enjoy life,” Jordan said. “My challenge for someone during Down syndrome awareness month [is to] go find someone with Down syndrome and introduce yourself and get to know them.” Kathy Thomkins attended Buddy Walk for the first time this year to support her daughter along with her family, friends and church group. Thomas said she recently joined the association and BUDDY WALK ON PG. 2