The Battalion: September 22, 2017

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2017 STUDENT MEDIA

RING DAY + ARKANSAS PREVIEW

MAKING OF THE RING ON PAGE 7 DODSON FEATURE ON PAGE 8 TRADITION OF RING DAY ON PAGE 10 Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

the battalion

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CGP-MD-01_PAD_PI DDamian 160829-F Josh McCormack, Editor in Chief

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THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (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. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@ thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt. com. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687.

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Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

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Saturday morning, Texas A&M will look to meet a school record that hasn’t been reached against the Razorbacks since 1938. For the fourth straight year, and the sixth in series history, A&M and Arkansas will meet at AT&T Stadium.

The Aggies are coming off a second half comeback win against Louisiana–Lafayette where they scored 31 unanswered points. True freshman quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 301 yards and completed 21 of 34 pass attempts, becoming the first true freshman in school history to surpass the 300-yard passing mark.

Mond’s performance also earned him an honorable mention from the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose award. Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said Mond continues to develop and show improvement with more practice reps as the season progresses.

“Consistency with a young quarterback is always something you’re fighting,” Sumlin said. “[With] quarterbacks, you learn more about them as you go on, what their strengths and weakness are. He stood in there and threw some really, really good balls and took some hits last week [which were] some things we hadn’t seen before.”

Last week, A&M was without standout running backs Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford. However, sophomore Kendall Bussey and freshman Jacob Kibodi stole the show the last two games. Offensive lineman Erik McCoy said knowing the running back position has a lot of depth just gives the offense more flexibility when it comes to play calling.

“What we learned last game was that we have five or six guys in the back field that can run the football really well,” Mc-

Coy said. “I know that we’re going to use them to the best of their abilities and they will all get a good amount of carries.

McCoy also said that maintaining the run game is crucial to the overall success of the team regardless of the opponent.

“In order for this team to be successful and this offense to be successful we have to be able to run the ball,” McCoy said.

The friendship between Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and Sumlin has many chapters. Last summer, Bielema added one to the books when he said he wanted to punch Sumlin after the loss in 2015.

On Tuesday, Sumlin had nothing but high praise for the Hogs’ head coach.

“He’s a good friend, we’ve known each other for a long time,” Sumlin said.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for how he does things, the identity that he’s created ... they’re [Arkansas], a well-coached team, sometimes the ball bounces the right way.”

Sumlin also noted that in the past few years, the games between A&M and Arkansas have been close.

“It’s not like these games haven’t been close, they’ve been really close games, three of the last four, shoot, last year midway through the third quarter it was anybody’s game,” Sumlin said. “These games have been overtimes, they’ve been really close games. We’ve found a way to win them.”

Arkansas senior quarterback Austin Allen only completed 9-of-23 pass attempts in the Hogs 28-7 loss against TCU two weeks ago. However, senior nickel back Priest Willis said Allen is a tough quarterback and will certainly cause havoc for the defense, much like he did in 2016.

“He was poised, acted like he had been there, good quarterback, but once again we’re focused on our game plan and what we’re going to bring,” Willis said.

A&M will take the field against Arkansas, Saturday Sept. 23 at AT&T Stadium for the Southwest Classic. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on ESPN.

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PROVIDED

Senior Gracie Mock and her family attended the A&M-Arkansas men’s basketball game in January 2016 after her sister was accepted to the University of Arkansas.

A golden achievement This ring represents everything that makes you an Aggie Gracie Mock @g_mock2

G

rowing up, I knew I wanted to be an Aggie. I was wearing my dad’s old A&M shirts when I was so young they were dragging on the ground. I would watch almost every Thanksgiving as my older cousins would pack up early and head out to stand at the game against the Longhorns. I remember sending in my application and where I was when I found out I was accepted.

Friday, I get to finally put on my finger that piece of Aggie gold I have been working toward my entire college career. When I moved into my dorm freshman year, I got a poster that showed the Aggie Ring over the years and what the symbols mean.

I had it hanging up to remind me of my goal and provide motivation when I really just wanted to binge-watch TV shows.

I found my home at A&M with The Battalion. After my first few paychecks, I decided to save up each one I got from that point on until I had enough to purchase my ring. I can still remember when I put that last check in and told my mom, “I did it. My Aggie Ring is paid for.”

So for me, wearing this ring will not only symbolize the 90 hours of classes from my first English course to Rhetoric of Social Movements during my semester abroad in Italy. This ring will be everything I did

for The Battalion, and everything I’m still doing now in my last year here.

I’ll see my family, who has supported me in everything I do. My dad lost his original ring, so the first true memory I have concerning the Aggie Ring is my freshman year of high school when he ordered the ring he currently wears. My mom, sister and I picked it up at the Association of Former Students, the first time I ever stepped in the building, and brought it home to present it to him. And then made him dunk it. Friday is my dad’s turn to present my ring to me.

I’ll also see the memories I’ve made along the way. Pond hopping during Gig ‘Em Week my freshman year, meeting my best friend and having chick flick night every Friday, trying my first Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and jamming out to Taylor Swift; staying up for the marathon that was Game 3 of the Super Regionals vs. TCU in 2015; the excitement of finally sitting first deck at Kyle Field; exploring Italy, and Europe, with two strangers who are now some of my closest friends.

My Aggie ring will be more than just 90 hours of class work, it will be a representation of my time here – all the friends I’ve made, all the memories, all my family who has been there to support me. I can’t wait to put that ring on my finger and show to the world that I’m a Fightin’ Texas Aggie.

Gracie Mock is a communication senior and managing editor for The Battalion.

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Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Laura Halsam — THE BATTALION

Class of 2018 Aggie Ring donated to display Caroline Killian’s family leaves her ring as golden legacy in Aggieland

By Tenoch Aztecatl @tenochaztec

O

n Tuesday Sept. 5, friends and family of senior Caroline Killian gathered at the Clayton W. Williams Building to watch as her Aggie Ring was collected and displayed by the Association of Former Students in the Memorial Ring Collections display.

Killian passed away this summer and was to be honored at the September Silver Taps, but after the cancellation, will be remembered in the October ceremony.

Lisa Killian, Caroline’s mother said she is glad to have something at Texas A&M to represent her daughter’s memory and love for the university.

“She loved A&M so much,” Lisa Killian said. “And we just felt like that would be an amazing opportunity to have a piece of her there at the university forever.”

Lisa Killian said that the idea to donate her daughter’s ring was originally suggested by psychology senior Anna Mussleman and economics junior Cole Burnam.

“One way to truly honor her and leave her legacy on campus was to donate her ring to the Association,” Mussleman said. “And it’s totally something [Caroline] would adore.”

Although every person visiting the Memorial Ring Collections case may not have had

the privilege of meeting Killian, her friends and family hope that visitors look further than the ring itself and more at Killian’s legacy and impact on those around her.

“I hope they see beyond the gold and see her for who she was. Always smiling and brightening everyone she came into contact with daily,” Burnam said. “I hope they see that she truly did embody the Aggie Spirit.”

Killian’s ring will be displayed among those of General Earl Rudder, Ormond R. Simpson and many other honored Aggies.

“It’s such an amazing tradition that A&M has that for a student and it’s a blessing for us for her ring to be there,” Lisa Killian said. “I know she would be so proud of that.”

PROVIDED

In a ceremony on Sept. 5, the Killian family donated Caroline’s ring to the Association of Former Students.

MY PERSONAL SYMBOL OF GROWTH The Aggie Ring represents the transformative influence Texas A&M has had in my life Brad Morse

F PROVIDED

Senior Brad Morse said his time spent at A&M has made him the man he is today.

@bradsmorse53

or me, today is the day that many Aggies look forward to the moment they get their acceptance letter. Today, I get my Aggie Ring.

This isn’t just going to be another piece of jewelry to be worn on certain occasions; it won’t be simply another accolade for me to hang my hat on, it’s going to be something much more than that. Yes, it will be proof that I completed 90 hours of coursework at Texas A&M, and yes, I’m sure it will spark up a conversation with a fellow Aggie somewhere other than College Station, sometime in the future. Above all else, my ring will serve as a memento to how much I changed between before I enrolled at A&M and who I became while

I have been here.

Every time I will look down at my ring, countless memories will run through my mind. Unforgettable moments with my fraternity brothers, hours spent editing and joking with my co-workers at The Battalion, late nights spent locked away in Evans trying to cram for an exam, thrilling football games at Kyle Field and even just admiring the buildings on campus.

Every time I’ll look at my ring, I’ll remember a very special part of my life, one that I am grateful to have had.

My ring will also serve as a testament to how far I’ve come, and as a reminder that I can achieve my goals. Every frustrating moment or obstacle I came across, from sub-par test scores to having to balance a million things and stay above water, and everything in between — I was able to make it through. Despite everything, I

made it, and I will always wear a reminder that I did.

I’ve done a lot while I’ve been here. I’ve met some of the most interesting people I’ve ever come across, formed friendships and brotherhoods that will last long after graduation, learned life lessons both in and out of class and made so many memories, I couldn’t even write them all out if I tried.

To say that A&M has transformed me would be an understatement. The man I was met the man I am going to be, and that is something I will always owe to this great university. To be able to wear a symbol of that, and forever be connected to this wonderful place and all of its history and tradition is a fulfilling achievement for me.

Brad Morse is a sociology senior and science & technology editor for The Battalion.

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AGGIE RING DAY NUMERICAL BREAKDOWN Graphic by Katy Baldock

Thousands of students and former students will receive their Aggie Ring

By Megan Rodriguez @MeganLRodriguez Over 4,600 students will receive one of the most widely celebrated traditions at Ring Day on Sept. 22.

The class of 2018 and 2017 will earn most of the rings this month, but professional and graduate students from Class of 2020 and other classes, dating back to 1951, in need of replacement rings will also be part of the celebration. Ring Day activities will include food from Slovacek’s Sausage, photographs by the Bus 12, titled ‘Ring Day,’ job hunting advice from the career center and a chance to meet artist Benjamin Knox, Class of 1990.

Knox has become a regular part of the Ring Day festivities and will be offering personalized signed copies of his ring prints, according

to Association of Former Students Vice President Kathryn Greenwade.

“Benjamin is recognized as one of the pre-eminent Aggie artists and has captured a lot of A&M traditions through his prints, but one main reason we do that is because Benjamin has established [an endowed Century Club scholarship],” Greenwade said. “He gives back through Texas A&M through his artwork. There is a percentage that comes back to scholarships or endowed century club.

It’s something that adds to the day and gives you a keepsake that you can take with you.”

Nursing junior Brayli Griffin said she used to try on her mother’s Aggie Ring when she was younger, and now she will try on her very own piece of A&M gold on Friday.

“Every true Aggie looks forward to wearing their ring,” Griffin said. “You can walk around and it’s just noticeable, you see it on someone’s hand and you know what it represents. You know it symbolizes the core values and how hard you worked to get it. It

shows that you are dedicated. It’s not something that is easily earned. I think it just shows what an Aggie is.”

The university ring also serves as a connection to other members of the Aggie family, Greenwade said.

“It symbolizes achievement — to earn 90 hours of your degree plan is significant — and it also signifies your connection to your fellow Aggies,” Greenwade said.

Communication senior Trisha Rangil, said she struggled during her first year at A&M and eventually changed her major. To Rangil the ring is much more than a piece of jewelry. It is a testament of her perseverance as a student.

“I’m finally here and because of that I will be graduating a whole year early because I didn’t give up,” Rangil said. “I had a really tough challenge and the ring just shows that I finally made it and it’s like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and I am just really excited to finally get it.”

Despite the fact that there are three Ring

Days every year, Greenwade said there is always something unique and special about every celebration.

“Ring Day is always exciting even though a lot of it is the same from every year it’s different because it’s a different group of Aggies getting their rings so that’s always exciting to see generations of the Aggie Network come together for Ring Day,” Greenwade said. “For those of us that have been around awhile, it kind of re-energizes us to see that excitement.”

All ring recipients are required to bring their ring receipt, driver’s license and student ID to the event. While the festivities will take place at The Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center, there will be no parking there. Visitors are asked to use the shuttle from West Campus Garage. A group of recipients will be called every 15 minutes beginning at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m.

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THE MAKING OF A MEANINGFUL PRESENTATION PROVIDED

Laura Pringle, Class of 2003, stands next to her Aggie father and grandfather after they presented her ring.

Aggies determine who will give them their Aggie gold during their Ring Day

By Abbie Maier @abbsmaier Ring Day provides the opportunity for students to share academic success with respected individuals.

For generations, the Aggie Ring has stood as a universal symbol of hard work and of the unity of the Aggie Network. Even argued by some students to be the single most important day in an Aggie’s career, determining the presenter of an Aggie’s ring is no light task.

Kathryn Greenwade, vice president of the Association of Former Students, explained that Ring Day presentation hasn’t always been what we know today. Prior to 2000, an employee from the Association handed out each ring. Once Ring Day started evolving, employees began asking Aggie family members if they wanted to participate in the ring presentation.

“Then I think as word spread, people started designating a family member, or someone that they looked up to that they wanted to have present the ring,” Greenwade said. “And we have a lot of A&M staff members and professors that come and work Ring Day. They’ll have students who specifically request that they present their rings to them.”

Chemical engineering junior Abu Ali is one of two recipients of the Connor Ring Scholarship, created by Mike and Diana Connor for

members of the Singing Cadets who maintain a GPA above 3.0 and have involvement in the organization for at least four semesters.

“Basically, what they do is pay for $500 towards your Aggie Ring, and they present it to you,” Ali said. “Unfortunately, Diana Connor just passed away a couple of weeks ago. This will be the first time we’re getting the rings without her there. They have been a tremendous part of our group for as long as they’ve been around. Throughout any performance, rain or shine, they will be there. They have been an amazing force for good within our group, and for A&M.” Up until recent years, students were required to wait in line on Ring Day for numbers that determined their order. Laura Pringle, Class of 2003, said she camped out in front of the Association with friends the night before her Ring Day, so that they could be the first ones to receive rings. Both Pringle’s father and grandfather are Aggies, and were present for her Ring Day. “The Aggie Ring was something that had always been a huge part of our family,” Pringle said. “My parents have now retired, and live in Bryan. My dad loves to present rings.

My parents go up there just about every Ring Day, and sign up for a time. He was a Fish Camp namesake, so he gives rings to his cochairs, all of his counselors and lots of different people.”

University studies senior Kaylee Jordan had her Ring Day last April. Jordan says her ring remains a symbol of all of the hours she poured into studying to reach 90 hours and to

advance her degree.

“My old boss volunteered to hand out Aggie rings,” Jordan said. “She was able to get into the category with my last name, and she was actually able to hand over my ring to me.

From there, my mom was the one to present the ring to me. My mom wasn’t an Aggie, but I would say she is probably my number one supporter. She’s a teacher, so I pretty much

owe all of my academic success to her.”

To this day, Pringle cherishes the opportunity she had to share her Ring Day with members of her family who are former students.

“It was just a sweet experience. It was really fun to get to know that we have that bond,” Pringle said. “And to have someone who has stood by me that entire college career, to present something that was so important.”

PROVIDED

Laura Pringle said she didn’t pull a ticket to receive her ring, but camped out with friends the night before her Ring Day.

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Carefully crafted in tradition The creation of the Aggie Ring from factory to finger

By Savannah Mehrtens @SJMehrtens

M

ost Aggie Ring recipients will be seeing their shining piece of Aggie gold for the first time on Friday, nicely packaged for their presenta-

tion.

Although new to each student, every esteemed Aggie Ring has a story behind its creation that lies within the production line at Balfour in Austin. Each craftsman has years of experience in creating rings and diligently works on each one to ensure the utmost quality.

The process begins when students order their Aggie Rings at The Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center, according to Association of Former Students Vice President Kathryn Greenwade.

“They’ll order their rings with us and then we work very closely with Balfour,” Greenwade said. “At the end of an order period, we’ll transmit those orders to Balfour and then they’ll begin the production of those rings. Once we send that to them, then their folks take over and take it through their process.”

Mike Goodwin, director of engineering at Balfour and Class of 1985, joined Balfour after his graduation and has worked with the tooling portion of the Aggie Ring production line for close to 21 years.

“A&M is the largest account in the country for class rings, that’s among high schools and colleges,” Goodwin said. “There’s no other institution that purchases as many class rings as Texas A&M.” To create a ring, craftsmen begin by injecting a wax pattern replica of the ring and placing the pattern and material into the casting process overnight. Once the ring is cast into gold, it is set to cool. Then the ring is cleaned by removing the plaster, polishing and antiquing. The ring can be created relatively quickly in an uninterrupted two-day period due to the fact that the work-

shop already has all of the tools for constructing Aggie Rings.

“The process hasn’t really changed since we took it over in the late 90s,” Goodwin said.

About 38 people will touch an Aggie Ring from start to finish, but there are 23 people specifically on the production line.

“It is a handcrafted product,” Goodwin said.

“There is some technology involved in the manufacturing of it, but it’s still very much created by human hands. Most of the polishing and stem setting processes are all manual still, and there’s a great deal of pride and care that goes into making the Aggie Ring.”

Greenwade said when she saw the process of creating the Aggie Ring, there was a significant attention to detail and a personal touch in the process.

“I’ve been to the factory a couple of times and have been able to see the process,” Greenwade said. “It’s different than what you think it’s going to be. There is much more hand work to it than what you might think, and there’s a high degree of quality control.

They want to make sure that any ring leaving is leaving in perfect condition.”

When Aggies receive t h e i r rings,

each one will have been created through an intricate, meticulous process on the prestigious Aggie Ring line. Goodwin recalled his Aggie Ring Day and how important it’s symbol was, and still is.

“I felt the same way when I was a student when I got my ring, it was more of a symbol than getting my diploma,” Goodwin said. “I think everyone’s going to feel that way.

That ring on your finger really is your diploma to the world.”

An Aggie Ring passes through the process of casting, cooling and polishing on Balfour’s production line.

FILE

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BUDDIES FOR A

LIFETIME

Sophomore recalls high school friend who still provides motivation

By Alex Miller @AlexMill20

his best friends, Dodson said he keeps up with Gawlas through occasional phone calls or texts, but makes sure to see him in person when he comes home to Tennessee.

“When I do get a chance to go back home, I’m always at the high school in the Best Buddies program seeing William,” Dodson said.

Those at Centennial High School are always excited to see Dodson on his return trips.

“When he comes home, he makes sure he has a chance to run by the Transition II class to visit with William and his classmates,” Beasley said.

While away in College Station, Dodson has emerged as the middle anchor of the Aggies’ linebacker corps and currently leads the team in sacks (2.0), tied for the lead in interceptions (2) and is second in tackles (20).

“Dodson has had a solid three games and has flashed at times, but has been a solid MIKE linebacker,” Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said after Saturday’s win over ULL. Still, Dodson said he finds inspiration from Gawlas, who cheers him on from back home in Tennessee.

“He keeps me motivated because he might not have the things I have, but he’s just as happy as I am,” Dodson said. “That pushes me every day when I get up. “He just brings light into my life and I love getting to hang out with him.”

Tyrel Dodson is tied for first in interceptions and leads the team in sacks.

Tyrel Dodson and William Gawlas were part of the Best Buddies program at Centennial High School in Franklin, TN.

KYLE FIELD

NOV 24

KYLE FIELD

NOV 17

KYLE FIELD

NOV 10

DAVIS WADE STADIUM

OCT 27

WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM

OCT 13

OCT 6

AT&T STADIUM

KYLE FIELD

C. Morgan Engel - THE BATTALION

SEPT 29

BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM

SEPT 22

KYLE FIELD

SEPT 15

KYLE FIELD

KYLE FIELD

2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

SEPT 8

COURTESY

SEPT 1

T

yrel Dodson could only think of the happiness his loved ones felt at home in Tennessee when the sophomore linebacker ran into the open field after intercepting a slip-screen pass and taking it back 40 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter against Louisiana-Lafayette (ULL) last Saturday.

There were days in his past that Dodson had to search a little harder to find that absolute happiness and in high school, he found it in a classmate named William Gawlas – a student in the special education class.

“I used to have a bad day and just go in to P.E., he’d be right there hugging on me,” Dodson said. “It makes me so happy that he’s like that.”

Dodson soon became involved in the Best Buddies program, which forms rela-

tionships between volunteers and students with Down Syndrome, at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee — a suburb southwest of Nashville. From there, his relationship with Gawlas grew tighter.

“He was just bright,” Dodson said of Gawlas. “Every time I looked at him I was like, wow, there’s something about that kid.

Me and him became best friends throughout high school and I still talk to him, call him sometimes.”

Named Mr. Tennessee Football his senior season, Dodson said he could always count on Gawlas to be there in the stands on Friday nights.

“William and Tyrel mostly hung out around school together — eating lunch, talking about the week’s game,” Jennifer Beasley, Centennial High School teacher, said. “My favorite thing every football Friday was after the games — win or lose — William had to go to the field and find Ty so he could hug and talk [about] the game.

No matter how many people were there to see Ty, he always made time for William.”

Now over 750 miles away from one of

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A GOLDEN TRADITION

Aggie Ring Day evolves over the years joy of the ring remains the same

By Tyler Snell @Tyler_Snell2 The Aggie’s face beams with pride as their Aggie Ring is placed on their finger after so many semesters of hard work. They look around, see the thousands of their other classmates experiencing the same joy, and realize they are one step closer to joining the former student family.

The Aggie Ring dates back to 1889, but Ring Day as we know it is a rather new tradition. The excitement and energy of Ring Day started in 2000, after the Association of Former Students decided the receiving of the ring needed to garner more recognition.

“In 2000, we said ‘We need to make the act of picking up your ring equal to the achievement of earning your ring,’” Kathryn Greenwade, Association of Former Students vice president, said. “We learned over time how to better schedule the day and how many people to include in each group and to calibrate everything the right way.”

With each Ring Day increasing in size, today’s event will include over 4,000 students who have successfully completed 90 credit hours. Traditions Council Public Relations

Chair Devin Lubin said Ring Day is a great celebration of this academic achievement.

“It’s a great way to congratulate the students, getting those 90 hours is not an easy thing to do,” Lubin said.

“Giving students an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones is what Ring Day is all about.”

With three Ring Day ceremonies a year, two in the fall and one in the spring, the process of receiving rings has grown from its small beginnings into a highly organized

event for students and their families at each ceremony.

“Our campus programs team, our Aggie Ring program team and events team sit down after each Ring Day is over and look at what

went well, what didn’t go so well and start making adjustments immediately for the next Ring Day,” Greenwade said. “They will probably sit down next week and start fine tuning anything for the November Ring Day.” Senior class president Bobby Ramirez said the Aggie Ring can have different meanings for students but the excitement of receiving it is the same.

“I have some friends who are third or fourth generation Aggies who can finally say they are carrying on the legacy of being an Aggie,” Ramirez said.

“For my friends who are first generation college students, I think it symbolizes the student’s hard work and dedication to further themselves and provide a better life for themselves and their future families.”

Despite the changes in Ring Day, Class Councils Executive Director Mary Franklin said the meaning has never changed and never will because of the students.

“I think that Ring Day has been able to retain the same meaning year after year because of the students here,” Franklin said.

“I believe that the feeling of Ring Day, the excitement and the sense of community it fosters will remain for years to come because of the Aggie Spirit and what Aggies stand for.”

FILE

Jeff Fattig places his son, computer engineering senior Shaun Fattig’s Aggie Ring on his finger for the first time.

The road to Ring Day The Aggie Ring represents the culmination of your experiences at A&M Emmy Bost

M

@EmmyBost

y earliest memories of Aggieland are from tailgates under the big tree at the Northgate Post Office, alongside my family and their old friends — all wearing their Aggie Rings from their time at A&M. As a young girl, I remember watching the Corps of Cadets march in to Kyle Field on game days and being enthralled by the band at halftime shows.

My time spent on campus as a young girl and the fond stories I heard from my parents about their shenanigans in Schuhmacher Hall and Evans Library made me quickly fall in love with the university and realize that this was where I wanted to have my college experience too.

Now, as a senior at A&M, I have found an infinite number

of reasons to love this university, in all of the opportunities, relationships and experiences it has brought to me.

When I wear my Aggie Ring for the first time on Friday, it will not only mark the achievement of completing 90 hours of classes; it will also symbolize everything I devoted my time to outside of my time in the classroom – my family, friends, The Battalion, Arabic Club and international experiences. I would not be where I am today if it were not for these people, organizations and experiences. My ring will ultimately symbolize every step and person that helped to bring me to my Aggie Ring Day. My time here has taught me so many things, academically and personally. My love for knowledge and learning was sparked at A&M and I know that it is something I will continue to feed for the rest of my life. Throughout my experiences at A&M, I have discovered my passions and what drives me, and will forever be grateful to my family, professors and friends that have shared their wisdom and encouraged me to succeed.

As a young girl, I remember hearing about ‘the spirit that

could never be told,’ but I never quite understood this spirit, or truly felt it, until the beginning of this semester. I have grown to love this university and its history so much and each time I look down at my Aggie Ring on my right hand, it will serve as a physical reminder of the Spirit of Aggieland and the common experience that connects every Aggie.

My Aggie Ring will serve as a tangible representation of all of the knowledge, lessons and relationships I have gained throughout my time at A&M. It will symbolically encapsulate my entire experience at A&M; one that has been full of highs and lows. I have learned and grown the most from the times that I was challenged on this campus, academically and personally.

For this reason, I will always be thankful for my time at A&M and the person that it has shaped me to be. I am so proud to be a part of the Aggie family.

Emmy Bost is a journalism studies senior and assistant news editor for The Battalion.

SPORTS

11

The Battalion | 9.22.17

DEHYDRATION: THE HIDDEN MENACE C. Morgan Engel — THE BATTALION

A&M student hydrates by the gallon and shades his head in the intense Texas heat. Proper hydration is important for students who stand with the 12th Man for the entirety of football games.

Health professionals share tips and tricks for proper game day hydration

By Ryan Brown @ryanpbrown03 It’s football season here in Aggieland and game day festivities are in full swing on campus. Saturdays now consist of heavy traffic, weak cell service and the annual Texas heat and humidity.

While football season may be a highlight of the semester for many, there can also be many potential health risks associated with games and the heat. Recently, there have been warnings directed towards the student population to inform them about proper hydration during

football games.

Meghan Windham, registered dietitian for Student Health Services, said she believes that proper hydration is imperative for a student’s health and well-being. Windham said staying hydrated on a daily basis helps with many factors including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints and carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells Windham also said prolonged heat exposure, especially on game days can lead to dehydration when not drinking adequate fluids before, during and after the event. Especially when students are standing on their feet for the majority of the game, dehydration can be compounded with feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness.

Students often misinterpret when associat-

ing alcohol consumptions and proper hydration, according to Dr. Garry Gore, TAMU EMS medical director.

“The main misconception is that students think alcohol is hydration,” Gore said. “Many of them aren’t aware that when they drink alcohol, especially beer, they tend to urinate more and so they’re losing water just as fast as they’re drinking it.”

A report by TAMU EMS states that in Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Lafayette, there were 38 instances where people needed medical assistance due to environmental exposure.

Public Health junior Kristen Sanchez said the solution for dehydration starts at being prepared and planning ahead.

“When you’re standing under the hot sun

for hours on end, your body loses fluids that are vital to its function,” Sanchez said. “It’s important to plan ahead and remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after the game.”

Sanchez said hydration helps people stay awake and energized during the game.

“Staying hydrated can prevent problems such as fatigue and loss of consciousness which are commonly experienced at football games,” Sanchez said.

Windham said the best way to prevent dehydration is to start drinking water early and suggests consuming at least 64 ounces during the day and also trying to be consistent by doing this both on game day and in the days before to prepare for the long hours of standing in the heat.

FOOTBALL

12

The Battalion | 9.22.17

WEEK 4: STAFF PICKS

Texas A&M at Arkansas

TCU at Oklahoma State

Mississippi State at Georgia

Saturday, Sept. 23 @ 11:00 a.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Sept. 23 @ 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Sept. 23 @ 6:00 p.m. on ESPN

BRAD

EMMY

CASSIE

GRACIE

ANGEL

LUKE

MAYA

SANNA

KATY

JOSH

ALEXIS

SARAH

Brad Morse

SciTech Editor @bradsmorse53

I was born in Arkansas. There are nice things about the state, but the football team isn’t one of ‘em.

Gracie Mock

Managing Editor @g_mock2

It’s a sibling rivalry game Saturday, but I’m winning either way with my new Aggie Ring.

Maya Hiatt

Page Designer @MayaHiatt

Hog is a meal, not a mascot. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do to them, Ags.

Emmy Bost

Luke Henkhaus

Asst. News Editor @EmmyBost

It’ll be slim pickings in Boone Pickens Stadium for the Horned Frogs!

News Editor @luke_henkhaus

My money’s on the Spartans for this one.

Oh wait, wrong Athens ...

Alexis Will

Cassie Stricker

Photo Chief @cassie_stricker

Creative Director @AlexisMWill

When I hear OSU, I think of Ohio State.

But the second best OSU is better than TCU.

All I’m saying is that Mississippi State’s bulldog is cuter than Georgia’s bulldog ...

Angel Franco

Katy Baldock

Sports Editor @angelmadison_

Still not over TCU eliminating Aggie Baseball the last three years, so lets go Cowboys.

Social Media Editor @katybaldock7

Go ... sports ... ?

FOOTBALL

13

The Battalion | 9.22.17

AROUND THE SEC WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WEEK 4 OF THE CONFERENCE

NO. 17 MISSISSIPPI STATE AT NO.11 GEORGIA

NO. 15 AUBURN AT MISSOURI

Only one leaves undefeated from this matchup that carries us into Week 4. Hail State is coming off a huge 37-7 domination of LSU. They had a chance to win, but Nick Fitzgerald completely obliterated the Tigers’ defense. The whole country now sees MSU in a new light and this weekend we’ll see what they’re really made of. The SEC East Bulldogs have 22 tackles for a loss and will test SEC West Bulldogs from the get go. LSU also boasted a great pass rush and was supposed to keep Fitzgerald from doing work with his legs last Saturday. That, however, was not the case. After allowing just 63 rushing yards in their first two games, the Tigers were steamrolled by MSST for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Offensively, Georgia likes to pound it on the ground and their backfield is averaging for over 5 yards per carry. QB Jake Fromm just isn’t getting it done through the air and I expect MSU can effectively stop the ground game. I think MSST will continue to ride their momentum and pull off yet another upset in Athens. This will be quite the Cowbell-Bulldogs face-off.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Georgia 17

Auburn held its own against Clemson but haven’t shown much for people to get excited about this season. Mizzou, on the other hand, is in contention for the honor of worst SEC team. They were outscored by South Carolina and Purdue 66-16. If anything, they have a competent pass rush that can hold a less-than-stellar Auburn offense. The Tigers were held to just six points against Clemson and 24 points against Mercer. If Auburn can keep their turnovers to a minimum, they’ll be able to take this game with ease. Missouri just hasn’t shown enough to make me think their offense can make it to the end zone.

Prediction: Auburn 31, Missouri 15

By Kevin Roark

MORE AT THEBATT.COM

@Kevin_Roark

MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN FOR THE 2018 AGGIELAND! ALL CLASSES: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday - Thursday in the Sanders Corp Museum Library until October 19th!

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WELCOMED as soon as I walked in.

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Specialties Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2018 Aggieland yearbook.

-Isaac

Should any student be unable to make the specified times on campus they can contact Specialties directly to set up a complimentary in-studio appointment at 979-696-9898.

Any graduating seniors who wish to set up a cap/gown photo will need to contact the studio at 979-696-9898. Cap/Gown sessions cost $21.95.

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SPORTS

15

The Battalion | 9.22.17

REINING SUPREME Equestrian team travels to defend their champion title

By Abigail Ochoa @AbigailOchao1

R

anked No. 1 in this year’s preseason pole, the Texas A&M Equestrian team will hit the road to take on No. 9 Fresno State and unranked South Dakota State this weekend in a double-header in Fresno, California.

Last year, the Aggies finished their season with a 11-5 win over the Georgia Bulldogs to clinch their twelfth National Collegiate Equestrian Association National

Championship title.

Texas A&M head coach Tana McKay,appreciates the high ranking in the polls, but said the team will continue to toil to reach the championships again this year.

“These girls worked really hard to end up with the nationals they did last year, so I think they deserve it,” McKay said.

“We still have our work cut out for us, still a big job to do no matter how we ended last year.”

This will be the first time in two years A&M last faced Fresno State. The last time the two teams competed against each other was during the 2015-2016 season, when the Aggies defeated Fresno 14-2 in the first round of the NCEA Championships.

Junior flat and fences rider Rebekah Chenelle competed against Fresno State her freshman year and said that although the current freshmen and sophomores are

not familiar with their team, they have been watching film in preparation for this matchup.

“My class is the youngest class to have gone there,” Chenelle said. “The sophomores and freshmen haven’t seen Fresno, but we have watched some videos [of past competitions].”

Senior Avery Ellis said she is excited to return for her last year of riding. As a reigning NCEA All-American and last year’s NCEA Horsemanship (rider of the year), Ellis said she doesn’t want these titles to overwhelm her, but instead wants her riding to do the talking.

“I had a really great year last year and it motivates me, but I’m also not holding myself to any sort of standards,” Ellis said.

“I’m just going to go in and ride and do what I know how to do and not worry about the titles of it. My goals are to honestly enjoy my last year here, enjoy my friends on the team, and riding and competing.”

Having a family atmosphere is important for the team, according to Ellis and Chenelle. The expectation for this season is to maintain their momentum by continuing to act and ride as a family, Ellis said.

“We ended on such a high

Ana Casas — THE BATTALION

note last year so really keeping the team that motivation and keeping that sense of family,” Ellis said. “How well we all clicked at the end of last year has been something that we’ve been striving for, to start off that strong this year.”

Chenelle said the team is a tight knit group which will only benefit them down the stretch of the season.

“Overall, my expectations for the team, I think we have a really strong team, and there’s a lot of really great people on this team and my expectation is just that we can keep the family aspect going throughout,” Chenelle said. “As long as we are having fun and creating an environment that you can ride well in, I think the sky’s the limit.”

As far as players to look out for this season, McKay said she expects the seniors to be a dominant force this season, as well as the 14 new freshmen vying for a starting spot.

“I expect a lot from our seniors that are starting…we do have some heavy hitters in our senior class, but we have a really good group of freshmen and there’s a couple that are competing this weekend and I’m interested to see what they’ll get done,” McKay said. “I think we’ve got some talent and that will only make everybody rise to the occasion. They’re obviously very competitive and everybody is competing for those starting spots just like any other sport.”