On January 2, 1922, Texas A&M played the national champions, Centre College, in the Dixie Classic Football Game in Dallas. At halftime Texas A&M was ahead, but the game had producted so many injuries that A&M Coach Dana X. Bible did not think that he would have enough men to finish the game. He then remembered E. King Gill, a former football player and current basketball player, and called into the stands for him. Gill willingly volunteered and donned the uniform of an injured player. Gill never actually played, but he was the only player left on the bench when the game ended. Texas A&M won by an eight point margin: 22-14.

Gill's readiness to play symbolized the willingness of the Aggie fans to support their team. That readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm to help kindled a flame of devotion among the entire student body. The entire student body stands throughout the game, ready for duty if called. All Aggies are considered part of the Twelfth Man.

The Twelfth Man tradition inspired the Athletic Department to incorporate a Twelfth Man Representative on the Kick-Off Squad. This individual is a nonscholarship athlere from the student body. Tryouts for this position are announced during the Spring semester.

Gig'em |