The Battalion — August 17, 2024

SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2024 STUDENT MEDIA THEBATT.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

TIMELINE All the news you missed over the summer, from concerts to jail sentences. A2

@THEBATTONLINE

FOOTBALL Staff make their predictions for the Aggies’ performance this fall. B2

Howdy Week festivities commence fall semester who haven’t found their engineering technology senior Bi- campus, agreed.

University prepares for students place on campus yet, according to anca Youlton met three years agof“It’s the best introduction to psychology freshman Avery Carden. reshman year in Aggie Navigators, a A&M life,” Hermes said. “A&M is incoming students with Her first stop after moving in? Pizza Bible study group. Now, they said a community, everybody says it — in the MSC. they’re hoping to welcomemeet there’s hundreds of org[anizations] games, programs “I think it’s a great way to get to some new faces on campus to the on campus, and it’s just a really great

By J.M. Wise & Nicholas Gutteridge The lights go dark. Karaoke plays on one side of the Memorial Student Center; a live band sings on the other. It’s Howdy Week. And with its return comes over 72 thousand Aggies preparing for the fall semester.

Running from Aug. 15 to 20, the week preceding fall classes features games, events, career services, open houses and free food for the thousands of new and returning students arriving in Bryan-College Station.

“Howdy Week is Aggieland’s official welcome to campus,” Corrie Ritter, a communications coordinator for New Student & Faculty Programs, said. “We really want it to be a time where students have an opportunity to get to know campus, build a little community with their classmates and kind of find their place on campus.”

Dozens of events are listed on Howdy Week’s five-day calendar, including a picnic with President Mark Welsh, an ultimate Frisbee meet and greet, an Ice Cream Carnival at Kyle Field and a session making flower crowns. That’s not to mention Class of 2028-specific activities, including the class photo on Aug. 18. It’ll be hot, Ritter said — so hydrate and stay cool.

Ultimately though, the events serve as a means to introduce students to the year — especially new

know people and find things you like to do around campus and get in niche groups,” Carden said. “I’m an out-of-state student, so it definitely helps me get to know people because I really don’t know anyone.”

Her roommates hadn’t moved in yet, so the Florida nativeshe alone

group.

“It’s really nice to get involved in these types of activities that Howdy Week is hosting to make us feel included, to make us interact with new students here,” Youlton said.“It exposes us to a different lifestyle, a different culture here.”

Chris Swann — THE BATTALION

Students pose for a photo during the Howdy Week Ice Cream Carnival at the Kyle Field Plaza on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

walked around campus experiencing day one of the events on Thursdayher own. That is, until another girl asked for help with her wristband.

They talked, helped each other and Carden said before they knew it, they were going to events together.

“It’s fun,” Carden said. “I get to meet all kinds of new people.”

But it’s not just freshmen that benefit. Public health senior Moniola Olawoye and multidisciplinary

They both have tribulations ahead — Olawoye is waiting to hear back from medical school, and Youlton has difficult classes and a capstone ahead of her. But for now, they said they’re excited to share their wisdom with the newer generation.

They’re not the only ones — Accounting senior Jillian Hermes, who was tabling for MSC Cinema, a student organization that hosts free movie theater events on

way for new students to go out and see what’s offered, meet new people. And it’s a really fun time.”

From a student organization standpoint, Howdy Week, and the MSC Open House by extension, gives them the chance to share what they can offer students, Hermes said. MSC Open House is an event where students can interact with over a thousand student organizations in the MSC on Aug. 25.

Similar student-hosted events, like the Queer Empowerment Council’s Queer Field Day, are hosted sporadically throughout the next week. The event at Simpson Drill Field this Sunday features free food, prizes and games, such as ring toss and cornhole.

But throughout it all, some of the toughest choices this week won’t come be made by students — but by parents leaving their children in a new land. James Yoakum, an Aggie dad, shared that sentiment.

“I’m leaving the most precious thing on this planet here,” Yoakum said.

He, along with Aggie mom Lesli Yoakum, are dropping off their only child to major in English at A&M. “I know she’s going to enjoy this,” Yoakum said. “We’ve done football games here, we’ve done tailgates here. She wanted the real collegiate experience. This is the closest thing to the real collegiate experience she’s going to get in the state of Texas.”

ADD/DROP DEADLINE:

AUGUST 23

Flower Crown Making Aug. 17, 9 –11 a.m.

Stacked Ultimate Frisbee Meet and Greet Aug. 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Middle Ages Faire Aug. 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Aggie Trivia Showdown Aug. 17, 5 –6 p.m.

Loteria with Maes Aug. 17, 4:30 –6 p.m.

President’s Picnic Aug. 17, 6 –9 p.m.

Pancake Party Aug. 17, 8:30 –11 p.m.

Queer Field Day Aug. 18, 11 a.m. –1 p.m.

Rec-a-Palooza Aug. 18, 1 p.m –4 p.m.

Off-Campus Student Carnival Aug 18 4pm–7pm Aggie Wrangler Free Public Lesson Aug. 18, 5:30 –7 p.m.

Gathering & Yell Practice Aug 18, 6:30 p.m.

Class of 2028 Photo Aug. 18, 8:30 –10:30 p.m.

First Day of Classes Aug. 19, 10 a.m. –2 p.m.

For more information visit: https://calendar.tamu.edu/howdy-week/all

New faces, same tradition Howdy Ags! You may have noticed a few new names on the editorial staff this week. I’m more than excited to introduce the people moving into editor positions.

On news, we have biology senior J.M. Wise and journalism junior Mikayla Martinez.

On sports, we have sports management junior Braxton Dore’ and communication junior Matthew Seaver joining editor veteran and telecommunication media studies senior Luke White.

On opinion, we have English senior Charis Adkins and economics junior Isabella Garcia.

On life & arts, we have journalism sophomore Ian Curtis and journalism junior Theresa Lozano.

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On social media, we have communication junior Ameenah Wilson joining returner and telecommunication media studies senior Sophie Villarreal.

As managing editor, former news editor and political science junior Nicholas Gutteridge is stepping into the role.

Over on photo, agricultural communications and journalism sophomore Hannah Harrison is joining veteran and journalism senior Chris Swann.

Lastly, the award-winning graphics desk is coming back with multidisciplinary engineering technology junior Pranay Dhoopar and manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology senior Nikhil Vadi.

Another new name in the staff box is mine. I promise to do my best to “make these pages lively, interesting and instructive,” as our inaugural paper said back in 1893.

I’m here to serve the body of Texas A&M. Just remember: This paper is for you.You’re why we’ve been a part of this university for so long. The staff and I — and believe me, I couldn’t do anything without the unbelievably talented staff I serve — are here because we love our readers, and we love A&M. There’s just no place quite like it.

So here’s to a great year in Aggieland. Gig ‘em, Ags! Love, Amy Leigh Steward Editor in Chief

Chris Swann — THE BATTALION

REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL COURSES! sses a l C

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The Battalion | 08.17.24

What you missed this summer While students have been at home and abroad, life continued in College Station — from record-breaking concerts to jail sentences and championships, Aggieland is never boring.

Womens tennis title A&M women’s tennis beat Georgia 4-1 to clinch the National Championship on May 19. The duet of sophomore Nicole Khirin and junior Jeanette Mireles led A&M to its first-ever NCAA women’s tennis championship after winning two matches, 6-4 and 6-1.

May 19 June Mexico vs. Brazil 8

By Nicholas Gutteridge & Braxton Dore’ Managing Editor & Asst. Sports Editor

Kyle Field hosted its first-ever international soccer match, pitting Brazil against Mexico in a friendly on June 8. Brazil won 3-2 in the 96th minute due to a last-minute goal by Brazil’s Endrick. The friendly match brought out a little more than 85 thousand fans from all over the country and beyond.

CJ Smith — THE BATTALION

Esports national champions A&M’s esports team won the VALORANT Collegiate National Championship in a 3-1 victory on June 9, a title that puts it as a contender for the best team in the United States. The Maroon team is made up of five players, Nicholas “Nabber” Barrionuevo, Austin “austifrosti” Wevodau, Oliver “khs” Ko, Anthony “Bing” Huang, and Joseph “JoBa” Barker.

June 9 June The King at Kyle Field 15

Kyle Heise — THE BATTALION

Texas native George Strait broke the record for the largest ticketed concert in the United States after performing in front of 110,905 fans at Kyle Field on June 15. Fans booked every hotel and Airbnb within a 40mile radius. The concert made A&M $3.9 million, according to Athletic Director Trev Alberts.

Photo courtesy of RSAA

5 year prison sentence Former A&M Transportation Services employee Peter Baty was sentenced to five years in state jail on June 24 after pleading guilty to hiding a camera in an employees-only women’s restroom for five months. “All of these victims talk about how life-altering it was to feel like there was somebody watching them in their most private moments, whether or not he was sharing those with other people,” Brian Baker, a prosecutor for the case, said.

June 24 June Aggies in Omaha 24

Photo courtesy of Emily Escobedo

While the Schlossnagle news dominated the headlines following the Men’s College World Series, A&M baseball put up a fight against No.1 Tennessee, only dropping two games to the Vols throughout their entire time in Omaha. Aggie baseball finished 4-2 in the MCWS and will return at least six starters in the 2025 season.

Photo via Brazos County Jail Records

Jim Schlossnagle to Texas A&M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle ended his time with the Aggies just one day following the Men’s College World Series Final on June 25, taking the head coaching position at the University of Texas.

Schlossnagle took over the A&M program in 2022, going 153-62 during his stay in Aggieland along with two appearances in the final four of the MCWS. Schlossnagle accepted the position at Texas due to his previous connections with current Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, who was also his former AD during their collective time at TCU.

June 25 July John Sharp to retire 1

Chris Swann — THE BATTALION

Gender-affirming care The university announced gender-affirming care would no longer be offered at Student Health Services beginning Aug. 1. The email notice, sent by Dr. Tiffany Skaggs, said the decision followed a “thorough assessment of our resources, capabilities and patient needs.” A subsequent university announcement added that “While we understand the importance of these services, it was determined that providing specialized gender-affirming care falls outside the scope of our current healthcare model and resources.”

Aug. 1

Hannah Harrison — THE BATTALION

A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced his retirement on July 1. He’ll stay in his role through the next Texas legislative session, where he hopes to guide the System through the state’s tumultuous politics and find a replacement to fill his role. His tenure was marked with success — billions in state funding and large growth — and controversies, such as the failed hiring of journalism professor Kathleen McElroy and the closure of the Qatar campus. He officially retires on June 30, 2025.

Chris Swann — THE BATTALION

File photo by Abbey Santoro

The Battalion | 08.17.24

Embattled ex-campus ministry seeks revival Suspended campus ministry Chi Alpha pursues recruits, growth after controversies

By Nicholas Gutteridge Managing Editor Chi Alpha, the former Pentecostal student ministry, is seeking to rebuild at Texas A&M after its suspension in January. The suspension was issued after the organization was accused of bringing students and minors in contact with a sex offender; in June, members were arrested in Brazos County for indecency with a minor.

The student organization Chi Alpha World Fellowship and local church Mountain Valley Fellowship recruited in tandem over the last few years, reaching hundreds of members by 2023. Being one of a dozen Chi Alpha chapters in Texas alone, their goal is to “introduce fellow collegians to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ,” according to their website.

However, in May 2023, details came out about the group’s connection to Daniel Savala, a registered sex offender who pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor a decade ago and with whom Chi Alpha leaders regularly put minors and students in contact. Investigation ultimately ended with Savala’s arrest a month later in Houston.

In September 2023, Chi Alpha’s student organization was temporarily suspended pending an A&M Department of Civil Rights and Equity Investigations, or CREI,

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Connor May — THE BATTALION

Mountain Valley Fellowship church in May 2023. The building has since been put up for sale.

inquiry. The previous summer, allegations of spiritual abuse — coercion or control using religion — rose sharply as whistleblowers began sharing their stories, so much so that victims created an online forum to tell their stories anonymously.

The Chi Alpha chapter was officially suspended in January, preventing them from renting out rooms and participating in official campus activities. The full CREI report uses more than a dozen interviews and months of research to reconstruct the events leading to the arrest. Two A&M students, Alexander Owens and Otto Randolph, and two non-A&M-affiliated Chi Alpha members, Ryan Hoffart and William Johnson, were alleged to have exposed their genitals to a 13-year-old boy before asking him to remove his clothing and expose his genitals at Messiah’s Ranch in Bryan.

University rules only allowed A&M to investigate and pursue action against students Owens and Randolph, both of whom denied an interview but submitted written statements denying the claims to CREI. “The allegation seems maliciously false,” Owens wrote. “... in a sequence of events that has snowballed from frustration towards Savala’s offenses into a malicious and false report against an innocent student.”

Yet the allegations are consistent with previous Chi Alpha experiences. Savala, before being arrested, was seen as a mentor to those in Chi Alpha across Texas,

especially by church leadership — who often referred to him as “the holiest man alive.” Rachel Schober, a former member, said Savala attended A&M Chi Alpha events and visited the church often.

“The first interaction that I had with him was at somebody’s house here in town,” Schober said.

“I know people would go to his house in Houston pretty regularly.”

In the report, the former A&M Chi Alpha’s student president said Savala often taught that “nudity was unity,” claiming people became closer through physical intimacy. Two former members interviewed both recall hearing that phrase while in Chi Alpha.

A third-party review was commissioned by church leadership following last year’s events. But the results were never physically shared, Schober said. They were

“... it was made clear that the adult males exposed themselves to John Doe.” OFFICIAL REPORT

Investigation Notes shared only verbally — and out of approximately 400 members, only around a dozen were interviewed for it, two former members said.

Eli Stewart, head pastor of Mountain Valley Fellowship, resigned, leaving Chad Tarhini as the group’s interim director. Tarhini, a leader within the group for years, was cited in the CREI as assisting

with the investigation. In his statement, he said Stewart was fired for his friendship with Savala and after he “violently hit someone who worked for [him].”

Tarhini said in a statement, “Our hearts have been broken by the reports we have seen over the past year. At this time, we continue working to address concerns that have arisen and to comply with investigations. Our primary goal is to foster a safe community of faith for TAMU students and we will continue to take appropriate actions in response to relevant findings. Our sincere prayers are with any affected by the reported actions.”

Tarhini did not respond when asked to clarify how the group was changing to address internal concerns. A statement from the university made clear the student organization was not currently recognized, with their future status under review, a process they weren’t able to comment on.

The university also explained that the First Amendment clearly allows Chi Alpha-affiliated students to continue to discuss the group and church with other students on campus despite the student organization’s suspension.

As such, current Chi Alpha members have spent weeks preparing for the semester, specifically Howdy Week. In one Facebook post, a member said they created a Howdy Week schedule for members to share with new students.

Another claimed to be searching for financial partners to “rebuild” Chi Alpha in College Station, and

a third showed a group heading to a Chi Alpha retreat before returning to campus for Howdy Week.

A former member, who requested anonymity, said these initial weeks Chi Alpha spent advertising were vital — and they often targeted freshman, international and lonely students. Chi Alpha has a script to recite to students, they said, with the ultimate goal of getting their phone number. Once in, the member said they force them to isolate themselves — eventually Chi Alpha becomes all they have left. A training manual excerpt shared with The Battalion shows scripts for different on-campus scenarios, such as if they encounter an atheist.

One Chi Alpha staff member live-streamed their Howdy Week success in a private Facebook group for financial donors on Aug. 15.

“We’re going to hang out tomorrow,” he said, referring to a new international student he spoke to. “If you all could be praying for me and him — man, it’s just answered prayer after answered prayer today. It’s been incredibly awesome. I’ve been praying for international students forever and just having one just fall in the lap like that was incredible.”

Former Chi Alpha members will continue to interact with students on campus throughout Howdy Week and the rest of the semester. Mountain Valley Fellowship is currently for sale.

OPINION

The Battalion | 08.17.24

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Relationships reduced to transactions Love isn’t passive, people aren’t products

By Isabella Garcia Asst. Opinion Editor Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of our lonely existence.

In fact, we’re starved for it, consuming endless movies, romance novels and trashy songs to get some semblance of what it’s like. But when it comes to actually finding love, popular culture strategically shifts the focus on making yourself more loveable instead of the act of loving.

For instance, how would you find someone to go steady with?

Improve your physical appearance with a glow-up? Make your whole life a performance and aestheticize your social media pages?

Spend hours choosing the best pictures of yourself and ChatGPT-ing your hobbies and interests for dating apps?

When just about every icon on television or in music videos wins the affection of their sweetheart after they have some sort of glow-up montage, it’s no wonder our first instinct is to focus on how we can be more attractive and loveable. Aladdin didn’t get the girl until he pulled up in a magical new whip, and even Cinderella only got Prince Charming to notice her after she had the prettiest gown at the ball.

The message is clear: When you look your best, finding love will be

a success. But in meticulously curating the look and idea of You — not out of concern for your own happiness, but rather for how “valuable” of a partner you can exchange yourself for — all you become is a commodity.

Our obsession over shallow body goals and aesthetics leads us to project on our potential partners. We list off enough arbitrary red and green flags to fill up a grocery list, reducing the complexities and nuances of unique individuals to check boxes. Narratives of “standards” and “never settle” treat the idea of a romantic partner as a bargain to maximize what they can provide for you.

How romantic.

Philosopher Erich Fromm describes this relationship culture

as the “personality market,” in which relationships are only transactions of one commodified personality for another.

Endorphins, sparks and convenience: You’re in love. But if you and your partner are just commodities of similar value on the personality market, what’s to stop the relationship from failing when a better product comes along?

Obviously, though, real love is out there. Right? What about Ross and Rachel? Katniss and Peeta?

Let’s switch mediums — how about Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” or the iconic “Love Story” for all you Swifties?

Fiction attempts to simulate real life, but after a certain point, we start to frame our real lives in relation to these pieces of media and forget that it’s supposed to be the other way around. As Olisunvia puts it, “We see people have magical … moments on screen and then build expectations of having the same magical feeling in real life.” We draw from characters that aren’t

to transactions, but it causes us to base our notions of love on restrictive character tropes of people who never even existed.

What’s a hopeless romantic to do?

Let’s go back to why you want love in the first place. Do you want someone to check your boxes? Do you want a convenient bargain? Do you simply want to feel less alone?

Love isn’t a noun, something to “fall into”

real and say, “I want a love like theirs.” The only problem is, “they” aren’t real.

So, not only does popular culture reduce relationships

if one is lucky. Rather, it’s a verb, an active striving, the aim of which is the “happiness, growth, and freedom of its object;” an art that requires constant effort to master, and

ACROSS: 4. Belonging to a man 7. One of the Aggie core values 8. Conner Weigman’s head coach 10. Not serious 11. What you might use to order a midnight snack 18. One of the Impractical Jokers 19. Where you’ll find an article about Aggie Olympians 22.5. Eye see, in other words 23. Lil Wayne, in short 24. Many freshmen wish they could keep one in their dorm 25. Wellborn, for example 27. Running ___, going wild 29. Paperwork signed to keep a secret 32. The ACC’s Orange, in short 33. 2010 Leonardo DiCaprio movie 35.5. “That stinks!”

37. Where many Aggies get engaged 39. “Game, __, match” 40. Sassy way of saying “I don’t know” 41. Grades you don’t want on exams 44. What college students hope not to see in the mirror 45. The Battalion, for example 47. Opposite of decaf DOWN: 1. Highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets 2. For real, for short 3. S in GPS, for short 4. Lends a hand 5. Sick 6. Where you’ll find clouds 9. Food and water, or something needed to survive 12. Your date, in slang 13. Street of nightmares, in the movies 14. Start __, reborn 15. Tabletop abbr.

16. The Mayflower, for example 17. Corporate recruiter 20. Solid water 21. __ Paulo, in Brazil 26. Clark Kent’s secret 28. To possess 30. Make it by hand, abbr.

32. Insects often found at a picnic 33. “I need to __ man about a horse” (two words) 35.5. Something Robert Frost would write 36. MS_, _udder tower, Block_r 37. Sort of, suffix 39. Robber 42. Gov. agency focused on broadcasting 43. __ de Armas, actress 44. Late night sketch show, from New York 47. Southeast

Amy Leigh Steward, Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Gutteridge, Managing Editor

Nikhil Vadi Chris Swann Hannah Harrison Julia Wise Mikalya Martinez Ian Curtis Theresa Lozano Sophie Villarreal Ameenah Wilson

Design Editor Photo Chief Asst. Photo Chief News Editor Asst. News Editor Features Editor Life & Arts Editor Social Media Editor Asst. Social Media Editor

Pranay Dhoopar Charis Adkins Isabella Garcia Luke White Matthew Seaver Braxton Doré Emma Moser Hayden Arevalo Hamsini Mahadevan

Graphics Editor Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Business Manager Sr. Account Executive Account Executive

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays in the 2024 fall semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

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not just when it’s convenient. That is, love is a choice you make — an active choice to care about someone for who they are and not for who you want them to be.

Stop looking at people as products, determining whether someone’s characteristics meet your arbitrary standards like an ingredients label on a soup can. If you find “love” based on a checklist of yeses and nos, then you don’t actually love your partner as a person — you just love an extension of your own ego.

If you begin a search for love before you’re even happy with who you already are, you’re never going to be able to see people for anything other than an antidote to your insecurities. If you want to change, don’t do it just because you think it’ll make you more lovable. Turning yourself into a better product won’t make you happy so much as make you forget that you aren’t.

Forget glow ups.

Instead, grow as a better you, so we can shift our attitude from how we can be more loved to h o w we can become better at loving. At the end of the day, love is not about receiving the benefits of a partner. It’s about giving — ultimately, giving yourself.

SPORTS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2024 STUDENT MEDIA

Fresh New Bling A&M brings home a school-record eight Olympic medals

By Matthew Seaver Asst. Sports Editor The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have officially come to an end. Texas A&M had seven different Aggies secure a school-record eight medals, breaking the previous record of seven set at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

A&M women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor earned a gold medal serving as an assistant coach on Team USA, which saw the squad continue its historic reign atop the world of women’s basketball. The United States took on the host France in the gold-medal game and secured a 67-66 victory.

Austin Krajicek was the next Aggie to bring home glory. He earned a silver medal for the U. S. after he and partner Rajeev Ram made it all the way to the finals of the men’s tennis doubles event, defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Carlos

Alcaraz along the way. After winning the first set in the gold medal match, the duo went on to lose the two remaining sets, finishing with silver.

Fred Kerley grabbed the bronze medal for the U.S. as he competed for the title of “world’s fastest man” in the men’s 100-meter dash.

He had a promising start, leading the pack early, but came up short in one of the closest photo finishes in Olympic history. Kerley placed third with 9.81, Kishane Thompson second at 9.789 and Noah Lyles first running a 9.784.

Lindon Victor was the sole Aggie to win a medal for a nation other than the U.S. He became Grenada’s second Olympian ever to secure a medal, earning bronze in the men’s decathlon.

The next two Fightin’ Farmers, Bryce Deadmon and Shamier Little, earned silver together on team USA in the mixed 4x400 relay. The

Aggie legends handed the baton off to one another between the second and third legs. Their team is well decorated, having set the world record of 3:07.41 the previous day in qualifying rounds.

But Deadmon and Little weren’t happy with just one medal. Deadmon brought home gold for the U.S. in the men’s 4x400m relay; running the third leg, he managed to help Team USA set an Olympic-record time of 2:54.43.

Little also brought home gold for Team USA in the women’s 4x400 relay. She ran the first leg and gave the U.S. an early lead with the fastest lead-off time of 49.48.

Visualization student Casey Kaufhord brought home bronze in mixed team archery alongside her teammate, Brady Ellison. She is the first American to medal in women’s archery since 1988.

In total, Aggie Olympians brought home three gold, three silver and two bronze medals on top of the world record and two Olympic records. The eight medals tied A&M for fourth place in the SEC, allowing it to finish second in total medal count by conference.

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The Battalion | 08.17.24

Chris Swann — THE BATTALION

Making their picks Texas A&M quarterbacks Conner Weigman (15) and Jaylen Henderson (13) throw the ball during the second day of fall football practice outside the Coolidge Football Performance Center on Aug. 1, 2024.

The Battalion sports desk makes their predictions for the 2024 football season showed that he gives the Aggies a floor of competitive play. If Weigman can prove that he elevates the milquetoast collection of skill players around him, A&M will be a tough out in the SEC. On the other side of the ball, Elko’s front seven should be a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a favorable schedule and a defense that will allow the Aggies to hang around in any game, Weigman should be able to lead a successful A&M season.

Shalina Sabih Sports and Life and Arts Writer Prediction: 7-5

Hannah Harrison — THE BATTALION

Texas A&M defensive lineman Nana Boadi-Owusu (12) talks to his offense during the fifth day of fall football practice outside the Coolidge Football Performance Center on Monday, Aug. 8, 2024.

Luke White Sports Editor Prediction: 8-4 Several years ago, most Aggies would sigh at the thought of another 8-4 season, a result that felt all too commonplace over the past decade.

Good, but not great.

Nowadays, an eight-win campaign would be happily received by the 12th Man. After two seasons of middling mediocrity, it would represent a step in the right direction under new coach Mike Elko.

Texas A&M certainly has the talent to shoot for the stars this year, but it’s easier said than done. An 8-4 performance could see the Aggies take down quality opponents at Kyle Field while winning multiple road games for the first time since 2021.

Braxton Dore’ Asst. Sports Editor Prediction: 9-3 With arguably one of the weakest schedules in the SEC, A&M might surprise fans this year, possibly winning nine games for the first time since 2020. The hardest matchups for the Aggies will, fortunately, be

under the bright lights of Kyle Field.

With the helm of the 12th Man behind the team, I believe that games against Texas, Missouri and Notre Dame are very winnable — barring any unforeseen injuries, of course.

Additions to the defensive line such as transfer Nic Scourton, as well as the return of Elko after his stint as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator, will bolster one of the best defensive fronts in the SEC. Matthew Seaver Asst. Sports Editor Prediction: 8-4 After forecasting four of the Aggies’ five losses last year, I like to believe my pessimistic outlook gives me an advantage when predicting their season. A&M has a very easy schedule by SEC standards, and finds all four of its hardest games at home.

Too bad this is not EA Sports College Football 25, and stadium pulse can only do so much in real life.

This team begins the year with tons of momentum under Elko.

While I believe the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are severely overanked, I simply think they execute better than the Aggies. Then, I ex-

pect A&M to spoil my birthday and lose to the Missouri Tigers because junior wide receiver Luther Burden III is what Evan Stewart was supposed to be.

Then, I have the Aggies dropping another close matchup with the LSU Tigers, as they are simply more talented than A&M. Then, the final loss of the season is to the team from Austin I refuse to acknowledge or even think about. I’ve dreamed about beating the team in burnt orange for over a decade — even considering losing to those Longhorns is heartbreaking.

I think it’s a great building block year for Elko’s program and A&M is definitely moving in the right direction. The Aggies most likely miss out on the playoff but might be able to sneak in depending on how the cards fall with the new 12-team format.

Mathias Cubillan Sports Writer Prediction: 8-4 It’s simple and maybe unfair to say, but A&M’s season goes as sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman goes. In an admittedly small sample size in 2023, Weigman

Ever since the SEC ruled that the Texas Longhorns’ opponents won’t be penalized for throwing the “Horns Down” symbol, I’ve been very excited about the A&M vs. UT rivalry, and it’s truly because the Aggies have home field advantage.

Under Elko, known for his defensive expertise, A&M’s defense is expected to be a strong suit. If Elko can bring out the best in this team, especially on the defensive side, it will be a significant step up from the overpaid and underperforming tenure of former coach Jimbo Fisher. As long as Elko coaches with the intensity and strategic acumen he’s known for, Aggie fans will have plenty to be excited about this season.

Offensively, the Aggies may lean more on their passing game to offset the loss of sophomore running back Rueben Owens. This could open up opportunities for other quarterbacks and receivers to step up as well. With Owens sidelined due to a lower body injury, junior RB Amari Daniels will likely take on an even larger role. Daniels has proven his ability to consistently move the chains, averaging 5.1 yards per carry last season.

With that being said, Aggie football will win against McNeese, Bowling Green, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, New Mexico State and Texas. I predict it will lose against Notre Dame, Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Auburn. A&M has the potential to secure a spot in the SEC championship game, and specific performances will be a key factor in the LSU and Texas games.

Ian Curtis Features Editor Prediction: 7-5 As encouraged as I am by just about everything Elko has done since taking over as A&M’s head coach, this is still year one of a new regime. It’s not a complete rebuild — the Aggies return plenty of talent, including Weigman, to complement a host of transfers — but with the margins as slim as ever in a new-look SEC, there’s still an adjustment period.

Rationally, I think this team goes 8-4. My “Battered Aggie Syndrome” means I must lower my prediction by one game out of sheer BAS-induced pessimism. I have full confidence that Elko’s tenure in Aggieland will be plenty successful, but I wouldn’t expect a playoff berth in year one (although I would love to be wrong).

If the Aggies do beat my admittedly conservative prediction — and I hope that they will — they’ll have their defensive line to thank.

Regardless of A&M’s win total, that unit led by junior returner Shemar Stewart and transfer (and Bryan native!) Nic Scourton will play a major role in multiple close victories this season.

DJ Burton Sports Writer Prediction: 9-3 Coach Elko and Co. have brought a new fire to Aggieland before even playing a game. The question Aggie fans have on their minds now is how long the fuel will last.

The Aggies will start hot with a week one victory against No. 7 Notre Dame, who is led by Elko’s former Duke QB, senior Riley Leonard. A win here sets the tone for the start of the season, and the Aggies jump out to a 5-0 start.

The Maroon and White will drop three games this season: Missouri and LSU at home, and South Carolina on the road.

Avoiding the injury bug, which has not seemed possible the past couple of seasons, will be crucial for the Aggies in securing a victory over Texas in A&M’s biggest game of the season, pushing them into the playoff conversation and shattering expectations in Elko’s first year.

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SPORTS

The Battalion | 08.17.24

B3

Aggies kick off soccer season A&M blends returing talent with new faces

By Justin Chen Sports Writer After a soccer-filled summer highlighted by Euros and Copa América — including Texas A&M’s very own Kyle Field hosting a friendly match between Mexico and Brazil — the beautiful game is back in College Station as No. 25 A&M soccer kicks off the 2024 season.

The Maroon and White had a strong 2023 campaign, totaling a record of 10 wins, eight losses and four draws as well as finding success in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. They advanced to the semifinals in the conference tournament, falling to Georgia 3-2 in overtime and made it to the second round in the postseason, coming up short to the eventual National Champions, No. 1 Florida State 1-0.

In preseason exhibition play, the Aggies went a perfect 2-0, beating out SMU and Rice both 1-0 while maintaining clean sheets in both games. A&M boasted its defensive prowess and offensive pressure, allowing just two shots on target in the two games and outshooting the Mustangs and Owls significantly.

The Aggies carried over their strong preseason showings into the first matchup of the year, facing off against the Lamar Cardinals. Just like the previous two games, the Maroon and White dominated on both sides of the ball to win 5-0.

Offensively, they had 25 total shots to the Cardinals’ six, with 11 on target. A&M’s midfielders led the way as sophomore midfielder Grace Ivey and junior M Sydney Becerra poured in two goals each, while freshman M. Kat Campbell’s first shot resulted in her first collegiate career goal.

As A&M shot away, they held their own on defense, collecting three saves and keeping a clean sheet. The Aggies also showcased

their control in set pieces with six corner kicks, holding the Cardinals to none.

However, this early dominance should be no surprise for the ranked Aggies. They bolstered their midfield with junior Leah Pirro, a transfer from Grand Canyon. Pirro was one of the 16 players selected to the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch in the preseason. She’s coming into Aggieland decorated with accolades including an All-WAC First Team selection and was ranked ninth in the nation with 13 assists last season.

Besides getting some help in the transfer portal, the Maroon and White retained 10 starters including AllSEC players junior defender Carolyn Calzada and senior M Mia Pante. With a firm ros-

ter in hand, A&M came into the preseason ranked 25th, sharing the pedestal with Florida as one of the only two SEC schools to be ranked in the top 25 at least 20 times.

The Aggies will take on notable opponents this schedule, including Baylor and TCU in non-conference play before facing ranked conference rivals Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi Photos by Chris Swann — THE BATTALION