The Battalion - November 19, 2018

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA

RIDING IN THE

PUBLICATION NOTICE Due to Thanksgiving break, The Battalion will not print on Wednesday or Friday of this week.

Regular production will resume on Nov. 26. Follow thebatt.com for the latest news and updates.

ROSE PARADE

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Junior tight end Jace Sternberger had 85 reception yards against UAB.

Finale at Kyle Field A&M ends regular season with SEC matchup against No. 8 LSU Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

when they were invited to attend.

“It’s kind of surreal to be part of this experience, because no A&M anything has been in the Rose Parade, and the fact that PMC is going to be able to do that and I get to be a big part of it and a part of the planning process is really exciting,” Marshall said.

Burns said the trip to Pasadena is the farthest the Cav has traveled in his 15 years working with the unit, and the trip provides the cadets with a unique leadership experience.

“The Corps uses this organization as a leadership learning lab,” Burns said. “I supervise the horse operations — acquisition, feeding, vet work, training — but [the cadets] do it

While the rest of College Station is preparing for Thanksgiving, the Texas A&M football team is getting ready to face a tough SEC West opponent at Kyle Field on Saturday.

This is the last installment in a three-home game series for the Aggies, in which A&M is undefeated after wins over Ole Miss and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. No. 8 Louisiana State University (9-2, 5-2 SEC) is coming off a 42-8 win over Rice, in which the offense accumulated 552 total yards.

The Aggies have been unsuccessful against LSU since coming into the conference in 2012. Junior tight end Jace Sternberger said he’s confident in the team’s ability to end that streak.

“To be on a team that has a chance to be

PARSONS ON PG. 6

FOOTBALL ON PG. 2

Biomedical sciences junior Sam McClain rides into Kyle Field with Parsons Mounted Cavalry before the football game on Aug. 30.

Parsons Mounted Cavalry prepares for first-of-its-kind trip to California

By Cassie Stricker @cassie_stricker The cadets in Parsons Mounted Cavalry frequently ride into Kyle Field before games and fire the famous Aggie cannon after touchdowns, but this January the group will be riding into uncharted territory — the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Rose Marshall, political science senior and PMC commanding officer, lived just outside of Los Angeles until she graduated from high

school. Marshall said she is excited to take such a meaningful part of Texas A&M back home with her.

“I grew up watching the Rose Parade and going to the Rose Parade every year with my family,” Marshall said. “Now, being able to take a part of Texas A&M is really important to me. Being a part of the Cav and this big family is so special and I’m so glad that we get to take this journey together.”

Marshall said she was encouraged to submit an application on behalf of Parsons in July by adviser and manager Bob Burns. Due to the long distance to Pasadena, Marshall said she didn’t give much thought to riding in the Rose Parade with the Cav until August,

By Hannah Underwood @hannahbunderwoo

Changes to Elephant Walk enacted Class Councils removes Sul Ross statue stop, moves to phase out Junior E-Walk next year

By Samantha Mahler & Marina Garcia @MahlerSamantha & @MarinaIsACoolB1

PROVIDED

For a limited time, OurBus is expanding its service to College Station, giving students an affordable way to travel to Austin and Houston.

Transporting Aggies OurBus provides routes over Thanksgiving holiday

By Nicole Shair @NicoleEShair This Thanksgiving, transportation could be more accessible and affordable for Texas A&M students with the help of OurBus. Founded in 2016, the technology company specializes in affordable crowdsourced bus routes organized through their website and mobile app. The College Station trial run for OurBus will begin Tuesday and end Sunday. Each trip will cost about $10 and can take passengers from College Station to

Austin and Houston bus stops. The College Station stop is at Tauber Street between University Drive and Church Avenue.

OurBus was founded to create a better experience for passengers and more business for bus-owning companies, co-founder Axel Hellman said.

“We realize that, historically, long-distance bus travel has not had the greatest service with the customer, so we are trying to make things better,” Hellman said.

According to the OurBus spokesperson Catherine Kadar, another purpose of the company is to make transportation services BUS ON PG. 4

FILE

Elephant Walk is a chance for upperclassmen to reminisce about their time on campus.

Texas A&M Class Councils will not include a stop at the Lawrence Sullivan Ross statue in Academic Plaza during the junior and senior Elephant Walks today.

Ross was a former university president, Texas governor and confederate general. Dedicated in 1918, his statue is the oldest sculpture on campus. According to political science senior and E-Walk director Julia Tisch, the decision was made due to time constraints in the planning process and a greater emphasis on making the event more inclusive.

Tisch said the director team saw a need to promote inclusion after senior class president Andrea Flores successfully ran on the platform “minorities are priorities.”

“Although there are a lot of people on this campus who don’t quite agree with that vision or don’t really see its true meaning, she did win for a reason and that meant that there are enough people who went and voted for her to win that position,” Tisch said. “We did think that was obviously a salient issue this year.”

In previous E-Walk ceremonies, class presidents climbed on top of the Sul Ross statue and read names of students who have passed away. This is typically the second to last stop during the walk and is followed by a yell practice at Kyle Field.

This year, Tisch said students who have passed away will be honored first on the route, so their presence will be acknowledged for the entirety of the event. Participants will be asked to be silent when walking through Academic Plaza to reflect on meaning of Silver Taps and Muster.

While students will still pass by the statue, Tisch said it will not be a focus of the walk because student groups have E-WALK ON PG. 6

FOOTBALL NEWS

2

The Battalion | 11.19.18

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

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ANSWERS

to todays puzzles

Freshman running back Jashaun Corbin returned a kickoff for 44 yards against UAB.

Offensive unit relies on team leaders Mond, Sternberger look to maintain strong performance

By Jack Holmes @Jack_Holmes98 Texas A&M is set to host No. 8 Louisiana State University in the regular season finale at Kyle Field on Saturday night.

What the Aggies lack in defense could be made up for by the offense.

The Aggies rank fifth in total offense in the SEC, while the Tigers rank 11th.

Both teams will enter Kyle Field coming off convincing wins against non-conference opponents. A&M running back Trayveon Williams, who ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns against the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said A&M is in position to beat LSU for the first time since entering the SEC. “I feel like we are matched up schematically great with them,” Williams said. “We are in a great position to go out there and play for four quarters and really get the win.”

Williams is the SEC’s leading rusher, totaling 1,326 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. The junior sits fifth all-time in single-season rushing yards entering the final game of the season.

A&M quarterback Kellen Mond said he is impressed with what he has seen from Williams.

“It’s probably one of the biggest things for our offense,” Mond said.

“How [Williams] has played lately, I see his growth. He’s still continuing to learn and work even harder, not only in the run game, but in the pass game.

He’s been phenomenal.”

LSU boasts a pair of running backs capable of making plays. Senior Nick Brossette totals 861 yards and 13 touchdowns this year, while sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire has 623 yards and seven touchdowns to his name For LSU, it’s a one-man show at wide receiver. Justin Jefferson leads the team with 725 yards and three touchdowns.

The next closest players are Stephen Sullivan with 278 yards, Dee Anderson with 241 and Derrick Dillon with 205.

Under center, both teams bring in quarterbacks that are having steady seasons and are doing enough to help their teams win. Mond has 2,680 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, while LSU junior Joe Burrow has totaled 2,230 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions for the Tigers.

After Mond’s 192-yard two-touch-

down game against UAB and the first time in four games without a turnover, tight end Jace Sternberger said he’s impressed with how the quarterback has developed under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

“That’s what’s really scary about Kellen and Coach Fisher,” Sternberger said. “They’re a tag team. … It’s really going to be scary to see how Kellen keeps progressing. Every game I feel like he is getting better.”

Sternberger continued his stellar season against UAB, catching four balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns. The junior now has 729 yards and eight touchdowns on the year, both all-time bests for an A&M tight end. Despite the individual numbers, Sternberger said he is focused on winning.

“It’s cool and all,” Sternberger said.

“At the end of the day, all you really care about is winning. If you’re playing hard and competing, all the accolades come with it. It’s really just a plus.”

There is confidence within the Aggies’ locker room that this could be the year A&M takes down LSU, but Fisher knows his team will need to be sharp. “[It will take] a great game,” Fisher said. “We’ll have to look at the film, but we’ll have to play better in all three phases.”

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Senior defensive lineman Kingsley Keke had four total tackles against UAB.

FOOTBALL CONTINUED the first to beat LSU, that’s a blessing,” Sternberger said. “We’re all eager for the challenge.”

The A&M secondary hasn’t been up to par, though they play behind the second-best run defense in the nation. The secondary allowed over 300 passing yards to Conference USA team UAB. The Blazers also converted 10 third downs, the most against the Aggies this season.

“We need to play better,” Fisher said.

“We don’t need to give up that many yards and that many third down conversions. We have to keep learning to play the passes better. We have one of the top teams in the country coming in here ... so we have to get ready to go.”

LSU junior quarterback Joe Burrow was 20-of-28 passing with 307 yards and two touchdowns after playing two and a half quarters against Rice. The Tigers’ leading rusher is senior running back Nick Brossette, who has racked up 792 yards on 181 carries.

Fisher said the Aggies will have to play a near-perfect game to defeat LSU on Saturday.

“We’re going to have to play better in all three phases,” Fisher said. “They’re a talented football team across the board. ... We’re going to really have to dot our I’s and cross our T’s.”

Sternberger said the key the Aggies’ success on Saturday will be how its able to finish the game. In A&M’s two recent losses to Mississippi State and Auburn, it failed to score points in the fourth quarter. Against Ole Miss and UAB, the Aggies scored 17 and seven fourth-quarter points, respectively.

“You can come out strong and be dominant from the get-go, but we showed against Auburn if you don’t finish, none of it matters,” Sternberger said.

The A&M offense is also focused on maintaining balance, said sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond.

“We’re going to have to win one-on-one matchups,” Mond said. “The receivers and tight ends are going to have to make big plays for us. We’re going to have to be a really balanced offense and really just do what we do and execute what we practice.”

A&M will host LSU on Nov. 24 with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.

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Megan Rodriguez, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 2018 fall semester and 2019 spring 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. 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. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com.

FOOTBALL NEWS

The Battalion | 11.19.18

3

AROUND THE SEC A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 13

As the season comes to a close, the Thanksgiving rivalries heat up with bowl and conference results on the line. Teams have been preparing for this week all year. Here are the matchups to look for in the Southeastern Conference in Week 13.

By Dylan Poitevint @Poitite

No. 1 Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) vs. Auburn (7-4, 3-4 SEC)

No. 13 Florida (8-3, 5-3 SEC) at Florida State (5-6, 3-5 ACC)

Saturday, Nov. 24 — Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2:30 p.m. on CBS

Saturday, Nov. 24 — Doak Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, Florida 11 a.m. on ABC

As one of the nation’s most storied rivalries, the Iron Bowl has been a highly anticipated SEC showdown for the 2018 season. Alabama is undefeated under the Heisman contending arm of sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and boasts the conference’s top offense.

Tagovailoa has thrown for 2,865 yards, with an astonishing touchdown to interception ratio of 31 touchdowns to two picks. The Tide’s offense averages 539 yards a game, meaning this team is further helped by its defense’s impressive performance. Alabama is ranked eighth nationally in total defense, allowing 282 yards to opponents on average. All in all, the Crimson Tide has proved to be nation’s most complete team, but Auburn hopes to get in the way of its rival’s championship run. The Tigers are led by junior quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is having a solid season with 2,294 yards and 12 touchdowns. Auburn looks decent defensively, allowing opponents 372 yards per game. Auburn will have to focus on the fundamentals and play the game of the year if they hope to upset the Tide. Watch for Alabama to cruise over its opponent as they have all season.

This matchup is for all the bragging rights in the state of Florida. The Gators go into this meeting looking impressive with a strong defense that has been troubling offenses all season and ranks 37th nationally, allowing 354 yards per game. Florida has struggled offensively, however, and sophomore quarterback Feleipe Franks has been rather inconsistent this year.

Franks has thrown for 20 touchdowns, six interceptions and averages 184 yards a game. The Gators need to improve this offense in order to come out with a win. The Seminoles, on the other hand, have struggled this season. Florida State is ranked 107th nationally in total offense and is not much better defensively, with a national ranking of 67th. The key for Florida State will be defending junior quarterback Deondre Francois, who has been feeling the pressure all season. Francois will also need to limit turnovers, as he has 10 interceptions on the season. Look for Florida to dominate Florida State defensively on its way to a win in Tallahassee.

Prediction: Alabama 38, Auburn 10

Prediction: Florida 32, Florida State 17

No. 21 Mississippi State (7-4, 3-4 SEC) at Ole Miss (5-6, 1-6 SEC)

No. 17 Kentucky (8-3, 5-3 SEC) at Louisville (2-9, 0-8 ACC)

Thursday, Nov. 22 — Vaught-Hemingway Stadium — Oxford, Mississippi 6:30 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Nov. 24 — Cardinal Stadium — Louisville, Kentucky 6 p.m. on ESPN2

This Thanksgiving Day classic spotlights the state of Mississippi for the Egg Bowl between the Bulldogs and the Rebels. Mississippi State comes in with the best defense in the conference, under the leadership of senior defensive end Montez Sweat. He has 45 tackles and 10 sacks in 2018 and has remained the dominating force on this team. The Bulldogs only allow 281 yards to opponents and rank seventh nationally in total defense. Offensively, however, Mississippi State will have to improve, as it averages 392 yards per game. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has struggled in conference play this season, and an upset similar to last season could be a big statement win for the end of the season. Offensively, the Rebels are playing well under the leadership of senior quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. He has 3,831 yards this season and is deadly when his offense clicks. Defensively, Ole Miss will need to be on the ball Thursday, as it has struggled all season and ranks 125th nationally. Watch for the Bulldogs to halt the Rebel offense and get revenge with a big win.

This rivalry matchup features a strong Kentucky team looking to end its exciting regular season with a major win. Kentucky has been playing great football with a stout defense that ranks 18th nationally and allows only 321 yards per game to its opponents. The Wildcats also have a great playmaker in junior running back Benny Snell Jr., who has 1,335 yards in 2018 and 12 touchdowns. Kentucky could be ranked at the end of the season for the first time since 1984 if they pull off the win on Saturday. Meanwhile, Louisville has struggled in 2018 with only two wins. The Cardinals have fired head coach Bobby Petrino and are looking for a statement win over their rival. They will have to hold Kentucky’s offense, but that means improving a defense that is ranked 117th nationally. Look for the Wildcats to end one of their best seasons with a strong win behind Snell and their defense.

Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Ole Miss 21

Prediction: Kentucky 38, Louisville 17

WEEK 13: STAFF PICKS Texas A&M vs. LSU

Saturday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. on SECN

Angel Franco

Sports Editor @angelmadison_

ANGEL

This is my last staff pick ever. Thanks for the memories, Kyle. Thanks mom and dad for letting me do this. A&M pulls off the upset.

Luke Henkhaus ABIGAIL LUKE

HANNAH ANTHONY

Managing Editor @luke_henkhaus

I know tHe TigErs are more than capabLe of Pulling off a big win on the Aggies’ hoMe field this weEk.

Anthony Pangonas

News Editor @apangonas

Four years of games against LSU. Every year is the same outcome even though they are always great games to end each season.

Abigail Ochoa

Asst. Sports Editor @AbigailOchoa88

My last game on the sidelines HAS to end with a Fightin’ Texas Aggie win.

Hannah Falcon

Life & Arts Editor @hannahfalcon_

I don’t see how you can hate from outside A&M. You can’t even get in.

Cassie Stricker

Photo Chief @cassie_stricker

No matter the outcome, there will be tears after this game... BTHO LSU!

CASSIE Megan Rodriguez

MEGAN TAYLOR

Editor-in-Chief @MeganLRodriguez

Wow, it’s my last staff pick at The Battalion and I’m still as overly optimistic as I was my freshman year. Also, has anyone seen Luke?

Taylor Fennell

News Editor @taylorpaige1299

“L” is literally in their name...

LIFE&ARTS

4

The Battalion | 11.19.18

BUS CONTINUED accessible in more locations.

“OurBus is dedicated to bringing new transportation alternatives to regions like Texas that lack affordable and efficient transportation options,” Kadar said. “The company is made up of students, travelers and commuters who realize that enjoying a comfortable ride and one that can be booked easily on your smartphone is just as important as the final destination.”

Kadar said she originally a customer of OurBus and was impressed by the service. She reached out to the company and started working as its public relations consultant so she could help others the same way OurBus helped her.

“As a former college student myself, I know the challenges students face in finding an inexpensive ride home,” Kadar said. “All of us at OurBus are constantly looking for ways to address the unique needs of students.”

Having an affordable method of transportation allows students without a car to see their families more and make traveling outside of College Station easier, said forensic and investigative sciences sophomore Heather Hockersmith.

“I’m from Minnesota, and just having an affordable option to get to the airport in Houston would make it so much easier to get home or see my other family members in Texas,” Hockersmith said. “It’s really hard to feel isolated and unable to go places, so I think that having OurBus as an option would really improve student life here at TAMU.” As for the future of OurBus in College Station, Hellman said the company will see how things go with this Thanksgiving trial run and move forward from there.

“If people like the service and tell us that they need it, then we’ll do a soft launch, possibly in January, and we will start running them a couple of days a week and expand gradually from there,” Hellman said.

More information on trip prices and dates is available at ourbus. com/bookticket.

Thanksgiving events in Aggieland Bryan-College Station offers variety of festive opportunities over break

By Navid Nathani @nathaninavid As Thanksgiving break approaches, it seems like Aggieland is starting to clear out for the holiday. Even so, people who choose to stay in town this year have plenty of ways to enjoy the time out of class, whether its unwinding before finals week with a yoga session or volunteering throughout the community.

The Compassion Experience: Nov. 19 from 12 p.m. to Nov. 5:40 p.m.

An immersive and interactive event where attendees step into the shoes of a child living in poverty. Held at Central Baptist Church in

Bryan. Free of cost, this event is a great way to be empathetic and thankful.

Black Friday Happy Hour at Mo’s: Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mo’s Irish Pub will have a happy hour special on Black Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No cover, plus cheap booze and live music make for the perfect holiday shopping break.

Bryan-College Station Turkey Trot: Nov. 22 at 8 a.m.

Participate in a one-mile fun run or a competitive 5k for a price of $20 for students. All proceeds go to local non-profit organizations and participants also receive gifts for participating. The race is held at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center at 8 a.m. and registration closes on Nov. 21 at 7:30 a.m.

Brazos Valley Food Bank: Nov. 19 Nov. 23

The Brazos Valley Food Bank gives food to many low-income families and is always accepting volunteers. Shifts take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check out bvfb.org to find ways to give back to the community.

Free Thanksgiving Flow: Nov. 22 Hosted by the Yoga Pod at College Station, this event helps people de-stress and feel grateful through the art of yoga. The event is free to attend and held from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Thanksgiving Potluck: Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. to Nov. 23 at 2 a.m.

Duddley’s Draw is hosting a potluck on Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The event is free and there is no need to bring a dish to eat. Duddley’s is providing classic Thanksgiving foods such as turkey, ham and stuffing.

READ ONLINE AT THEBATT.COM

Following hunting regulations is an important part of hunting season. Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens discuss the best way to ensure a legal hunt.

The wildfires raging in California are the deadliest in state history, destroying entire communities and leaving residents with ashes to call home.

Life & Arts writer Cole Fowler says “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” feels like a collage of unfinished work.

A dominant running back unit versus a rushing defense is a recipe for an all out SEC battle. A&M’s secondary preps for LSU’s offense in last regular season game.

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The Battalion | 11.19.18

5 things to watch for during A&M-LSU

By Brian Bass @brianbass4

1

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Senior defensive back Donovan Wilson made five solo tackles and one interception during the game against UAB.

3

LSU’s road struggles Throughout the course of the season, LSU has had a few games in hostile environments that have either ended in a loss or a tight win. The Tigers defeated Auburn and Arkansas by one and seven, respectively, and lost to Florida midway through the season by eight. With LSU coming into a hostile environment like Kyle Field and a packed house for the last game of the regular season, it will not be easy for the Tigers to pick up a win.

4

Dangerous LSU offense The Tigers boast a dangerous offense with several reliable weapons in the backfield and the receiving corps. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has been an inconsistent factor under center with flashes of greatness, but he doesn’t have the offensive line necessary to keep him in the pocket long enough to create a play. Instead, the ball is commonly shared between running backs Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Each one compliments Burrow as both a blocking back and an agile runner capable of bringing LSU wins from week-to-week. However, wide receiver Justin Jefferson has also been a dangerous factor for LSU and could bring big problems to A&M if he isn’t covered well.

Clash of the defenses The past couple of weeks have been a constant rise of A&M’s stout defense. A&M’s rushing defense has improved to second best in the country and has also seen some much-needed improvements in the secondary. The Aggies’ secondary has forced several turnovers and has put the pressure on each opponent’s passing game. LSU is very similar but isn’t as effective as the Aggies’ defense. LSU’s rush defense and total defense are both ranked at 30. LSU has some big-time playmakers in both the box and in the secondary and shouldn’t be underestimated going forward. If senior safety John Battle returns healthy against A&M, LSU’s defense will be even more dangerous.

GUEST COLUMN

Giving Out of Gratitude How a $2.50 check reminds me what generosity is all about.

Tyson Voelkel @TysonVoelkel

H

owdy Ags! Between all the parades, football and food this time of year, it’s always nice to remind ourselves exactly why we celebrate Thanksgiving by asking each other and ourselves one simple question: “What are you thankful for?” As I get older, I’m realizing how important it is to keep that question top of mind throughout the year, not just during the holidays. Too often, in the noble vein of pursuing something greater in life, we fixate on everything we don’t have, and we fail to appreciate the wholeness of what we already do.

I’m reminded of a certain story about gratitude when I walk into my office every morning. In 1962, there was a young Texas A&M graduate who was in his first year at Harvard Business School. His family didn’t have much money, so he took out loans to pay for his schooling. Though he was nearly 2,000 miles from home and effectively broke, this man’s gratitude to Texas A&M compelled him to make a selfless gesture. He wrote a check to the Texas A&M Foundation for $2.50 (equivalent to $20 in today’s money). Despite having next to nothing himself, he sent that check from Massachusetts with a note promising he would donate more as soon as he could.

That young man was Jon L. Hagler

’58, and the reason I’m often reminded of his story isn’t just because he exemplifies the Aggie core value of selfless service, but also because I walk past his name on the front of the Foundation’s building every day. After he earned his master’s degree from Harvard, Mr. Hagler founded several investment firms and kept his promise to give further.

Today, he is one of Texas A&M’s most loyal benefactors, with a wide range of far-reaching gifts supporting students, faculty and research, because he believes that we as a university and as individuals should demand the very best of ourselves. Aside from giving so freely, Mr. Hagler has also shared his time and wisdom with the university over the years by serving on numerous boards and committees, including as co-chair of the Vision 2020 initiative under Dr. Ray Bowen’s presidency.

It’s rare to find an individual willing to give so completely of themselves, but Mr. Hagler has set an inspiring example.

As for that $2.50 check, I laminated it so I can carry it with me wherever I go. Every time I see it in my planner, I remember the small act of charity that started a lifetime of generosity. It reminds me that sometimes, the best way to appreciate what we have is to give what we can.

From all of us at the Foundation, we hope you have a blessed and family-filled Thanksgiving.

Thanks and Gig ’em, and BTHO LSU this weekend!

Tyson Voelkel ’96 President, Texas A&M Foundation

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Surging Aggie offense The Aggies found their footing at home.

During the past two games against Ole Miss and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Trayveon Williams and Kellen Mond have put up solid performances. Williams, in particular, has truly excelled with his third straight 100-plus yard rushing game with at least one touchdown. Mond has looked much more composed, seeing the field better and making some impressive passes that result in touchdowns. His accuracy and touchdown to interception ratios have also been the best he’s had this half of the season, as he threw five touchdowns and only one pick in the past two games. A&M will be a force to be reckoned with on Saturday.

Shared high stakes This game carries a lot of weight for both teams, win or lose. With a win, A&M will be on its way to its first nine-win season in five years — a great inaugural season for head coach Jimbo Fisher. LSU, on the other hand, is fighting for a New Year’s Six bowl game and an 11-win season if it can take down the Aggies.

The Tigers have not seen an 11-win season since 2010 when they won the Cotton Bowl. Both teams have a lot to play for this weekend.

NEWS

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The Battalion | 11.19.18

COMMEMORATING SELFLESS SERVICE

Bench, scholarship dedicated in memory of deceased Aggie Marine

By Henry Mureithi @HenryMureithi5

As former cadets and their families opened an event this past Saturday to honor their deceased brother, they uttered the words, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.”

The short ceremony dedicating a bench on the quad and a scholarship to Kenny Robertson, Class of 1997, was held at the same place where company G-2 used to gather, as current cadets lined the periphery of the sacred space.

Robertson was on campus when the school was expanding rapidly and the Corps of Cadets was going through its own changes. G-2, which Robertson commanded was disbanded at the end of spring 1997. According to Josh Horton, Robertson’s former roommate and Class of 1997, no one was more affected by the news than Robertson.

“It was actually pretty surprising,” Horton said. “Kenny was a great leader … That part sucked [for him].”

After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, Robertson became a United States Marine Corps aviator, serving as a helicopter pilot for 10 years. During this time, Robertson met his wife, Angie Howell, and the two connected through their shared faith.

“When we moved to Arkansas, we ran a college Bible study in our home,” Howell said. “As a wife, to see your husband mentor

and foster these young college kids … it’s such an honor to watch him raise them.”

In Arkansas, Robertson flew emergency evacuation helicopters. It was during this life-saving work that Robertson died in a helicopter crash in 2010. He was survived by his wife, sons Kale and Archie and daughter Abby. Kyle Graham, Class of 1997, said the G-2 buddies united to cope with the difficult loss.

“When we left A&M, we kind of scattered,” Graham said. “Then we kind of got hit by this helicopter crash and almost [the] whole group of buddies went to Arkansas for his funeral.”

As a testament to the bonds he made, Robertson’s buddies from the Corps committed themselves to helping his family after his death and maintaining an oral tradition of the man they knew — the man his children were too young to remember.

“I met most of them at the funeral,” Howell said. “We have stayed in almost all their homes. My children ask them for advice.

These men and their wives have just invested.

It’s almost too heavy a burden of gratitude to carry … When I think about Kenny, it is an easy mixture — equal parts loyalty, commitment and courage. Those are the things A&M and the Corps exemplifies ... and I want my kids to remember that about their dad.”

Howell and her family moved back to Texas to be close to Robertson’s Corps buddies and now live across from Nathan Harris, Class of 1997, who served as Robertson’s second-in-command while in the Corps.

When Company G-2 was reactivated in

August of 2014, it was not long after that Robertson’s buddies started looking for ways to give him a permanent legacy in the Corps he loved.

According to Texas A&M Foundation senior director of development Matt Jennings, having the bench and a scholarship dedicated to Robertson is evidence of the special camaraderie that the Corps engenders in former cadets.

“One of the most generous groups in A&M are former members of the Corps,” Jennings said. “It’s a way to honor their friend, [and] at the same time to support another student. It helps to perpetuate an experience that they had.”

The bench dedicated to Roberson sits on the Quad at the corner of Dorm 5 and Dorm 7.

The Kenny Robertson ‘97 Memorial Corps of Cadets Scholarship will be given to the commander of G-2 each year. Barak Waters, political science senior and current G-2 commander, said he plans to join the Air Force and felt humbled to be part of a history of leaders that came before him.

“I came to A&M to better myself and better others,” Waters said. “You feel like you’re part of something greater than yourself. … It’s a little bit more weight behind it ... knowing that there’s someone else who’s been in my shoes.”

It is the memories of Robertson’s love for God that Howell hopes people most remember about her husband.

“His grave marker at the camp that we met says that he was God’s 12th Man,” Howell

PROVIDED

A bench and a scholarship were dedicated in memory of former commander of G-2 Kenny Robertson, Class of 1997.

said. “The reason we carved that is because the 12th Man is the one that can be counted on to volunteer at a moment’s notice and Kenny was God’s 12th Man … He allowed himself to be used in the service of others.”

E-WALK CONTINUED

Photos by Cassie Stricker and Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Top: Two cadets whoop after firing the cannon at Midnight Yell Practice on Nov. 16. Bottom: International studies junior John Borland prepares to mount his horse for riding practice at Fiddler’s Green on Nov. 13.

PARSONS CONTINUED all. They learn how to operate a big operation like this. We look at them and say, ‘Well, we got accepted to the Rose [Parade], how are we going to get there?’ It’s a unique experience [for] college kids to have that much responsibility at that age.”

The cadets in the Cav are no strangers to selflessness and leadership, according to animal science senior Sam Phillips.

“Our first rule is our horses come first, and so it really kind of teaches you to put something other than yourself first,” Phillips said.

“Without these horses, we wouldn’t be here.

We wouldn’t be able to do this trip in January and things like that.”

The chance to participate in the Rose Parade is exciting for all, including Phillips, who went to high school in California. While excitement is high, the cadets also realize the opportunity comes with its share of responsibility.

“It’s a daunting task,” Phillips said. “It’s definitely a big mountain that we’re going to climb, but we’re slowly getting there. I think we’ve made good progress.”

A team of cadets assembled to plan the trip after the Cav was invited to the parade in Au-

gust. The group traveling to Pasadena consists of 51 cadets who volunteered to dedicate part of their winter break to the journey, according to agricultural leadership and development senior and a PMC section chief Sean Paris.

“We have to plan our stops, every stop we make — fuel, a budget,” Paris said. “We have to get with people to let us stay at their facilities. We’ve been getting a lot of support from the different Aggie clubs across the nation.”

A skeleton crew will leave College Station on Dec. 27 to begin preparations. The parade starts at 10 a.m. CST on Jan. 1.

1741 University Dr. East College Station, TX 77840 979-846-3600

recently expressed discomfort concerning Sul Ross’ past as a Confederate general.

“We really just feel like there are a bunch of students here who are about to graduate and who have still yet to feel like A&M is their home just because of certain traditions that they don’t feel included in or just the way they’ve been treated or viewed by their peers or their professors,” Tisch said. “This is a small other way that could help some students feel more welcomed here right before they graduate.”

Decisions regarding the future of Junior E-Walk were also made when Class Councils chose to cancel the event after this year.

Junior E-Walk was created in 1992 to stop the junior class from sabotaging the seniors during their E-Walk. Though the two walks make the same stops, the classes take opposite paths so they never meet.

Considering the tradition’s origin, finance senior and Class Councils executive director Julian Moberly said Junior E-Walk is no longer necessary.

“There’s no real issue of juniors hazing the seniors, so the purpose of the tradition has been fulfilled,” Moberly said.

Class of 2020 president and biomedical sciences junior Patrick Hernandez said the decision to eliminate Junior E-Walk was not an easy one. There were many discussions within Class Councils this year to explain why Junior E-Walk is no longer needed. No longer participating in E-Walk will allow the junior class to start planning their class gift earlier, Hernandez said.

Student senator and petroleum engineering senior Jett Black co-authored a resolution requesting the stop at the Sul Ross statue be added back to E-Walk, though it cannot be voted on until the Student Senate’s next meeting on Nov. 28, more than a week after E-Walk.

Black said he remembers when he first learned about the Sul Ross statue and the tradition of placing a penny on Sully for good luck.

“It is something you learn about when you first come to campus on tours,” Black said. “It should be a tradition that we revisit at the end of our four years here.”

Student Senate speaker pro-tempore and computer science junior Tate Banks said he was told that Class Councils removed the stop at the statue due to logistical issues.

“I can say that there are some folks within [student government] and the greater Aggie community as a whole who are not too thrilled about Sully being excluded from Elephant Walk,” Banks said. “Sully is obviously a very integral part of the campus.”

Tisch said removing the Sul Ross stop on the E-Walk route should not change the tradition’s overall focus. “[We] need to remember that the true meaning of tradition is to bring students together for a common purpose,” Tisch said.

“While the Elephant Walk will be forever changed, the tradition still lives on.”

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