MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA
FOOTBALL
Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Running back Trayveon Williams made the game winning touchdown against Kentucky.
WARRIOR
Texas A&M running back shines as Aggies upset Kentucky in Kyle Field By Angel Franco @angelmadison_
With Saturday’s game on the line in overtime, Texas A&M junior running back Trayveon Williams was given the ball on three straight plays. It was Williams’ third and final run of the game that gave A&M the 20-14 upset victory over No. 13 Kentucky. “It’s a great opportunity,” Williams said. “I’m just glad that this offense and this coaching staff has the trust in me to put me in those situations.” A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said Williams’ versatility and work ethic have allowed him to shine on the field. “He’s outstanding,” Fisher said. “He’s a warrior, he’s a competitor and he practices that way. Trayveon is a warrior, man, he can do it all. He can catch, he can run and he’s a great competitor.” For Williams, Saturday’s 138-yard performance was just reaffirming what he already knew — he is one of the best running backs in the country. “I proved that I am a great back,” Williams said. On the final play of the game, Williams credits redshirt senior full back Cullen Gillaspia with the clean running lane that allowed him to get into the end zone. “It was a simple inside zone run,” Williams said. “In that situation, I’ve got to run behind Cullen Gillaspia and he had a great block. He put me into the second level and I just had to make a guy miss and jump into the end zone.” Late in the fourth quarter, Williams was WILLIAMS ON PG. 3
Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION
The Singing Cadets were founded as the 9-member Texas A&M College Glee Club. In 1940, the student body voted to rename the group to its current title. Today, there are over 70 members of the Singing Cadets.
Singing through the centuries ‘The voice of Aggieland’ celebrates 125 years as ambassadors of A&M By Vernesha Hazel @verneeshaaa Texas A&M’s internationally famous Singing Cadets are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. As one of A&M’s oldest organizations, the Singing Cadets have represented the university all across America and the world, spreading the Aggie Spirit through music. What started out as a nine-member glee club has transformed into an internationally recognized chorale. Patrick Sheridan is a first-year master’s student in educational administration and human resource development and a fifthyear member of the Singing Cadets. He said
the organization represents a tradition that’s here to stay. “We were founded 17 years after the university was established and we’ve been here ever since,” Sheridan said. “A lot of old Ags know the Singing Cadets and it just shows that even though a lot of things change, some things never change.” The Singing Cadets are no strangers to travel, according to geophysics senior and traditions chairman Josh Simmons. The group takes trips throughout the year, including weekends and academic holidays. “Part of our mission statement is to advance public relations for Texas A&M, so we are a public relations organization,” Simmons said. “We get to go to places all over Texas and the nation as ambassadors of goodwill for A&M.” The Singing Cadets have performed for high-profile guests, including all five living
former presidents. Sheridan said one of his favorite memories was performing for former President George H.W. Bush at his residence in Maine. “In summer 2017 we went to Kennebunkport, Maine, where President George H.W. Bush spends his summers,” Sheridan said. “We got to sing in the living room with him and Barbara and one of the former prime ministers of the U.K. Another cool moment was the Deep From The Heart concert for hurricane relief. We got to sing the national anthem on stage with all five living former presidents and then [“God Bless the U.S.A.”] with Lee Greenwood, the creator of the song.” Performing in Maine was an experience Singing Cadets public relations manager Ty Wilson said he will never forget. Wilson is an agricultural communications and SINGING CADETS ON PG. 2
Celebrating chromosome 21 Community walks to support people with Down syndrome By Jordan Burnham @RJordanBurnham
Edith Anthony — THE BATTALION
The team “Dillon’s Dudes” led the Buddy Walk at Millican Reserve on Sunday morning.
Friends and family members walked, ran and relaxed together at Millican Reserve Sunday morning during Brazos Valley’s 15th annual Buddy Walk. A national event raising awareness for individuals with Down syndrome, Buddy Walk brings together teams of friends and family to promote understanding and inclusion. This year’s local event at Millican Reserve coincided with Down Syndrome Awareness month, celebrated each October. Fifty-three teams raised funds for the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley to host classes and social events throughout the year. This is the second year Millican Reserve hosted the event and included a 5K race in the festivities, according to Kelley Jordan, president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley and co-chair of Buddy Walk. “Every year our buddy walk continues to grow, so we add games and activities for any family to come out there and enjoy,” Jordan said. “It’s also a very special day in our community of indi-
viduals with Down syndrome because they get to show off their ring of support.” One of the main goals of Down syndrome awareness month is to negate the misinformation people often have about Down syndrome. Jordan said this includes the misconceptions that Down syndrome can be caught or that individuals with Down syndrome will not walk or talk. “You have Down syndrome from the moment you are conceived because its an extra copy of your 21st chromosome,” Jordan said. “A typical person has 46 chromosomes. Our individuals with Down syndrome have 47.” Jordan said many challenges individuals with Down syndrome faced in the past are fading away due to advances in speech and physical therapy. “They’re all wonderful people who have all the emotions and really enjoy life,” Jordan said. “My challenge for someone during Down syndrome awareness month [is to] go find someone with Down syndrome and introduce yourself and get to know them.” Kathy Thomkins attended Buddy Walk for the first time this year to support her daughter along with her family, friends and church group. Thomas said she recently joined the association and BUDDY WALK ON PG. 2
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Price Includes Logo and Name (More logos available) Shop for Little Aggies to an Aggie Xmas etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows by Charlotte, Reveille’s Seamstress For A&M Sterling Jewelry: stores.ebay.com/charboeg979 1711 N Earl Rudder Fwy Bryan, TX 77803 979-778-2293 charboeg@yahoo.com
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The Capitol Steps traveling musical comedy group performs the mock Election 2016.
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Megan Rodriguez, Editor in Chief Luke Henkhaus, Managing Editor Taylor Fennell, News Editor Anthony Pangonas, News Editor Jordan Burnham, Asst. News Editor Kathryn Whitlock, Life & Arts Editor Hannah Falcon, Life & Arts Editor Samantha Mahler, Asst. Life & Arts Editor
Angel Franco, Sports Editor Abigail Ochoa, Asst. Sports Editor Cassie Stricker, Photo Chief Jesse Everett, Asst. Photo Chief Daoud Qamar, Video Editor Kevin Christman, Asst. Video Editor Sanna Bhai, Special Sections Editor
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.
Renowned politically charged comedy troupe from Washington, D.C. to perform at Rudder By Jane Turchi @JaneTurchi In 1981, a group of Senate staffers planned a show for their annual Christmas party. Their musical comedy making fun of politicians on both sides of the aisle was a hit, and eventually transformed into the touring production known as The Capitol Steps. Thirty-seven years and 35 albums later, The Capitol Steps continues as a successful traveling musical group. The cast is constantly rewriting material to fit the politics of the day, and their show has been performed for six U.S. presidents. The Capitol Steps will perform to a sold out crowd at Rudder Theatre on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Elaina Newport, a founding member of the group and a graduate of the University of Maryland, was hired for an entry-level job with Illinois Senator Charles Percy on Capitol Hill in 1981. “I was there at the very beginning,” Newport said. “We have an odd story. … We decided to just entertain, we did some songs and skits and thought ‘Okay, that’ll be it. We’ll stop doing it now. Somebody will fire us, tell us to stop, or both.’ And nobody did.” According to Newport, four years after their first show, the troupe received a paying offer to perform at a law firm dinner and soon started performing at other banquets and dinners. “The first few years that we were around, we were so afraid of losing our jobs for doing this we didn’t do a lot of touring,” Newport. “Then we got bolder a few years later and now at this point we’ve been to every state.” Newport said she stays busy, though her role in the group has changed over the years. “I don’t perform as much anymore,” Newport said. “I’ve been concentrating more on the writing in recent years. As
you can imagine, that’s a lot of work. … The writing has been really more of a full-time job than ever.” Since the show revolves around contemporary politics, the fast news cycle of today makes writing songs difficult, Newport said. “One day we think the big story is Trump’s tweet about pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord,” Newport said. “Then the next day nobody even remembers that, and you move on to the next ‘Oh, nuclear war with North Korea, okay.’” Political science junior Shianne McPherson said she looks forward to seeing the group perform at A&M. “I am passionate about politics,” McPherson said. “It’s always good to see two political sides come together and forget their differences for a good laugh.” Each show parodies political figures from both sides of the aisle, including Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. “People will come to our show and they’ll say, ‘I’ve been fighting with my friends on Facebook or I’ve had an argument with my family at the dinner table and I came to your show and I laughed and I feel better,’” Newport said. “That’s one of the best things we can hear.” Mark Eaton is a co-writer for the show who began working with the team in 1993. “We aren’t trying to be outrageous or blaspheme anybody,” Eaton said in an interview with In The Spotlight. “We are trying to be equal opportunity offenders who go after both sides of the aisle in an attempt to make people laugh. If we don’t laugh at some of this stuff, we will certainly cry about it.” The Capitol Steps is a three-time winner of the Washington City Paper’s annual reader’s choice poll for Best place to take an Out-of-Towner and a four-time winner in the Wammie Awards of the Washington Area Music Association. “If you’ve ever wanted to see Donald Trump sing a rock song, Bernie Sanders sing a show tune and Vladimir Putin dance shirtless, this is the show for you,” Newport said.
News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media,a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. 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. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
LAST WEEK TO GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN FOR THE
2019 AGGIELAND! AR Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2019 Aggieland yearbook. ALL CLASSES: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday October 8th thru October 11th The Sanders Corp Museum Library
It’s your yearbook. Be in it.
Edith Anthony — THE BATTALION
Children wait to have their faces painted at the Buddy Walk on Saturday, Oct. 6.
BUDDY WALK CONTINUED has since attended socials and therapy with her daughter. “The Down Syndrome Association partnered up with [St. Joseph’s] outpatient therapy,” Thomas said. “We got to do some physical therapy and [occupational] therapy bootcamps, so that was a lot of fun.” Down Syndrome Association member Jason Foley be-
SINGING CADETS CONTINUED journalism senior. “When we finished performing for George and Barbara Bush in their living room, the U.K. prime minister spoke to us,” Wilson said. “He told us to always remember brotherhood and to never forget the men standing around us.” As the group celebrates their 125th anniversary, they are looking forward to a number of notable milestones in the upcoming year, said Wilson. “We are changing our look across the board,” Wilson said. “We’re performing more than we ever have before on and around campus, and we’re trying to connect with more high school students.”
came involved when he found out his son would be born with Down syndrome. “It’s an organization, but I think of it more as a community,” Foley said. “It’s a chance for us to share stories, share war stories and get an idea what the future holds.” To learn more about the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley, visit dsabv.org.
Above all, Simmons said he is proud of the group’s outreach and hospitality to prospective and incoming students. “I’m super proud of the way our program helps the freshmen,” Simmons said. “Freshmen come in as probationary members and we help them get acclimated both to college and to the group. I’m proud of how helpful we can be to them. That’s the second half of our mission statement and it’s the coolest thing I’ve gotten out of the group.” Wilson said the organization provides members with unique opportunities 125 years in the making. “The Singing Cadets does a really good job of not tailoring the member to the experience but tailoring the experience to the member,” Wilson said. “There’s no other organization on campus that’s going to connect you to people the way the Singing Cadets does.”
FOOTBALL
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The Battalion | 10.8.18
Photos by Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Left: Texas A&M’s defense, including Tyrel Dodson and Derrick Tucker, held Kentucky to 62 total yards in the entire second half and overtime during Saturday’s game. Right: Sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 226 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and was sacked four times.
What we learned: Texas A&M vs. Kentucky
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Kellen Mond’s roller coaster season continues It’s no secret that sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond has struggled with turnovers throughout the past three weeks. Saturday night’s latest turnover nearly cost A&M the game. After Mond fumbled at the A&M 43-yard line, Kentucky safety Darius West picked the ball up and returned it for a touchdown to tie the game with 4:17 left. Even as the fumble shifted the momentum of the game, Mond kept his composure — something A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said was critical to getting the Aggies back on track. “I thought he managed the game well,” Fisher said. “I thought he had a solid game. I thought he played a really good football game and neither of those [turnover] situations bothered him.” Mond said that as a leader, it is up to him to keep his emotions in check so he can help maintain balance when emotions are running high for the rest of the team. “Sometimes people were getting a little rattled on the sideline, but I think that’s my job and Trayveon’s job to keep everyone even keeled,” Mond said. “Obviously we’re going to make mistakes out there, but we’ve just got to continue to play the next play.”
WILLIAMS CONTINUED shaken up after a play that left him needing attention from the medical staff. “I tried to jump out and sell out for the team,” Williams said. “I just fell odd, hurt my ribs and got the wind knocked out of me, but
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A new chapter in A&M’s Wrecking Crew history A&M’s defense held Kentucky to 66 yards of offense in the second half and only 178 total yards. A&M’s rush defense was up against Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr., widely considered the best running back in the league. The Aggies were able to contain Snell to only 60 yards the entire game —a season low for Snell, who averaged 127.8 yards a game before Saturday night. A&M junior linebacker Tyrel Dodson said while he successfully prevented Snell from having an explosive night, he still felt the defense could have allowed Snell to rush for fewer yards. “We’re not satisfied, because he should’ve had zero yards,” Dodson said. “We’ve got to go back to work Monday.” In a night where the A&M team wore throwback uniforms to honor the 1998 Southwest Conference champions, many fans brought back the name of the Wrecking Crew to describe the current Aggie defense. They had a stellar night defending against the run and creating pressure by sacking Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson six times.
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Trayveon Williams shines in the national spotlight Going into the game, there was an immense focus on both Snell and Trayveon Williams as the top running backs in the league. Williams quietly took the title as the best throughout the game — until overtime. With the Aggies looking to close out the victory after Kentucky missed a 43-yard field goal that bounced off the upright, the ball was given to Williams on three consecutive plays. Williams followed redshirt senior fullback Cullen Gillaspia and dove into the end zone, securing his title as one of the best running backs in the SEC. Williams said he is grateful to the coaching staff and team for the new opportunities he’s had this season. “I’m just glad that this offense and this coaching staff has the trust in me to put me in those situations,” Williams said.
By Angel Franco
it’s one of those situations that you have fight through and get through.” Williams had a career-high six receptions for 72 yards against the Wildcats. A&M sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond said the focus was to get Williams in the game, either by passing or running the ball. “We wanted to give [Trayveon] the ball,”
Mond said. “He did a good job for us. It was something we knew going into the game and something we had to take advantage of in the run game.” Junior tight end Jace Sternberger said Williams puts in additional time outside the playing field, which allows him to find success in each game.
“There’s a lot of little things that Trayveon does behind the scenes at practice that he doesn’t get a lot of credit for,” Sternberger said. “To see him get rewarded with the performances that he puts out night in and night out — we are just so happy for him. Even though he’s younger than me, I still look up to him.”
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FOR RENT Newly remodeled 2/2 house with a spacious kitchen, stainless appliances, granite, walk-in closet, wood floors, w/d, and fenced yard. Conveniently located across from Wolfpen Creek Park on tamu bus route. Pets negotiable with deposit. Call Steve Pittman 979229-0988.
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HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $75-$150/hr, up to $500/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Budweiser now hiring, helper on truck, 2-3 days a week, 6am-3pm, $12/hr, apply 1000 Independence Bryan, TX.
HELP WANTED Christ's Way Baptist Church is seeking part-time minister of music. Please send resume to 3885 Copperfield Dr. Bryan 77802, or email mary@christsway.org Part-time cleaning, day and evening, Monday-Friday. Call 979-823-1614 for interview.
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Looking for student needing weekend work. Lawn care work $15/hr. Call Jay at 979-777-8637 Producers Cooperative Association, part-time, inside feed sales position. Work around your class schedule! Call/email today 979778-6000, tcurry@producerscooperative.com. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $10/hour. Apply online at www.99Tutors.com 979-255-3655.
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Weekend merchandisers. Budweiser has immediate openings for part-time positions. Great pay from $150-$200! Pre-employment drug screen. Apply at Jack Hilliard Dist., 1000 Independence, Bryan, TX. Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm, ask to speak with Joseph.
MUSIC Private Piano/Voice Instruction. Pianist/Vocalist for Weddings and Special Events. Call Scott today at 979-204-0447. www.brazosmusicgroup.com
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Aggies John and Rene tailgated with Kentucky fans Phil and Cookie Foster after meeting them during the Corps march in.
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Kentucky fans share their gameday experience in Aggieland Dear Editor,
M
y wife and I moved to Texas in 1983 as newlyweds from Kentucky and were warmly welcomed by many wonderful people we met upon arrival. Being so welcomed made us feel so good about our decision to move to Texas that we just stayed and made Dallas our home. This weekend while visiting College Station to attend the football game as alumni and fans of the University of Kentucky, we were reminded of the warm welcome we received many years ago as newcomers to the state. When we first arrived on Saturday morning, we saw the “Welcome Kentucky Wildcats” sign in front of the Rudder Tower’s “Howdy” topiary. That was very classy and set the tone for the rest of our day. We had never seen Step Out and wanted to experience it, but could not see behind the crowd that had formed. Aggie fans John and Rene recognized our dilemma and offered their front row vantage point, and then invited us to their tailgate party. We were welcomed not as competitors but as friends. Negotiating a crowd in a wheelchair is not easy. When we could not find a ramp down from the curb, two gentlemen lifted me down. A very
nice crowd-control officer helped us in and out of the stadium by parting the lines to help get us to the ramp. When pushing the wheelchair up the long ramp became too much, two kind gentlemen took over and pushed the rest of the way. When we had a need, we weren’t asked whether we needed help — the need was simply addressed. This is a lesson that should be taught and exported. When we were watching the game, we met even more awesome A&M people in the stands. Jennifer helped explain the 12th Man and Yell Leader traditions, and we discovered common friends and experiences. We can’t even count the number of times we were told, “Thanks for coming down!” We just wanted everyone to know how truly grateful we are to have journeyed to College Station, and to have been received with open arms. Even though our team didn’t win the game, our hearts were won over by the reception we received and the many awesome people we met. Many thanks for your hospitality, Your friends, Phil and Cookie Foster