The Battalion - September 5, 2019

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2019 STUDENT MEDIA

Silver Taps

Vladimir N. Yelkhimov Nov. 5, 1992 - July 29, 2019

Grant Jacson Hernandez April 13, 1999 - Jan. 6, 2019

Nathan Wesley Matos Feb. 16, 1997 - April 20, 2019

Alisa Diane Ross July 27, 1956 - Sept. 15, 2018

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The Queen Theater will host a showing of “Shazam!” on Friday at 8 p.m. with $5 tickets.

First Friday festivities Downtown Bryan holds monthly event for community with music, food and shopping

By Kylie Harris Guest Contributor Anyone not going out of town for the Clemson game this weekend can take a 10-minute road trip to Downtown Bryan to explore the free live music and hyper-local food and shopping that First Friday always has on tap.

Hosted by the Downtown Bryan Association, First Friday runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with most businesses staying open late while offering sales and food or drink specials. During this free, monthly event, the sidewalks in the historic district will be dotted with musicians, and a section of streets is closed to traffic for games and activities.

“First Friday is a signature event here in Bryan,” said Hannah Hernandez, events coordinator for the Downtown Bryan Association. “There is live music that fills the streets and nonprofits that come out and promote their organization.”

From craft breweries to coffee shops to FIRST FRIDAY ON PG. 2

Josh Sozio — THE BATTALION

Waffle House team member Jodi Jarrett hands out free waffles and hashbrowns to students during the Waffle House food truck’s stop in College Station for National Waffle Week.

Breakfast chain brings food truck to Aggieland after social media poll

By Lexi Ellis @lexiellis10 The Waffle House food truck made a pit stop in College Station on Wednesday, feeding both a crowd of fans and ongoing speculation about the chain’s future in Aggieland.

TIGER TERRITORY

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Junior quarterback Kellen Mond completed 194 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Texas State Bobcats during the Aggies’ season opener.

From noon to 2 p.m., Aggies waited in line to eat free waffles and hash browns from the food truck, eventually making their way to dine in at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center, where paper hats, t-shirts, sponsored 12th Man towels, photo booth prints and custom Coca-Cola bottles were distributed.

In honor of the breakfast chain’s 64th anniversary and National Waffle Week, Waffle House took to Twitter last week to ask fans where their next eatery should be

A&M football set to face defending national champions on Saturday

By Brian Bass @brianbass4 No. 1 Clemson faces only two ranked opponents this season, and No. 12 Texas A&M is the first.

The Tigers escaped Kyle Field last season with a 28-26 victory, the closest Clemson came to a loss in 2018. After naming Trevor Lawrence starting quarterback a week later, head coach Dabo Swinney and staff ran the table, winning their first undefeated national title in nearly four decades. “[Clemson] is an outstanding football team,” A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said at a press conference on Monday. “Dabo has done a tremendous job. … When you win national championships, and you’re ranked No. 1, you’re good in all three phases.”

Other than A&M, Clemson’s only ranked opponent is No. 22 Syracuse on the road next week.

Offensively, the Tigers lost only a pair of experienced linemen upfront. Returning are receivers Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins, who combined for nearly 2,000 yards last season, and Travis Etienne, who rushed for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Lawrence is a Heisman frontrunner and is expected to be drafted first overall once he is eligible for the NFL draft in 2021. The signal-caller started 11 games in his fresh-

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built. Between College Station, San Antonio and Oxford, the highest percent of votes came from Aggieland.

“We had an overwhelming response from all three cities, College Station definitely exceeding that,” said Kelly Thrasher, a communications representative for Waffle House. “But we decided that we would go on a food truck tour of all of the cities because everyone was so excited for us to do it.”

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man season, putting up 3,280 passing yards, as well as 30 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Defense is another story for Clemson.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been working with a defensive front that lost every starter except strongside linebacker Isaiah Simmons, forcing backups from last year to step-up in 2019.

All-American candidate Xavier Thomas is one of those backups who has stepped up at defensive end. He and edge rusher Justin Foster are both blue-chip talents making their first starts and looking to make a splash immediately. Venables has reloaded in terms of his current starting front, but depth issues might be something that haunts the Tigers in big games.

A&M quarterback Kellen Mond and the offense face a tough challenge in Death Valley, but they are confident in their preparation. Mond put up his career-best performance against Clemson last season with 430 passing yard, and he said he’s well-aware of what to expect after kickoff.

“The thing that pretty much everybody knows is that Death Valley and the environment is going to be pretty ridiculous,” Mond said on SEC Network. “But that’s one thing that helps, being in the SEC, every time being on the road. We know it’s going to be loud and a hot environment.”

The Aggies will also be looking to replicate their defensive dominance against Texas State on one of the biggest stages in CLEMSON ON PG. 5

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The “Not Another Aggie” walk is hosted by the Suicide Awareness Prevention Office as part of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Awareness walk at A&M to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day

By Sanna Bhai @BhaiSanna The Suicide Awareness and Prevention Office will host the “Not Another Aggie” walk on Sept. 10, with activities starting at 7 p.m. and the walk starting at 8:15 p.m. in Rudder Plaza.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and next Tuesday’s walk is the first of several activities planned in observance. Santana Simple, assistant director for the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Office, said the date for the walk holds special signif-

FIRST FRIDAY CONTINUED one-of-a-kind restaurants, First Friday makes it easy for students to get a walking tour of all Downtown Bryan has to offer, bringing new customers to shops and restaurants, Hernandez said.

“During First Friday, we get a pretty good mix of families and students,” said Zach Thetford, manager and bartender at RX Pizza and

icance as it is World Suicide Prevention Day. Candles will be lit at 8 p.m. for attempt survivors, those who lost their lives and all of those who are struggling.

Annabeth Reeb, Class of 2017, worked to get the walk established at Texas A&M in the fall of 2016 after her godbrother took his own life at the University of Alabama. Reeb said she started reading up on the university’s suicide prevention resources and looking for ways to get involved.

“I wanted to find a way to transfer my pain into a helpful situation,” Reeb said. “They had a suicide outreach coordinator and things like that, so I reached out to them, and we kind of came up with the idea to bring a walk on campus.”

Getting engrossed in all the preparations for

the walk helped Reeb work through what she was feeling, but it also helped many students who were unaware of the resources provided by the university.

“Our whole goal was to start a conversation so we could end this stigma around mental health,” Reeb said. “Let students come together, hear from survivors, hear that they are not alone, hear that the campus has all these resources and see another side of the A&M community.”

During September, Simple’s office will be sending out information, messages of hope, and a schedule for training and individual programs available throughout the month. The office will also be introducing the Kognito simulation program to guide students through the process of evaluating symptoms and even-

tually offering help to those struggling.

Last year the walk brought out around 1,000 students, and Simple said they’re hoping even more will attend this year. The students do more than walk, Simple said. They provide hope and support for many students, faculty and staff.

“The students make signs that are put around campus as they walk, and that can be life-changing for a struggling individual,” Simple said.

There will also be signs highlighting the walking path, allowing students to join at any time.

“I just invite everyone to come out with us, whether they can come after class or whenever, and walk with us,” Simple said.

Bar. “It’s a lively environment. We get busy around five and stay that way until about midnight.”

To avoid waiting, Thetford recommends arriving at 5 p.m. However, anyone can get placed on the waiting list and still walk around and enjoy First Friday because RX Pizza and Bar will send a text when the table is ready.

There is plenty of parking in Downtown Bryan, said Hernandez, with free on-street parking and additional parking in the Roy

Kelly Parking Garage near 26th street. The garage is free for the first hour and $1 every hour after, she said.

One of the nonprofits that will be at First Friday this month is Voices for Children, a local advocacy center for children in foster care. Starting at 8 p.m., Voices for Children will be sponsoring a showing of “Shazam!” at the Queen Theater with tickets selling for $5.

Advance purchase at QueenBryanTX.com is recommended as First Friday showings usually

sell out, Hernandez said. “‘Shazam!’ is a movie about a foster child who becomes a superhero with his foster family,” said Lindsey Woods, director of development at Voices for Children. “This is the last superhero movie of the summer that we are showing at the Queen, leading up to our Super Hero Fun Run.” More information about First Friday activities, is available at DowntownBryan.com.

Flores will not seek reelection Congressman plans to return to private sector after fifth term Luke Henkhaus, Editor-in-Chief Samantha Mahler, Managing Editor Sanna Bhai, News Editor Camryn Lang, Asst. News Editor Hollis Mills, Life & Arts Editor Meagan Sheffield, Life & Arts Editor Hannah Underwood, Sports Editor Brian Bass, Asst. Sports Editor Jane Turchi, Maroon Life Editor

Meredith Seaver, Photo Chief Henry Mureithi, Opinion Editor Cole Fowler, Asst. Opinion Editor Lexi Ellis, Social Media Editor Daoud Qamar, Multimedia Editor Robert Castro, Asst. Multimedia Editor Demi Navarro, Asst. Multimedia Editor Brady Stone, Page Designer Sydney Clark, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2019 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.

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media,a unit of the Division of Student Affairs.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.

Caring about the needs of others, Committed to helping meet the needs of others Ambucs.org

By Sanna Bhai @BhaiSanna On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Bill Flores, Class of 1976, announced he will not seek reelection after finishing up his fifth term in office in 2021.

In a public statement released by his office, Flores said that when he decided to run in 2009, his plan was to run for no more than six terms. He said that after many conversations with his wife and a few days of prayer, he determined that the best option was to retire after his current term.

Throughout his five terms representing Texas’ 17th Congressional District, Flores has served over 700,000 constituents throughout Central Texas and the Brazos Valley. According to his statement, he was unable to spend as much time as hoped with his family during his tenure, making this decision even more pertinent.

Flores said he would finish off his term strong, fighting for his constituents and working with the Trump administration on issues such as immigration, infrastructure and prescription drug costs.

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“Even though my current term will be my final in Congress, I will continue working with a sense of urgency and diligence over the next 16 months to continue fulfilling my original campaign promises to the good folks in TX-17 to restore Liberty, Opportunity, and Security for hardworking Texas

families who were left behind due to the disastrous policies of the Obama administration,” Flores said in the statement.

Following the end of his term in 2021, Flores will return to work in the private sector while remaining active in politics.

“I look forward to spending much more time with my family and our grandchildren,” Flores said. “I also intend to resume business activities in the private sector and to stay politically active on a federal, state and local level.”

He concluded his statement by thanking his supporters and saluting the nation’s first responders and armed forces.

“Let me close by thanking the tens of thousands of Texans who have supported my family and me with their prayers, friendship, counsel and resources over the past few years,” Flores said. “I will never forget you and your support. I also want to acknowledge the selfless-service and bravery of our Armed Forces and First Responders who selflessly serve to keep America and our communities safe.”

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OPINION

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The Battalion | 9.5.19

FILE

Reveille is known to have stuffed animals of other schools’ mascots during football games. Reveille VIII was seen on the sidelines with both a longhorn and a tiger toy.

Letter to the Aggie Community: It’s time to make a choice This weekend’s LSU vs. t.u. game will offer insight into the choice our administration must make regarding our relationship with t.u.

Chipper Adams Guest Contributor Business management senior Chipper Adams serves as the 2019-2020 Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President of Tradition Enrichment.

D

ear Aggies, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

This principle, which was initially propagated by the ancient Indian philosopher Kautilya, has influenced battles, wars and rivalries for thousands of years, and this weekend it will shape who we Aggies choose to root for in one of this season’s most-anticipated college football games.

On Saturday night, 6th-ranked LSU will travel down to Austin to take on the 10th-ranked t.u. tea-sips. After we watch our Aggies beat the hell out of Clemson, those of us who are not making the journey to South Carolina will not even have to change the channel to watch two of our oldest rivals square off. The eyes of the country will be glued to this game as it will almost certainly play a significant role in determining who will make the College Football Playoff at the end of the season.

We Aggies, however, find ourselves in a unique position: do we root for SEC dominance and hope for an LSU win despite our recently-revived rivalry, or do we succumb to the claims that “we’re not rivals with t.u. anymore” and cheer on the sips as they battle our new Thanksgiving opponent?

Though it might seem trivial to decide who fans of one school ought to cheer for in a game between two other schools, it highlights the peculiarity of the situation in which we, as a university, find ourselves. Our 41-7 victory this past weekend over Texas State ushered us into the 8th season of this new era of Aggie Football, and we are confident heading into one of the toughest schedules ever played by a college football team. Aggie fans are even expectant that Coach Jimbo Fisher will fulfill his version of manifest destiny by leading the team to the College Football Playoff — if not a national championship — within the next few years.

Despite our Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football team’s progress and the ensuing expectations of success, the Aggies have turned their back on their Big 12 days in all areas but one: we find ourselves trying to have our cake and eat it too regarding our relationship with texas university.

We say “LSU is our rival now,” but the message boards seem to be especially

GUEST COLUMN

Music deserves its place here The opening of the John D. White ’70 – Robert L. Walker ’58 Music Activities Center signifies the importance of music in Aggieland Tyson Voelkel

H

@TysonVoelkel

owdy Ags, When I stepped onto Kyle Field for the first time as a Fightin’ Texas Aggie Bandsman in the 1990s, I was ready for everything but the noise. We had spent weeks at the E.V. Adams Band Hall drilling and preparing for the moment when Lt. Col. Jay Brewer ’81 would announce our entrance over the PA system. But as loud as the 12th Man seems from the stands, it’s at least twice as loud on the field.

After the first notes of the War Hymn rang out, the roar of thousands of Aggies shook the fabric of our uniforms. It took all of my focus to keep my eyes forward, march on beat and pray that everyone shuffling around me did the same.

Today, when I watch a performance by the band or another musical group on campus, I often reflect on the role music plays in making our university special. The songs we sing and play are heirlooms passed down through generations of Aggies and serve as reminders to honor our university’s history.

More so than any other medium, music has the unique power to bring past and present together. Its presence in Aggieland is its own tradition—and one well worth preservation.

That’s why I was so proud last week to be part of the grand opening of the new John D.

White ’70 – Robert L. Walker ’58 Music Activities Center. I had the honor and privilege of joining Director of Bands Dr. Timothy Rhea, President Michael K. Young, former Texas A&M presidents Dr. Bill Mobley and Dr. Ray Bowen ’58, and Commandant Brig.

Gen. Joe Ramirez ’79 in welcoming donors, students and other guests to the new hub for Texas A&M’s esteemed music programs.

For decades, these growing programs were housed in the E.V. Adams Band Hall and other places spread across campus. But thanks to generous private gifts, including a lead $10 million commitment from the Ed Rachal Foundation, more than 1,300 Aggies who are part of Texas A&M orchestras, symphonies, jazz ensembles, choral groups and bands are now united under one roof.

These programs can practice and collaborate together in a state-of-the-art, 70,000-square-foot space that rivals the quality of any university music facility in the United States.

If you haven’t ventured over to see the building yet, I highly encourage you to.

Walking in, you can’t help but simultaneously feel the storied past of Texas A&M’s music programs and their bright future. Music has always had a special place on campus. Now, it has a home.

Thanks and Gig ’em, Tyson Voelkel ’96 President, Texas A&M Foundation

excited every time a recruit picks Aggieland over Austin.

We claim that they are irrelevant to us, yet every assertion on ESPN that “Texas is back” leads to weeks worth of content on Aggie Memes for Redass Teens.

We argue that we left t.u. in the dust in our pursuit of greener pastures, but we sing about sawing varsity’s horns off several times every time we play a home football game.

Last spring, our student body was asked if we ought to reestablish the annual football game against the teasips. Even though 88.7 percent of the 15,060 students who voted said yes, our administrators continue to refuse to schedule the game. They claim that it is too difficult to work an annual game against a non-conference opponent into our schedule, yet somehow other SEC schools such as Georgia, Florida and South Carolina have managed to make it work.

By no means do I presume to be more of an expert in these areas than the men and women who lead our university, but I do ask that we be honest with ourselves when we discuss this issue. Our rivalry with t.u. is one of the oldest and most storied traditions on this campus, and I firmly believe that a competition such as this can push us to be the very best we can be — but today we are at a crossroads. We cannot continue to have our

rivalry and leave it behind too.

So, Ags, as you watch the LSU vs. t.u. game this weekend, ask yourselves this: is the enemy of our new Thanksgiving enemy our friend? Or, do you want to see the ever-living, ever-loving, compound, complex hell beaten out of t.u.? Has LSU indeed replaced t.u. as our rival, or is it possible the people at the top — and those who are lining their pocketbooks — are scared to even compete against what might very well be a somewhat decent football team. Aggies are supposed to be “fearless on every front,” aren’t we?

After the referee blows the final whistle, take a minute or two to reflect on your feelings toward the outcome. No matter which side you find yourself on, I ask that you come back to campus on Monday morning with a renewed passion. Show our administrators that they must make a choice: they must either sit down at the bargaining table with those folks down in Austin and make a good faith effort to schedule the game, or begin seriously considering taking steps to unhitch us from our past entirely — steps including rewriting or even replacing the War Hymn. We, as a student body, stand at a critical moment in the history of our university; the choice we make will shape the future of tradition at Texas A&M, and we should not take it lightly.

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AROUND THE SEC

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A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 2

By Dylan Poitevint @Poitite

Week 1 of college football action raised many more questions than answers. Are the traditional powerhouses still the heavy favorites for late-season recognition? Are there unexpected programs on the rise? Is the Southeastern Conference still college football’s undisputed premier league? Here’s some insight on games within the SEC that may help to answer these questions and more as we move into the second week of the season.

Ole Miss (0-1, 0-0 SEC) vs. Arkansas (1-0, 0-0 SEC)

No. 6 LSU (1-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 9 Texas (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) Saturday, Sept. 7 – Daryl K. Royal Memorial Stadium – Austin 6:30 p.m. on ABC The LSU Tigers will face off with the Texas Longhorns in a highly anticipated matchup between the SEC and Big 12. Both programs could use a pivotal out-of-conference win to help strengthen their playoff hopes later in the season as well as solidify their high standings in the polls. LSU is coming off of a dominant 55-3 win over Georgia Southern where senior quarterback Joe Burrow led the Tiger offense with an impressive 278 yards and five touchdowns. Burrow is providing stability at a position LSU has struggled with in the past, and he’ll need a repeat performance over the Longhorns to put his team in a good position. Defensively, the Tigers held Georgia Southern to under 100 yards of total offense and looked like the dominant force that is to be expected of the unit. Meanwhile in Austin, junior Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger had a similar performance similar to Burrow’s, throwing for 276 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech.

Defensively the Longhorns gave up 413 yards to Louisiana Tech, but only allowed two touchdowns. It will be vital for Texas to limit offensive production by LSU in order to win.

Watch for a close game between two fairly even teams, with the Tiger defense ultimately giving LSU the edge in what should be a classic win.

Prediction: LSU 31, Texas 24

Saturday, Sept. 7 – Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Mississippi 6:30 p.m. on SECN This divisional showdown in the west will feature two teams struggling for identity, not only in the SEC, but nationally. In recent years, both Arkansas and Ole Miss have vastly underwhelmed, and both would have liked a better start to the 2019 season. The Razorbacks defeated Portland State by a single score in a 20-13 win. Such a close game against an FCS opponent raises a lot of questions. It’s still unclear who will lead the Arkansas offense at the quarterback position, with senior Ben Hicks and junior Nick Starkel still battling to secure the starting role. Both combined for just 191 yards and a 51.4 completion percentage. Defensively, the Razorbacks allowed only 230 yards and showed that they can help alleviate the offense. Meanwhile, Ole Miss struggled in their 15-10 loss against Memphis.

The former offensive powerhouse only racked up 173 yards. Freshman quarterback Matt Corral managed 78 yards with one interception to zero touchdowns. Defensively, the Rebels allowed 364 yards and showed questionable play against Memphis. Despite its loss, Ole Miss showed a high quality of play against a stronger opponent, and the Rebels will come out on top against an Arkansas team that still needs more stable play to win.

Prediction: Ole Miss 24, Arkansas 21

Missouri (0-1, 0-0 SEC) vs. West Virginia (1-0, 0-0 Big 12)

Tennessee (0-1, 0-0 SEC) vs. BYU (0-1, INDEPENDENT) Saturday, Sept. 7 – Neyland Stadium – Knoxville, Tennessee 6:00 p.m. on ESPN In perhaps the SEC’s most stunning defeat of week one, Tennessee looked vulnerable in their 38-30 loss against Georgia State. Junior quarterback Jarret Guarantano struggled with completions, only going 26/40 on the day, though he still accumulated 311 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Volunteers gave up 352 yards to Georgia State and allowed a fourth-quarter comeback to seal their loss. Tennessee will have to improve defensively to win games and may struggle once more against BYU on Saturday. The Cougars are reeling after a 30-12 loss against rival Utah. Sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson struggled with 208 yards and two interceptions. On defense, BYU allowed 324 yards to the Utes and struggled throughout the game. Look for an offensively-focused game with BYU coming out on top.

Saturday, Sept. 7 – Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium – Columbia, Missouri 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 Missouri was another SEC East team that struggled last Saturday in a 37-31 loss to Wyoming. The Tigers are looking to replace quarterback Drew Lock, and those are big shoes to fill. Clemson transfer Kelly Bryant looked good on paper in week 1, accumulating 423 yards with two touchdowns, and he may be able to give the Missouri offense an edge. But on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers struggled, allowing 389 yards to Wyoming. Meanwhile, West Virginia won a close one against James Madison by a score of 20-13. Mountaineer junior quarterback Austin Kendall generated 260 yards with two touchdowns and ultimately led his team to a victory over a solid FCS opponent. Defensively, West Virginia struggled tremendously, allowing 406 yards in their game. Look for another offensively tight game with Missouri scraping by.

Prediction: BYU 35, Tennessee 31

Prediction: Missouri 38, West Virginia 30

WEEK 2: STAFF PICKS

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Texas A&M vs. Clemson

Samantha Mahler

Managing Editor @mahlersamantha

Are we sure #16 isn’t Erin Andrews? #TrevorLawrenceEatsCatnip

Hannah Underwood

Sports Editor @hannahbunderwoo

The Aggies may be confident in their ability to top the No. 1 team in the nation, but I’m not.

SAMANTHA Meredith Seaver

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Photo Chief @MeredithSeaver

Gonna go through two Death Valleys to beat two sets of Tigers. Also...

Horns Down Forever.

Brady Stone

Head Page Designer @bradystonex

Clemson and LSU share the same mascot and after this game they will share embarrassing losses to the Aggies as well.

BRADY Meagan Sheffield MEAGAN

Life & Arts Editor @meagan350

Dabo is coaching the itty bitty kitty committee.

Hollis Mills

Life & Arts Editor @sillohsllim

I think we are going to get stomped...

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HOLLIS Luke Henkhaus

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Editor-in-Chief @luke_henkhaus

What can I say? I’m a cat person.

Sanna Bhai

News Editor @BhaiSanna

All I know about college football is Gig Em Aggies.

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The Battalion | 9.5.19

5 things to watch for during A&M-Clemson

By Alek Caro @orackela

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Coming off a good first win of the season, Texas A&M looks forward to their matchup with top-ranked Clemson. Here are the five things to look for this week as the Aggies take on the defending national champs.

FILE

Junior quarterback Kellen Mond completed 430 passing yards and three touchdowns during Texas A&M’s 2018 matchup against Clemson.

1

Secondary vs. Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross

All-American receiver junior Tee Higgins and sophomore Justyn Ross are both major elements of the Clemson offensive toolbox. Higgins led the team in receptions and touchdown receptions with 59 receptions, 936 yards and 12 touchdown catches, becoming Lawrence’s go-to target in 2018. Ross recorded 46 receptions, 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming another key target for Lawrence. This receiving core for Clemson is considered the best in the country and will be one of the best the A&M defense will see this season. Coming into the season, the biggest question mark around the Aggies was the secondary. A strong performance in week one quieted the critics, but the true test for this A&M secondary will come against Clemson.

3

Etienne vs. A&M defensive front seven Travis Etienne is considered one of the best running backs in the country. Last year, he put up 1,658 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Some say he is the best in the country and is slated to be a top-15 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. For the Aggies, the rush defense got off to a strong start while limiting Texas State to just eight rushing yards total. The A&M defensive line features junior Justin Madubuike and sophomore Bobby Brown III to fill interior line gaps and make tackles at the line of scrimmage. On the edges, athletic defensive ends Tyree Johnson and Michael Clemons will work to funnel the rush attack. To limit the offensive production from Clemson, A&M will have to make the Tigers’ offense one-dimensional.

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2

Kellen Mond and Trevor Lawrence

At this time a year ago, both quarterbacks had to prove themselves. Mond had just won the starting job over now-Arkansas quarterback Nick Starkel, and all had eyes on how well he would perform. For Lawrence, it was fighting for playing time as a freshman. In their matchup last year, Mond threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns. This season, both quarterbacks have matured into their starting roles nicely. Jimbo Fisher has said the biggest difference this year compared to last is how much more comfortable Mond is. He made numerous deep throws in week one and has continued to grow within the offense. On the other side of things, Lawrence is capable of making tough throws, shows elite athleticism and displays a high football IQ while running Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney’s offense. Lawrence was sluggish in the season opener against Georgia Tech with two interceptions.

The optimistic perspective for the Aggies lies in how much more prepared Mond is compared to last year’s matchup. This theme rings true in all aspects of this Aggie football team: they performed well last year but are much more prepared this year.

Dabo vs. Jimbo Dabo Swinney and Jimbo Fisher are regarded as two of the best coaches in college football and have an extensive history playing against each other due to Fisher’s tenure at Florida State. They have met at least once a year since 2010. Prior to last season’s matchup at Kyle Field, the two coaches were tied in head-tohead contests. After a road win for Swinney last season, the record gives Swinney a slight edge at 5-4. Swinney has won the past four matchups, but Fisher is up to settle the score.

5

Xavier Thomas vs.

‘The Green Mile’

Xavier Thomas was a reserved defensive end for the Tigers highly-touted defensive line a season ago. Despite being a reserve, Thomas made an immediate impact and was recognized as a Freshman All-American in 2018. Now in 2019, Thomas looks to spearhead his unit, recording 1.5 tackles and 0.5 sacks in his debut as a starter.

A&M freshman guard Kenyon Green showed some tenacity against Texas State when he broke up a pile surrounding quarterback Kellen Mond. Junior right tackle Carson Green, a returning starter, performed well against Texas State by not allowing a sack. The offensive line is a much more prepared unit entering this matchup compared to last year’s contest.

CLEMSON CONTINUED

Paul Burkue — THE BATTALION

Texas A&M’s defensive line held the Bobcat offense to eight rushing yards during the Aug. 29 matchup at Kyle Field.

college football.

The defensive front only allowed eight rushing yards a week ago, and if the line is able to take advantage of the inexperience along Clemson’s offensive line, clogging gaps and reaching the backfield will make a big difference.

Defensive coordinator Mike Elko’s secondary has improved from last year, recording four interceptions against Texas State — over half of what they produced in all of last season. The unit’s ability to replicate last week’s performance will be instrumental in the outcome of Saturday’s matchup.

“We’ve got to focus on making big plays,” cornerback Rony Elam said. “Their receivers are older this year, so they make more plays. We’ve got to show up and play our best.”

Clemson is favored to cover a 17.5 point spread on their home turf in Death Valley.

The Aggies will hit the road to take on the Tigers Saturday, Sept. 7 at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on ABC.

SILVERTAPS

6

The Battalion | 9.5.19

Silver Taps November 5, 1992 — July 29, 2019

VLADIMIR NIKOLAEVICH YELKHIMOV A sensitive soul with a passion for life and conversation

By Hollis Mills @sillohsllim

R

emembered for his love of nature’s beauty and deeply thoughtful conversations, Vladimir Yelkhimov will live on in the hearts of family, friends and Aggies, forever and always Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, before settling down in Houston for grade school, Vladimir possessed a chemistry lover’s intellect and a traveling man’s yearning for exploration. Following graduation from Awty International School in 2011, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Puget Sound in Washington.

In pursuit of his master’s degree, Vladimir made the decision to attend Texas A&M in 2017. His mother, Yulia Yelkhimova, said Vladimir knew Aggieland would be his next home after a single visit.

“He said, ‘Oh, I am going to A&M, there is no question,’” Yulia said. “That was surprising because I thought he might like [the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign] better, but he really liked the research group and the people around him. The only thing he complained about was parking at the university.”

Yulia said her son may have seemed to lead a quiet life on the outside, but inside was a young man brimming with the desire to make a deeper connection with the world around him.

“He was a very sensitive person and very private,” Yulia said. “Whenever he would talk to you he would become very close to you, and when he would be talking he would be talking about important issues. If he would ask questions, it would be important ones.”

For as bold and adventurous as Vladimir was, he found just as much happiness in the simpler activities of his day — especially time spent with his younger brother, Simon.

“I remember that on Christmas Day there was this old family house, and it was pretty cold,” Yulia said. “We were warming up the house, but Vladimir and his younger brother, Simon, they were fooling around and running from room to room chasing each other. Vladimir would grab Simon and roll with him and toss him, and Simon was shouting with pleasure. They were a joy to watch, just fooling around and being happy.”

Vladimir’s love for conversation was never limited to friends and family, either.

“There would always be some guest in the house and he would want to make short conversation,” Yulia said. “Later on, he would mention this person in just a few words that would totally summarize the nature of them, how that person was inside — the most important human side of this person,

PROVIDED

Chemistry master’s student Vladimir Yelkhimov will be remembered for his sensitivity and intelligence.

and somehow he was able to see it.”

Yulia said the earliest glimmer of Vladimir’s ache for daily connections took place on a New York street corner many years ago in a moment she will never forget.

“At some point we were standing somewhere in Brooklyn, and we were waiting for our friends to join us,” Yulia said. “We saw a young man pushing a wheelchair and there was an elderly lady in the wheelchair. She was just twitching around, and the young man who was pushing the wheelchair was wearing headphones. I didn’t pay much attention, but Vladimir was watching them and he turned to me, and he was upset. He was very upset. He turned to me and said, ‘Why is he wearing those headphones? Can’t he just talk to her? Can’t he talk to her?’”

“It struck me that it was important to him, that there should be these connections.”

Yulia said Vladimir’s devotion to people continued in smaller moments throughout his life, moments which were easy to let slip by, but she knew when to hold on.

“We were talking on the phone often, even if it wasn’t important,” Yulia said. “We would check that everything was fine. I would call him and ask him about small things, like how his research was going and how is it at the university, and how are his sports. He would ask me about my work, how it was at home and about Simon. That can be small conversation, but we were doing it often and that was important for us.”

Vladimir carried an array of interests he shared with his family, from a few strums on his guitar to weekly Jiu-Jitsu practice. Among her son’s activities, Yulia said her favorite time spent with Vladimir was discussing a new book for hours on end.

“He and I were particularly close, especially about books,” Yulia said. “We may not have necessarily had the same taste, but he was reading a lot of very interesting books. It was due to him that I got interested in the medieval Japanese literature, because Vladimir took a class on it and was just telling me, ‘Mom you have to read this.’ I started to read and I really loved it. Basically whatever he was reading he was talking to me about it, and I was always talking to him about what I was reading. That was an important part of our lives.”

Yulia said Vladimir never came across a hobby he didn’t enjoy. His favorite pastime was surveying the Arctic Circle in Northern Russia with his geologist grandfather every summer, and longing for the days of his return.

“He really loved nature,” Yulia said. “When Vladimir was with him they would spend lots and lots of time in nature and mountains. I think that part was important for Vladimir because whenever I would come to visit him at Puget, we would take long walks in the woods or on the beach. Texas nature, of course, is very different, but I know at the university he was running in the park and he would always mention if he met some animals; if there was a snake crossing his path or a raccoon. His connection to nature gave him lots of joy.”

Vladimir took comfort in the well-being of others, so when his mother felt troubled by a recent project at work, he offered what he knew best — a son’s admiration.

“For the last year, I had this project working with Facebook on virtual reality, V.R. glasses, and he took an interest in it,” Yulia said. “He would ask me questions about it and then he would say, ‘Mom, you should apply directly. Stop working with Facebook.’ I would tell him, ‘I just don’t feel too confident. I worked on this project but I am not sure I can work permanently.’ He was always saying, ‘No, do it. I think you should do it.’ He was really encouraging me.”

Yulia’s project has since ended, but Vladimir’s presence and his words of encouragement remain by her side.

“I’m thinking about what to do next,” Yulia said. “I’m thinking of what he said.”

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to todays puzzles

The NVT "Family and Friends Day" is back for 2019 with more Gospel singing with Men of Purpose, Pastor Willie Gordon and God's Commission Church of North Richland, Renee and Eugene Alsandor (A&M engineering grads, and former quartet singer), Bishop Michael Williams of Fort Worth, the exciting speaker!

Join us Saturday, Sept 7th at 1 p.m. at 1115 Detroit (at Holleman). Come early --- only 75 seats! Refreshments served for those who stay!!!

RSVP to Ed Udell at (832) 919-4966

to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

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SILVERTAPS

7

The Battalion | 9.5.19

Silver Taps Feb. 16, 1997 — April 20, 2019

NATHAN WESLEY MATOS A strong leader who was always happy to help

By Sanna Bhai @BhaiSanna

N

athan Matos’ kindhearted, loyal and hard-working personality made him a great friend, son, brother and Aggie.

The history senior was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to attend Texas A&M — one of his top choices. Matos grew to love his campus and his life in the Corps of Cadets.

The friends he made became lifelong companions and will hold a special place in their hearts for him, said Nathan’s father Edwin Matos.

“From what they tell me, they just loved working with Nate,” Edwin said. “He was supposed to be a part of two weddings and both chose not to replace Nate in the bridal party. … They chose to have a spot up there representing Nate.”

Nathan was a well-rounded student who was strong in academics and extracurriculars. Throughout his life, he loved playing a number of sports, from baseball to track. Nathan’s mother, Kathy Matos, said he was a helping hand everywhere he went, from the Corps to church, and he never hesitated to assist in any capacity.

“He took great pride in whatever he did,” Kathy said. “He did the job most people didn’t want to do. Even the smallest of jobs, they knew Nathan would get it done.”

Edwin remembers the time his son joined the National Honor Society in high school. He said Nathan was so pleased, as it was a big achievement for a young man.

“This was a big milestone for him and the entire family,” Edwin said.

Nathan enjoyed serving others, which was one of his favor-

PROVIDED

Nathan Matos loved his hobbies, including cooking and sports.

ite aspects of the Corps. Edwin remembers the time Nathan brought him into the stadium to watch his son and other cadets raise the flags. As a father, Edwin was pleased to see the leadership qualities Nathan possessed.

“He wasn’t harsh; he didn’t boss them around,” Edwin said.

“When there was a problem, they would call, he’d come running. He was a good leader, and he wasn’t rude or tough on them.”

Aside from sports and service, Nathan had a couple of unique hobbies that kept him busy in his free time. Since he was a child, Nathan was an avid chef. He would create masterpieces in the kitchen, from elaborate desserts to handmade pasta.

Nathan also loved building with LEGO bricks. Even after coming to college, he continued to build as his collection of pieces grew.

“He loved LEGO sets, not those small ones but the big 500, 1,000-piece ones,” Edwin said.

Not only did Nathan fulfill all his academic and Corps duties, but he also was an amazing brother. His twin brother, Jordan Matos, was born with a brain injury which resulted in disabilities. Nathan was always there for Jordan, whether it was helping him navigate through life or just spending time with him, Kathy said.

“We could always count on Nathan to be there for Jordan,” Kathy said. “He cared and loved him. He was a great brother.”

During the most recent Family Weekend, Nathan received his Aggie Ring, the Outstanding Cadet Award and an Outstanding Corps Staff Officer award, making him and his family incredibly proud. Looking back at that weekend, Kathy is grateful that her son was respected by all and will be remembered for all he has accomplished.

“He went out on top, with everyone’s respect,” Kathy said.

April 13, 1999 — January 6, 2019

GRANT JACSON HERNANDEZ A beloved son, fisherman and musician “I think he really enjoyed the campus itself, the campus life,” Ezechiel said.

When he was younger, Grant enjoyed the weekend trips home with his father and always wanted to travel with him.

“We would always stop at the gas station when I picked him up, and I’d buy him a chocolate milk and a snack,” Ezechiel said. “It was kind of like a ritual. He was writing a paper about some speech he had to give, and in parenthesis, he put ‘gas station story,’ so I know that’s something he really remembered.”

Additionally, Ezechiel said Grant still remembered the time his father dropped him off at preschool with business cards for Ezechiel’s mariachi band to hand out to his teachers and classmates.

“I think the greatest memories were just the ones of having him on the weekends and doing things with him,” Ezechiel said.

Eziechiel said 2018 was a transition year for his and Grant’s relationship.

“He was 19, he was at that age where our relationship had kind of changed to where I was able to start [having] adulttype conversations,” Eziechiel said. “Not so much in the sense of ‘One day you’ll understand,’ but more like from a man to another man.”

Grant was Eziechiel’s first son out of two. Eziechiel said that Grant taught him how to be a better dad.

“I just miss his demeanor and his voice,” Eziechiel said.

“I learned the things I didn’t do right, where I should have improved, and I think a lot of parents learn that from their first kids. I think Grant taught me a lot of that without him knowing that, and how to be more open and reflective.”

By Meagan Sheffield @mshef350

G

rant Hernandez will be remembered by his family for his passion for playing music and spending time in the outdoors.

The finance sophomore was born in San Antonio and graduated from McArthur High School in 2017 before attending Texas A&M. Grant played violin since the fifth grade and performed with his father’s mariachi band. During his junior year of high school, he also played violin with Mariachi Campanas de America, a mariachi group based out of San Antonio that travels nationwide.

Grant’s mother’s family is Finnish, while his father’s is Hispanic. Grant’s father Ezechiel Hernandez said his son enjoyed embracing his Hispanic side by performing with mariachi bands.

“He had started a little group there in McArthur High School,” Ezechiel said. “I think he wanted to start something when he was there in college, but he never got the opportunity.”

Grant also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors fishing, hunting and camping. He got to visit the northwestern U.S. frequently to indulge in his hobbies because his mother is from Alaska.

“Fishing here in Texas, he would give me a hard time about it,” Ezechiel said. “We would do a lot of bank fishing and go down to the coast, and I’d just throw the rod in and let it sit for a while. He would kind of tease me about that because ‘That’s not real fishing, we need to get a boat.’ We had a really good time, and we enjoyed each other’s company.”

When Grant attended A&M, he liked the school’s traditions and pride, and enjoyed spending time with his roommate.

PROVIDED

Grant Hernandez enjoyed spending time outdoors and playing in mariachi bands

Editor’s note: Grant Jacson Hernandez was honored at a previous Silver Taps ceremony. At the request of his family, his tribute article was written at a later date.

July 27, 1956 — Sept. 15, 2018

ALISA DIANE ROSS A lifelong learner with a drive to help others

By Jane Turchi @JaneTurchi

A

in need.

lisa Ross constantly pushed herself to know more. An extremely driven individual, Ross was dedicated to helping her country and those

Ross graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science in 2010. She later re-enrolled to pursue a certificate in homeland security from the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Bush School program coordinator Ashlee Treadway knew Ross through her work within the Office of Extended Education. As Ross’ advisor since 2016, Treadway recalls Ross’ constant curiosity and desire to learn more.

“She was an absolutely dedicated lifelong learner,” Treadway said. “She was very smart, very brilliant. She constantly pushed to know more and she wanted to absorb everything that she could.”

Interested in the agricultural aspect of homeland security, Ross aspired to help make policies to protect the country from diseases that could be transmitted by international travel. She hoped to mesh her knowledge of biomedical science with the policies of homeland security.

“She wanted to see how goods and services impacted homeland security for our country,” Treadway said. “So she was

PROVIDED

Alisa Ross, one of three students to be honored at this month’s Silver Taps, was dedicated to learning and service

starting to get into that field, trying to understand the basics of homeland security.”

Ross always had a list of questions when she met with Treadway and often had background information about A&M’s rules and policies as well.

“Her demeanor was very serious and to the point,” Treadway said. “She always had a mission or a point to what she was meeting with you about.”

Passionate about helping others, Ross was involved in emergency management disaster recovery work with FEMA. Ross had worked with FEMA disaster relief training since 2014.

“She attended many conferences, she had a lot of advanced training from FEMA and she helped with exercises,” Treadway said. “She was very much involved.”

Treadway said Ross was very smart and was curious about every detail of each process.

“Sometimes she asked a lot of questions just one after another. She would say ‘I’m not trying to be difficult, I just want to understand,’” Treadway said. “She would always make jokes like that.”

Ross was enrolled in the first of five classes required for the Bush School’s homeland security certificate. Ross’ class was very reading and writing intensive and required a lot of thought, Treadway said.

“She was very intuitive, meaning she understood and grasped a lot of the rules and regulations,” Treadway said.

“She crossed her t’s and dotted her i’s. It stood out to me because she took care of business.”

Treadway said Ross was constantly up-to-date, reading articles and keeping up with the news.

“Her outlook on life was ‘just keep learning,’” Treadway said. “I will remember her as driven, dedicated and strongwilled. She knew what she wanted, and she knew what she was doing.”

LIFE&ARTS The Battalion | 9.5.19

8

PROVIDED

On Friday, Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater will host the Harvest Maroon Fest featuring the Randy Rodgers Band, Flatland Cavalry and Chris Colston starting at 6 p.m.

Harvest Maroon festival returns Friday Randy Rogers Band leads lineup at annual country music event

By Rebecca Morris @RebeccaSheWrote For now, the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater sits empty, its white stone shape dominating the grassy landscape. However, on Friday, this space will be packed with people eagerly awaiting the guitar strum that signals the beginning of the concert.

The Harvest Maroon Festival returns for its third annual country music event on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., featuring Randy Rogers Band, Flatland Cavalry and Chris Colston at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.

Event producer Greg Henry has been planning this event for the past year, organizing staffing, advertising the festival, finding artists to perform and setting up the venue in College Station.

“The community is always supportive of a lot of music, so it made it a great spot for us to put Harvest Maroon,” Henry said. “Flatland Cavalry has recently been selling out, so this is a good time for them to jump into a bigger venue and take that leap.”

The headlining act, Randy Rogers Band, has been performing for 17 years

— traveling to College Station many times and once even hiring the Aggie Wranglers dance team to appear in a music video.

“The biggest country music fans live in Bryan-College Station,” lead singer and band namesake Randy Rogers said.

“We are happy to welcome Flatland with us this year, and Chris Colston and I are excited to continue on the legacy that is Wolf Pen Creek.”

Originally from Lubbock, Flatland Cavalry released their second studio album, “Homeland Insecurity,” in January and have been touring the United States, spreading their music far and wide.

“It’s fascinating to me getting to meet all these people, and you never know how many people you could possibly influence in a positive way; that sounds like a mission that’s worthwhile,” Flatland Cavalry lead singer and songwriter Cleto Cordero said. “Every person, we’re all just trying to figure life out, and I guess that has just kind of showed up in the songwriting.”

The band, which Cordero said is passionate about recording music with messages, has recently created songs about modern issues affecting society.

“We also put out a music video called ‘The Other Side of Lonesome,’ and it’s about anti-bullying and we are trying to spread that message wher-

ever we go,” Cordero said. “It’s like if you could talk to a gunman before they were to do something crazy, what would you tell them and that’s what the song is, and the video plays out that narrative.”

Above all, Cordero said one thing had drawn these performers to College Station for this festival tomorrow — the spirit of Aggieland.

“When all of y’all gather at that Wolf Pen Amphitheater, which is a pretty awesome venue, it kind of makes our job so much easier because you’re there, ready to listen to music and we are excited to play for y’all,” Cordero said. “I think there’s something about College Station and the spirit y’all have there, with all y’alls traditions, y’all carry that with you wherever you go. You don’t find that everywhere.”

Tickets can be purchased for $27.50 online at harvestmaroonfest.com until 10 a.m. Friday. After 10 a.m., tickets will be $32.50. Students can get discounted tickets for $20 by visiting their ticket website and using the code ‘Gigem.’ Cavender’s will also be selling tickets on Friday for cash only.

Limited V.I.P. tickets are available for $250 each, giving the buyer a meal, one drink and a comfortable, uncrowded room from which to watch the concert.

Joshua Sozio — THE BATTALION

Students waited in the Waffle House food truck line for free waffles and hash browns.

WAFFLE HOUSE CONTINUED Pat Warner, director of public relations and external affairs for Waffle House, said fans have been lobbying for the company to build a permanent location in Aggieland since Texas A&M joined the SEC, creating the #WafflesforAgs movement.

“We thought this year for National Waffle Week, we would do some pop-up locations to kind of tide people over till we get a restaurant there to thank everybody for their loyalty to Waffle House,” Warner said.

Warner said new locations are typically only built in areas with preexisting Waffle Houses, and College Station is not one of them, yet.

“We will be there someday,” Warner said. “Unfortunately, I do not know what day that will be. There are no plans right now. I do us see us having some restaurants in College Station eventually.”

Warner said the broadcast chain appreciates the lengths some customer will drive to visit their locations in Texas. Austin Lemons, an engineering freshman, participated in the original Twitter poll, trying to bring waffles to Aggies wouldn’t have to travel such great distances to dine at the popular franchise.

“I really like Waffle House, and the closest one to where I live is like 45 minutes away, so it was super worth it to retweet it and get other people to vote,” Lemons said.

Mike Woodard, Class of 1977, was also in attendance for the event, advocating for people to join the “College Station Needs a Waffle House” Facebook group. Woodard recently moved back to College Station and said bringing the franchise to Aggieland would be a great opportunity for students and the company.

“It’s good food, and it’s a very simple concept,” Woodard said. “It needs to happen. They don’t need to build just one.

They need to have more than one here.”

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PROVIDED

Equus francisci was an Ice Age horse species named for A&M’s first dean of veterinary science, Mark Francis.

Dusting off a scientist’s lasting legacy Museum’s latest honors littleknown story of Mark Francis

By Hollis Mills @sillohsllim In its latest in-house exhibit, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History (BVMNH) honors the life and work of Texas A&M’s first dean of veterinary science with “Fossil Fever: The Legacy of Mark Francis.”

A collection two years in the making, “Fossil Fever” showcases rarely-seen artifacts and historical images of the founding member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and “Father of the Texas Cattle Industry.”

To reunite Francis’ long-separated artifacts, BVMNH partnered with the Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Collections and the Veterinary Collections of the A&M Medical Sciences Library.

BVMNH Executive Director Deborah Cowman said the journey to presenting “Fossil Fever” took a considerable amount of time because Francis’ story is unlike any other.

“It’s not the kind of thing you can look up on the internet and find anywhere,” Cowman said. “Our curator, Dr. Rebecca Ingraham, had to literally go back to original sources and pour through boxes of old files and letters and things that weren’t catalogued in Cushing. There was a lot of original scholarship that went into this exhibit.”

These sources document Francis’ earliest years on the farm in Shandon, Ohio, to his hiring as a professor and veterinarian at the newly-formed A&M

College of Texas in 1888. While tenured at A&M, Francis garnered a lot of attention for his research and success in eradicating the tick-borne disease Texas Fever — which had devastated the Texas cattle industry for the latter half of the 19th century.

While Francis’ veterinary exploits are a highlight of the exhibit, they are not his only work on display. In addition to his work at A&M, Francis was a practicing amateur paleontologist with interest in Ice Age vertebrates, and he quickly amassed the collection on display today.

“Francis was a visionary,” Cowman said. “He recognized that at that time in Texas, nobody really cared about fossils. Places like Yale and places out east tried to talk him into just giving them some of the really important fossils that he found, but he didn’t because he felt they should remain in Texas because they were found there.”

Both mastodon and mammoth skull fossils from Francis’ collection are currently on display, as well as what Cowman considers the pièce de résistance of the exhibit — Equus francisci.

“One of the fossils that Francis had named after him was this Ice Age horse,” Cowman said. “The original is at the paleontology collections in Austin, and they won’t loan timed specimens because they’re so valuable.

Those are the specimens upon which all other specimens of that species are based, so we paid a substantial amount of money to have this cast made of its head.”

Following Francis’ death in 1936, his collection became the property

of A&M and served as the foundation for the school’s first museum on campus in 1937. A series of tragedies stilted the progress of the A&M museum and eventually led to its closure in 1962, with the university shipping Francis’ collection to various paleontologists throughout Texas. For years after, some of the items remained unaccounted for. However, in 1975, while tearing down the original museum in preparation for the Langford Architecture Center, workers stumbled upon an unexpected discovery.

“At one point they had put some of the specimens in the old museum in a crawl space under the floor,” Cowman said. “When they disbanded the museum, nobody knew that they were there, and it wasn’t until the seventies when they were tearing down the building that they found in this crawl space all of those specimens. Many of those ended up coming to our museum.”

As the veterinary collections curator of the A&M Medical Sciences Library, Nancy Burford loaned the exhibit several government publications detailing Francis’ work on Texas Fever and veterinary equipment from his era. Burford said the opportunity to present Francis’ collection together again has been nothing short of amazing.

“I’m a librarian, and I am in the business of preserving the history of veterinary medicine,” Burford said. “If not for Mark Francis and the need for a veterinary school, we wouldn’t have a veterinary library over here on West Campus. Without Francis, we would not have this collection, and this collection is unique in the world.”