Not just another football team

A negative view of college football is that the too much money is spent on the athletes, their schooling is curved in favor of the teams importance, and that there is just too much emphasis on the games themselves. The Texas Longhorns are not just another football team. Yes a lot of time and money go into the the practices, games, and equipment but a lot of time and money go toward maintaining involvement with the community and its diverse range of fans. The Longhorns show respect, encouragement, support, and a heart for the community that gives to their efforts too.

As of late, the football team and other Longhorn sports have been supporting research for breast cancer during the month of October in a program called Horns for Hope. A past member of the football team, Ryan Russo, was personally affected by this cause. His mother was diagnosed with cancer his sophomore year of college with an aggressive form. Although sick she continued to visit in Austin, attend games and eventually the cancer was treated. Although he has graduated he continues to run in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and encourages others to do so too.

The teams want to educate the largest crowds possible and have incorporated ways of doing so like hosting rallies and special practices. Pink UT Longhorn shirts were printed as a means to make money for the cause and to make more people aware of the program. To learn more about Horns for Hope visit the Texas Athletics website at http://www.texassports.com/.

On another note the football team welcomed the 163rd Battalion from Fort Hood to practice this past Wednesday. These soldiers have been stationed in Iraq and were excited about attending. Derek Lokey, who played a major part in setting up the invitation, said "I'm just honored they wanted to come to practice because they're the real heroes." It is a really unique way to show the soldiers that they appreciate what they are doing for our country and a way to provide them with something fun to do in the Austin community. The experience was really great for the soldiers who have been long time Longhorn fans. The soldiers were actually able to watch some of the games in Iraq and flew a flag after one of the games that they presented to Coach Brown. Coach Brown said "Because of their fight for freedom, it allows us to play a game."

Last week the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas came to the practice of the Texas Longhorns football team. Suzanne Shepherd, a board member of the association, said "For our community to have this opportunity to meet and take a picture with them is tremendously inspiring to us." The players really enjoyed getting to know all the kids, it was such a great experience for the team and for the children.

The Longhorns are not just another football team with players who are all about the fame and the game, they are dedicated members of society who act as role models and try to reach out to all members of the community. Longhorns give back.

Hex Rally

Texas Exes is already preparing for the next big rally. The game where we play not the bad but the ugly, yes that's right Texas A&M. The rally will be held on Monday Nov. 23, the week before Thanksgiving at the main mall.

The rally kicks off at 8 p.m. Many Longhorn fans are gathering to hex the Aggies so everyone should come out to help light the red candles There will be speeches from coaches Mack Brown and "Mad Dog" Madden. Fans can look forward to performances from the Longhorn Band, Texas Pom and Cheer, Redefined dance company and more.

The tradition of the Hex Rally started in 1941. The Longhorns football team had not defeated the Aggies for almost 18 years, so a group of students sought out a fortune teller. Mozzelle "Madame Agusta" Hipple, the fortune teller, told the students to gather the community and burn red candles to symbolize challenge and opposition.

The students, fans, and alumni burned red candles the entire week before the game. The Longhorns won 23-0. The legend lived on. The physics department built a candle like torch that is lit at the rally each year in addition to the hand held red candles that are passed out to families and supporters.

The Texas Exes Student Chapter is responsible for putting the rally together and will be selling shirts starting next week. They are available for $12 and only $10 for members. It has been an annual tradition for The University of Texas and students must help keep the victory and the tradition alive by coming out to hex the Aggies once again this November.

Last year was my first year at the university; I attended the Hex Rally and it was a blast. The feeling of school pride at these events is just amazing and its really nice seeing all the different performances. It's kind of like when people get together to light candles to remember someone or an event, it brings about a sense of community seeing all those little flickering lights held by people who all support the same cause.

It's a really neat experience and I plan on attending again this year. Watch out Aggies were getting our red candles out!

Texas Competition

Texas is still ranked number three going into week eight of college football with The University of Florida holding the number one position and The University of Alabama ranked second.

Texas should still be in the third rank after their next game against University of Central Florida, a team that is not even in the rankings. Eventually Florida and Alabama will have to play each other so Texas will most likely move up to second in the ranking if we can continue to have an undefeated season and if the BCS computer point system deems it so.

Games for the other teams are looking a bit iffy though. Florida played Mississippi State this past weekend and barely won by 10 points. Mississippi State is not even in the ranking as of week eight. As for Alabama, they played Tennessee, another team that is not in the ranking, winning by a mere two points.

This year's national championship should have a very interesting turn out. The top ranked teams are barely beating teams that are not even in the ranking. This looks very promising for Longhorn Football.

This past weekend Texas had another win against Missouri, 41 to 7 being the final score. Good job Longhorns on another victory!

Hopefully Colt's thumb will have healed and his immune system will have strengthened up for the coming Central Florida game!

To stay updated on the ranks and game scores visit the ESPN website at www.espn.go.com.

Red River Rivalry Disappointment

This past weekend was the famous Red River Rivalry. Texas has been playing Oklahoma since 1900. I participated in this college tradition this past weekend by attending the game at the Cotton Bowl Stadium.

I arrived during the second quarter of the game ,which was fine by me after a bad start in the first quarter. While I was at the game I witnessed boys that went to UT and were clearly a part of an organization picking on a young boy, age 13 who was in my section wearing an Oklahoma jersey.

Now I admit I'm not a fan of OU by any means but to pick on a child is just pathetic. They were throwing bottles at him and shouting profanities. It shocked me that the closest officer did not step in. It was embarrassing that my fellow students would act in such a manner. So after the game I went and apologized to the boy and told him not to mind those jerks hoping I could somewhat salvage the Texas fans reputation and make him feel better.

On a lighter note Texas won which was very exciting for all the Longhorn fans. Another win against OU. After talking to other fans it became clear to me that I was not the only one who enjoyed last years game better.

UT student Victoria Heckenliable said "last years game was better and more intense, it wasn't so much a defense game because both teams were stronger last year." I have to agree with her. The score of this years game was fairly low, 16-13 Texas. I feel like both teams have played better games this season.

While it was nice to win again this year students are doubtful for next year, when we lose some of our prominent players. Only time will tell for the strength of next years team.

For more information on this game, upcoming games and other Texas football information visit the Mack Brown Texas Football Website at www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com, where there are daily updates for devoted fans.

Torchlight Parade and Rally

I'm a part of the Rallies and Events Committee for Texas Exes and tonight we put on the Torchlight Parade and Rally for the Texas versus Oklahoma game this weekend. Students have been really pumped up for the event. There are comments at the statesman.com talking about another Oklahoma loss. Myfoxaustin.com has a special news clip, so if you're interested in seeing what the event is all about definately go check it out.

It was such a good turn out. I've never participated in this event before and I'm really glad I went out this year. Walking down Guadalupe Street we let our Longhorn pride show.

The football team, spirit groups, other student organizations, families and of course the fans were all at the rally tonight. It was very spirited and the rally got everyone pumped up. Some of the players got a chance to speak as well as the coaches. The event was a complete success and it was exciting being a part of all the behind the scenes work. It's an amazing tradition the university has done for years.

A friend of mine and student, Brianna Myner, said "now I have to go to the game, I can't stay in Austin." After attending this event no one wants to miss out on the Oklahoma game. Many people will certainly be headed to Dallas this weekend.

Shirts were being sold at the rally with the saying "But we're still in Texas" on the front and a flaming longhorn sign on the back. Apparently posting last years score on the shirt was bad sportsmanship, but this one looks really wicked.

The after party for the event was at Austin's Pizza. Students were able to get a discount and there was karoke upstairs. I sang "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.

At the rally Texas Wranglers, a male spirit group, announced that in support of not drinking and driving they will be having a sober pit stop in Waco with free drinks like red bull and free food. I really like this idea for the people who are not taking chartered buses. It allows people like me and Victoria to have some fun on our way into town.

Texas and Oklahoma have had this rivalry since 1909, so things are bound to be intense this coming game. Dallas will be overwhelmed with Texas fans this weekend, hopefully they can handle all this Longhorn spirit we've got pumped up.