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Farmers Fight!

The famous Texas A&M University Yell Leaders have a long and distinguished history. Read as former Yell Leader Jimmy Tyree ’54 and recent Yell Leader Karsten Lowe ’20 discuss the then and now of this time-honored tradition.

Interview by Karissa Bayliss ’12 ’15

What was different about being a Yell Leader in the 1950s versus a Yell Leader today?

  • 1954
  • 2020

Jimmy Tyree ’54 was the first in his family to attend college. He enrolled at Texas A&M in 1950, joined the Corps of Cadets, and later became a Ross Volunteer and Yell Leader.

Jimmy Tyree ’54

Today’s Yell Leaders are much more involved. Beyond the sporting events, they attend Coach’s Nights, Aggie Moms’ Clubs, Fish Camp, new student conferences, Muster and more. What we did in our day pales in comparison to the time and effort required of today’s Yell Leaders.

Karsten Lowe ’20, a Texas A&M industrial distribution graduate from San Antonio, was the 2019-2020 Head Yell Leader.

Karsten Lowe ’20

Another difference I’d add is that back then, the Head Yell Leader was essentially the project manager of the Bonfire, so the Yell Leaders as a whole were responsible for constructing it. Nowadays, we act as campus ambassadors and attend more recruiting events.

Jimmy Tyree ’54 was the first in his family to attend college. He enrolled at Texas A&M in 1950, joined the Corps of Cadets, and later became a Ross Volunteer and Yell Leader.

Jimmy Tyree ’54

Today’s Yell Leaders are much more involved. Beyond the sporting events, they attend Coach’s Nights, Aggie Moms’ Clubs, Fish Camp, new student conferences, Muster and more. What we did in our day pales in comparison to the time and effort required of today’s Yell Leaders.

Karsten Lowe ’20, a Texas A&M industrial distribution graduate from San Antonio, was the 2019-2020 Head Yell Leader.

Karsten Lowe ’20

Another difference I’d add is that back then, the Head Yell Leader was essentially the project manager of the Bonfire, so the Yell Leaders as a whole were responsible for constructing it. Nowadays, we act as campus ambassadors and attend more recruiting events.

What inspired you to become a Yell Leader?

Jimmy:

In 1949, as a senior in high school, I attended the Bonfire and was completely mesmerized. From the camaraderie of the cadets and the sounds of the Aggie Band to the warmth of the Aggie family, I was captivated by Texas A&M. What captured my attention even more, though, were the five Yell Leaders in their white uniforms leading the yells and songs. Right then, I decided that I wanted to be one of them.

Karsten:

To be honest, I didn’t know at first if I wanted to run for the position. The Yell Leaders always seemed to be set apart in the best way possible, and I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to do what they do. Fortunately, I received encouragement from one of my friends, who said that he felt I embodied the Aggie Spirit more than anyone he knew. The rest is history.

What is your favorite memory as a Yell Leader?

  • 1954
  • 2020

Jimmy:

My biggest thrill was the first time I ran onto Kyle Field. Suddenly, all the hard work and everything came together as I saw the stands full of Aggies. That was a feeling I’ll never forget

Karsten:

I would say it’s hard to beat our win against Louisiana State University at Kyle Field in 2018. It was incredible being on the field for seven overtimes!

Jimmy:

My biggest thrill was the first time I ran onto Kyle Field. Suddenly, all the hard work and everything came together as I saw the stands full of Aggies. That was a feeling I’ll never forget

Karsten:

I would say it’s hard to beat our win against Louisiana State University at Kyle Field in 2018. It was incredible being on the field for seven overtimes!

What is it like being thrown in the Fish Pond?

Jimmy:

Well, when I was a senior, we were 4-5-1. We lost those last five games in a row, and let me tell you, I didn’t mind not getting thrown in. Getting thrown in is a big deal, but you just hope it’s not cold!

Karsten:

I agree! It depends on the day. It’s a mostly fun experience, but when it is cold and you’re getting dunked into cold water, that can be pretty miserable.

What is your favorite yell and why?

Jimmy:

“Farmers Fight!” because compared to some of the older yells that were not as successful, that one has always been a crowd-pleaser.

Karsten:

My favorite is “Military” because of how much fun it is—especially at Midnight Yell, when we yell, “Load, ready, aim, fire, BOOM!” and then the cannon goes off. Plus, I like the fact that it is a senior privilege to reload. The nuances in that yell make it extra fun.

  • 1954
  • 2020

Jimmy:

“Farmers Fight!” because compared to some of the older yells that were not as successful, that one has always been a crowd-pleaser.

Karsten:

My favorite is “Military” because of how much fun it is—especially at Midnight Yell, when we yell, “Load, ready, aim, fire, BOOM!” and then the cannon goes off. Plus, I like the fact that it is a senior privilege to reload. The nuances in that yell make it extra fun.

To learn more about the Yell Leaders, visit yell.tamu.edu. To support current and future Yell Leaders with funds for uniforms, travel expenses and more, consider making a gift of $25 or more online.

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