Chris Wilder, Ben Ritchie, Kyle Cook, Zach Lawrence and Will Alders
Lake Highlands High School 2013 graduate Chris Wilder has been elected Junior Yell Leader at Texas A&M University. The student elections were held last Friday, and winners were announced Friday evening.
“God has blessed me beyond measure,” says Chris, “and I am thankful for the opportunity and responsibility He has given me to represent Texas A&M. I believe this experience will teach me to be a selfless servant like never before.”
Five students were elected – two rising juniors and three seniors.
“Many schools have cheerleaders,” explains Chris, “but Texas A&M has Yell Leaders. I personally believe the Yell Leaders and Midnight Yell to be the best traditions in college football. Midnight Yell is when Aggies gather the night before a game to rehearse the yells and poke a little fun at the other team. During this past 2014 football season, 55,000 people attended a Midnight Yell practice prior to the home game against Lamar. It is simply amazing to see such a turnout, especially know that 30,000 current students would stand for the entire game as a part of the 12th Man and support their team the following day. By definition, Yell Leaders promote and perpetuate all Aggie traditions and Aggie athletics. They serve as ambassadors for Texas A&M, encouraging sportsmanship and encouraging students to support the team.”
As much as any school in the nation, says Chris, the Aggies and the Yell Leaders are built on and take pride in tradition.
“In 1907, when Texas A&M University was an all-male military college known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the cadets typically invited dates to attend the football games in College Station. As the legend goes, the Aggies were being severely out-scored and the cadets’ lovely dates were not impressed and even threatened to leave the game. The upperclassmen called upon several freshmen, or ‘fish,’ to think on their feet and find a way to entertain their dates. These freshmen ran into a janitor’s closet and borrowed their white coveralls and began leading yells in front of the stands. The freshmen got the attention of the upperclassmen’s dates, and the upperclassmen couldn’t allow this to continue. It was then decided that only upperclassmen would be allowed to hold such positions.”
In addition to appearing at football games, Chris’ duties will include supporting the basketball, soccer and volleyball teams.
“I am so proud of him,” says mom, Kathy Wilder, “but that’s nothing new. I’m also proud of his twin brother, Jamie, who also attends A&M and was a huge help with his campaign. It’s a sweet thing to see your sons supporting each other and to know that when one has a crazy schedule, the other will be there to lean on. They’ve been a great support system for each other.”
Kathy says husband, Scott, and daughter, Caroline, will attend as many games and Midnight Yell practices as they possibly can.
“The person who fills the position of Yell Leader is not the important thing,” stresses Chris.” The important thing is that whoever fills the position constantly represents Texas A&M well and embodies the Aggie core values of selfless service, integrity, respect, excellence, loyalty and leadership at all times.”
Congratulations, Chris!
