Year One

Texas A&M's Journey Through the Inaugural Season in the SEC

Texas A&M's move into the Southeastern Conference has often been called the "100-Year Decision." It was a decision that carried great magnitude and would shape our culture for generations to come.

Year One of this 100-Year Decision has been simply remarkable. With a national championship, several conference championships, a Cotton Bowl victory, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, and numerous All-Americans, the Aggies' first trip through the SEC gauntlet was nothing short of extraordinary.

The story of the 2012-13 season will be told forever as a beloved piece of Aggie tradition. Now, as told by the Texas A&M Athletics Department along with local and national media, here is the story of our historic first season in the SEC.

A NEW LEADER IN AGGIELAND

June 30, 2012

With a new conference also came a new athletics director. One day before officially joining the Southeastern Conference, President R. Bowen Loftin hired former South Carolina AD Eric Hyman, a man with proven success in the SEC, to lead the Aggies into the Conference of Champions.

"It is a tremendous honor to lead Texas A&M into this new era of the SEC."



Eric Hyman, Texas A&M Athletics Director

It's official: AD Hyman resigns at South Carolina, headed to A&M by Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News Eric Hyman has officially resigned as South Carolina's athletic director, and will be announced as Texas A&M's new athletic director perhaps as soon as Saturday on the A&M campus. "I am very excited for the opportunity to help transition Texas A&M into the Southeastern Conference," Hyman said in a statement. Continue Reading »

Eric Hyman Named Athletics Director by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M University President R. Bowen Loftin announced today that veteran athletics administrator Eric Hyman will lead Texas A&M into the Southeastern Conference as the university's new director of athletics. Hyman comes to Texas A&M after serving as athletics director at the University of South Carolina since July 2005. Continue Reading »

TEXAS A&M OFFICIALLY JOINS THE SEC

July 1, 2012

Following months of anticipation and excitement, the day so many Aggies never thought would arrive finally came. July 1, 2012 will forever be known as the day the Aggies joined the finest conference in collegiate athletics.

SEC Welcomes Missouri and Texas A&M by Southeastern Conference The wait is over. As of midnight today, July 1, Missouri and Texas A&M officially became the 13th and 14th members of the Southeastern Conference and will enjoy full league membership immediately. It is the first expansion of the SEC membership since Arkansas and South Carolina joined the conference in 1992. Continue Reading »

SEC Flag Raising Ceremony by Texas A&M Athletics A ceremonial SEC flag-raising ceremony was conducted outside the Texas A&M University Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium adjacent to Kyle Field on Monday, July 2 at 10 a.m. to commemorate the entrance of the Aggies to the SEC. Texas A&M President Dr. R. Bowen Loftin and Interim Director of Athletics Dr. John Thornton gave opening comments. Flags of the 14 SEC institutions were raised on the flag poles in front of the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium (Lot 62) by Aggie student-athletes representing the 20 intercollegiate sports sponsored by Texas A&M.

Aggies celebrate conference move by raising SEC flags by Brent Zwerneman, Houston Chronicle Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore was like many other Aggies fans the past two years - trying to figure out exactly what was going on in a flirtation between the Southeastern Conference and A&M. "We'd been hearing about the SEC since last year and the year before," Moore said Monday. "To finally see it happen - it's set in that we're finally a part of this great conference." Continue Reading »

A FRESH LOOK

July 12, 2012

adidas and Texas A&M unveiled new Lone Star TECHFIT football uniforms for the Aggies' debut season in the SEC. Inspired by the team's jerseys from the 1970's, the Aggies' new look pays homage to the rich tradition of Texas A&M football and celebrates the bright future in College Station.

SEC MEDIA DAYS

July 17, 2012

As newcomers, Coach Sumlin and Texas A&M didn't quite know what to expect at the 2012 SEC Media Days. With 1,085 credentialed media members in attendance, this was an experience unlike any other and was the precursor to a whirlwind of an inaugural football season.

ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY COMMERCIAL SHOOT

July 30, 2012

Earlier in the year, thousands of Aggies worldwide logged on to vote for ESPN's College Gameday to film a commercial on the campus of Texas A&M. Aggies have developed a reputation for never losing an online poll, and they did not disappoint on the biggest stage. Fans from 120 FBS schools battled for their opportunity to bring the College GameDay commercial shoot to their campus, but it was the Aggies who proved victorious.

Fast forward to July, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso, and Samantha Steele all made the trek to Aggieland to film their College GameDay commercial. In 100+° heat, thousands of Aggies filled into the student section on the East side of Kyle Field to help recreate the Midnight Yell atmosphere we are accustomed to seeing here during Friday nights in the Fall.

#LONDONAGS2012

July-August 2012

A total of 23 athletes and two coaches with Texas A&M ties participated in the London Games. Representing 15 different countries, Aggies saw action in four different sports - swimming and diving (12), track and field (8), archery (2) and basketball (1). Current Aggie women's swimming head coach Steve Bultman was on the Team USA staff and swimming letterman Rick Walker was on the Egyptian swimming staff.

Aggies Earn Four Medals at 2012 Olympics by Texas A&M Athletics A total of 23 athletes and two coaches with Texas A&M ties participated in the London Games. Representing 15 different countries, Aggies saw action in four different sports - swimming and diving (12), track and field (8), archery (2) and basketball (1). Current Aggie women's swimming head coach Steve Bultman was on the Team USA staff and swimming letterman Rick Walker was on the Egyptian swimming staff. Continue Reading »

TEXAS A&M DECLARES TEXAS SEC COUNTRY

August 15, 2012

Texas A&M declares the state of Texas as "SEC Country" with a statewide billboard campaign that blanketed Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and even a billboard in Austin. Additional "This is SEC Country" billboards greeted out-of-state guests from Oklahoma on I-35, Arkansas on I-30, and Louisiana on I-10 and I-20.

Aggies' billboards stake claim to conference turf by Brent Zwerneman, Houston Chronicle I do have an updated plan on where A&M intends to place all of those SEC billboards around the state (and you can almost be certain one will pop up near you). And it's great that something as old-fashioned as a billboard (especially in this information age) can still cause a stir – evidenced by the "This is SEC Country" propaganda placed near Austin. Continue Reading »

MANZIEL NAMED STARTING QUARTERBACK

August 15, 2012

Following a tightly-contested battle, Kerrville Tivy product - and Texas high school football legend - Johnny Manziel was named starting QB by head coach Kevin Sumlin.

"Johnny has performed the best at this stage and we will proceed until the season opener with him getting the first-team reps," Sumlin said. "My policy is simple really; the best player plays. Competition is a great thing and we need more competition at all of our positions. All of our quarterbacks have competed well, and I expect them to continue to push Johnny."

Sumlin's decision to tab Manziel, a redshirt freshman, as the man to lead the Texas A&M offense against the vaunted defenses in the SEC sent shockwaves through the nation. Stories and opinions poured in from across the country. Little did anyone know the true ramifications of the choice made this day during Fall training camp.

Johnny Manziel to start at QB by Sam Khan, Jr., ESPN.com Coming into fall training camp, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said he would name a starting quarterback as early as two days into camp or as late as two weeks before the Aggies' season opener. True to his word, Sumlin did just that, officially tabbing redshirt freshman Johnny Manziel as the Aggies' starter for the Aug. 30 matchup against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport, La. Continue Reading »

FIRST GAME AS A MEMBER OF THE SEC

August 21, 2012

The 14th-ranked Aggie Soccer team led Texas A&M into competition as members of the SEC as they traveled to California for a pair of matches at UC Irvine and San Diego.

Aggies Start Season With 2-1 Victory Over UCI by Texas A&M Athletics Sophomore Shea Groom contributed two assists as the No. 14 Texas A&M soccer team (1-0) opened the 2012 season with 2-1 victory over UC Irvine (0-2) Monday at Anteater Stadium. The Aggies are now 17-3 all-time in home openers and avenged a 2011 loss to the Anteaters with the win. Continue Reading »

CORBELLI PICKS UP WIN #500

August 24, 2012

The Texas A&M Volleyball team's first match of the 2012 season was historic for multiple reasons. Not only was it their first match as a member of the SEC, but it was also head coach Laurie Corbelli's 500th-career victory, as well as her 400th victory as head coach of the Aggies.

Corbelli Gets 500th as Aggies Sweep TSU by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M got a momentous victory in its season opener as the Aggies defeated Texas State, 25-16, 25-15, 25-16, at the Texas A&M Invitational today at Reed Arena. The victory marked the 500th win for A&M head coach Laurie Corbelli, as well as her 400th victory as head coach of the Aggies. "It means I've been coaching a really long time," Corbelli said when asked about the landmark victory. Continue Reading »

No. 500 worth savoring for Corbelli by Richard Croome, Bryan-College Station Eagle Laurie Corbelli celebrated the beginning of her 27th season coaching volleyball with her 500th victory Friday afternoon. It's an extraordinary accomplishment by the former U.S. Olympian, who also notched win No. 400 at Texas A&M when her Aggies beat Texas State 25-16, 25-15, 25-16 in the first of two matches. Continue Reading »

HISTORY AT KYLE FIELD

September 8, 2012

The atmosphere surrounding Texas A&M's opening game of the 2012 season -- originally scheduled to be played against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport, but postponed due to Hurricane Isaac -- was absolutely electric and rivalved that of any other game in Kyle Field's history.

The moment so many Aggies had yearned for -- that first home SEC conference game -- had finally arrived. With Louisiana Tech originally scheduled as the season opener, anticipation was already at record heights. But now, with a storied SEC program like Florida coming to College Station to kick off the 2012 season, game day could not arrive a moment too soon.

Photos: New Team Entrance at Kyle Field

College GameDay Returns to Aggieland

Just over a month removed from filming their 2012 season promotional commercial at this very same venue, the ESPN College GameDay crew returned to Kyle Field to host their weekly Saturday morning college football preview show.

Hundreds of Aggies filled historic Simpson Drill Field to be a part of the show that has become a Saturday morning tradition during college football season.

"Anytime you can showcase one of the great traditional venues in college football and then add the intrigue of Texas A&M hosting a national power like Florida in its SEC debut, you pack up the trucks and go there."

-Lee Fitting, ESPN senior coordinating producer

Photos: ESPN College GameDay at Texas A&M

Future Looks Bright for the Remainder of 2012 Season

As we like to say in Aggieland, Texas A&M didn't lose, we just ran out of time. As the final seconds ticked off the clock at Kyle Field, it was obvious that even though the Aggies would fall just short, 20-17, this was a special team. A brief disappointment, yes, but Aggie fans saw that day a Texas A&M team who didn't back down to one of the SEC's best, and as they traveled home, the conversation focused not on defeat, but vast amount of talent and potential for their beloved team.

Aggies Fall to Florida in SEC Opener, 20-17 by Associated Press Mike Gillislee ran for 83 yards and two touchdowns and No. 24 Florida shut down Texas A&M's offense in the second half in a 20-17 win on Saturday in the Aggies' first Southeastern Conference game after moving from the Big 12. Florida trailed 17-10 at halftime after a first half where Texas A&M's offense under new coach Kevin Sumlin pretty much did what it wanted. Continue Reading »

Texas A&M's SEC Debut Delivers Over $6.5M In Media Exposure by Texas A&M University Texas A&M's opening football weekend in the Southeastern Conference generated more than $6.5 million in media exposure and significant social media buzz for the university, according to an analysis conducted by an independent media firm. Continue Reading »

VOLLEYBALL GRABS TEXAS A&M'S FIRST SEC CONFERENCE VICTORY

September 14, 2012

Coach Laurie Corbelli and the Aggie Volleyball team further solidified themselves in the history books as they defeated Ole Miss in straight sets to give Texas A&M its first conference victory as members of the SEC. This victory was momentous, but it was only the beginning of a very impressive run by this Aggie team.

SEASON DEFINING VICTORY IN OXFORD

October 6, 2012

Midway through the fourth quarter, Texas A&M -- playing its first road conference game in the SEC -- was staring at a 10-point, 27-17, deficit against the Ole Miss Rebels. Pinned on the 3-yard line and facing 3rd-and-19, Johnny Manziel launched a ball 32 yards downfield toward fellow freshman Mike Evans. Evans, a 6'5" wide receiver from Galveston, used his height to his advantage to reach over the Rebels defender and make the catch for a first down.

Just two plays later, A&M traveled the rest of the field to score a touchdown, bringing themselves within four points, 27-23, of Ole Miss. Following a Rebels punt, Manziel and the Aggie offense took all of three plays to score the go-ahead touchdown. After a back-and-forth game riddled with turnovers and miscues, Texas A&M had done the improbable -- coming from behind in the final minutes on the road to defeat Ole Miss, 30-27.

Rewind to the Mike Evans reception back on 3rd-and-19. Many define that outstanding grab as the season-defining moment for the Texas A&M football team. Without that play, the Aggies were looking at punting the ball back to Ole Miss out of their own endzone, likely ending any hopes of a come-from-behind victory as time was winding down.

It would be plays like this that did, in fact, define Texas A&M's season. Achieving the improbable time and time again became the norm for a team with no expectations coming into the 2012 year. This play, to many, is what allowed A&M to continue to build its momentum and win 11 of its final 12 games of the season.

A&M Rallies Late to Stun Ole Miss, 30-27 by Associated Press Johnny Manziel threw for 191 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 129 yards and another score, and Texas A&M rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Mississippi 30-27 Saturday night. Manziel suffered through a tough night until late in the fourth quarter, when he led two touchdown drives. He rushed for a 29-yard touchdown on the first and then found Ryan Swope for a 20-yard TD pass with 1:46 remaining for the go-ahead score. Continue Reading »

EQUESTRIAN BREAKS GROUND ON NEW EQUINE CENTER

October 9, 2012

Texas A&M University broke ground on its state-of-the-art Equine Complex, the future home of the National Champion A&M equestrian team, on Tuesday, October 9. The first phase of the project, funded at approximately $35 million, is expected to be complete in 2014. The full-scope plan is projected to cost $80 million when completed.

The equestrian facility will include locker rooms, offices, a concessions building, a 50-stall barn, two covered warm-up arenas and two covered competition arenas, and will be the premier collegiate equestrian facility in the country.

Texas A&M Breaks Ground on New Equine Complex by Texas A&M Athletics "We are very excited and grateful to be a part of this Equine Initiative," head coach Tana McKay said. "It is such a great opportunity for Texas A&M to showcase their strength in the equine industry. This state-of-the-art facility will be a great asset to our successful equestrian team. We are looking forward to drawing great athletes to Texas A&M University, as well as enhancing their experience as an NCEA athlete." Continue Reading »

Photos: Texas A&M Breaks Ground on New Equine Complex

SOCCER CLINCHES SEC WEST

October 14, 2012

Continuing their dominance from the Big 12, coach G Guererri and the 9th-ranked Texas A&M soccer team clinched the SEC Western Division championship with a convincing 4-0 victory over Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.

SEC West Champs! by Texas A&M Athletics No. 9 Texas A&M Soccer wrapped up the SEC Western Division title and remained in the hunt for the SEC regular-season crown with a 4-0 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores on Sunday afternoon at VU Soccer Complex. The Aggies win coupled with a 1-0 loss by Auburn against Arkansas gives A&M a 10-point lead over Auburn in the SEC Western Division standings with three matches remaining. Texas A&M (14-2-1, 8-1-1 SEC) improved to 25 points, remaining two points behind Florida who posted a 4-1 win over Mississippi State on Sunday. Continue Reading »

HENRY LELEI BECOMES A&M'S FIRST SEC CHAMPION

October 26, 2012

Texas A&M senior Henry Lelei became the school's first individual champion in the Southeastern Conference when he claimed the men's SEC cross country title with a time of 23 minutes, 29.95 seconds on the 8,000-meter course laid out at Percy Warner Park.

Henry Lelei captures A&M's first SEC Championship by Texas A&M Athletics "It will be in the books forever that I'm the first person ever to win an SEC title for Texas A&M," stated Lelei. "Even next year when the team competes at the SEC Championships, it will be noted that I was the first Aggie to win in the SEC. I'll forever be proud of that honor." Continue Reading »

BREAKING OUT THE BLACK UNIFORMS

November 3, 2012

As the Texas A&M football team traveled to Starkville, Miss. for their first-ever conference game against Mississippi State, all the focus -- on game day attire, anyway -- was on the Bulldogs and their all-white #SnowBowl12 uniforms they were wearing to commemorate their 2001 Independence Bowl victory over the Aggies. Little did they -- or anyone else outside of a small handful of A&M staff -- know, Texas A&M was planning to wear a special uniform for this game, too.

For the first time in Aggie history, A&M wore all-black football uniforms. These uniforms, specially designed by adidas, seemed to be the catalyst to an already prolific offense. Texas A&M made quick work of putting away Mississippi State, scoring 31-straight points before allowing the Bulldogs to score. In the end, Texas A&M avenged the 2001 Independence Bowl loss and routed No. 15 Mississippi State, 38-13.

There was little time to celebrate, however, for the biggest test of the season loomed just one week away.

Photos: Aggies Unveil Black Uniforms for Mississippi State Game

Manziel leads No. 16 Texas A&M to 38-13 Rout of No. 15 Mississippi State by Texas A&M Athletics Johnny Manziel threw for 311 yards and ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns, leading No. 16 Texas A&M to a 38-13 victory over No. 17 Mississippi State on Saturday. Manziel, a redshirt freshman, completed 30 of 36 passes. He ran for a 37-yard touchdown in the second quarter that helped the Aggies build a 31-0 lead by early in the second half. Continue Reading »

TAKING DOWN NO. 1 ON THE ROAD

November 10, 2012

November 10, 2012. Coach Sumlin's Aggies are on the final, most arduous week of a tortuous 21-day road trip through the SEC Western division. Yet, contrary to popular thought at the beginning of the season, Texas A&M -- now 7-2 (4-2 SEC) and ranked 15th in the nation -- was 2-0 through the first two weeks and had a legitimate shot at going undefeated during this tumultuous stretch.

The eyes of the nation were on A&M and top-ranked Alabama the week leading up to game day in Tuscaloosa. Analysts debated around the clock whether "Johnny Football" could withstand the pressure from the Crimson Tide's NFL-caliber defense and make those magical plays the nation had grown to expect at this point in the season. Fans pondered if the Aggies' defense keep consistent pressure on fellow Heisman-hopeful quarterback A.J. McCarron. An entire week of discussion and anticipation, which seemed to last a lifetime, helped set the stage for what could be one of the most important football games in Aggie history.

At kickoff, the atmosphere in Bryant-Denny Stadium was absolutely electric. Chants of "Roll! Tide!" reverberated throughout the campus, but none of that fazed the Aggies. By the end of the first quarter, Texas A&M had stunned the Alabama faithful by racking up almost 200 yards of offense (nearly as much as Alabama had been allowing opponents per game this season) and putting 20 unanswered points on the board. Coach Sumlin's Aggies had made their statement to the world: they were afraid of nobody.

A&M came out swinging -- and landed some serious blows -- but both Coach Sumlin and Alabama head coach Nick Saban knew this was just the first round of this heavyweight bout. As one would expect of a team who has been ranked No. 1 for nearly two straight years, the Tide swelled and began to chip away at the Aggie lead, coming within three points, 20-17, near the end of the third quarter.

Alabama fans could smell blood. A once insurmountable lead had now been all but erased. As they had witnessed just one week before against fellow SEC giant LSU, they knew their team would overcome this fourth-quarter deficit to once again prevail on their march to a second-straight BCS National Championship. Chants of "Roll! Tide!" again resounded throughout the stadium as the two heavyweights began to trade punches in the final round of this fight.

Alabama kept fighting back, but were never able to quite catch Manziel and the Aggies. Using the same play that helped A&M come from behind against Ole Miss, Manziel lobbed a wobbly, but on-target, pass to Malcome Kennedy who reeled it in and ran it in for a touchdown with 8:37 left to play.

There was no time to celebrate, however, as A.J. McCarron connected on a 54-yard touchdown pass on the ensuing drive to bring the Crimson Tide back within 5, 24-29. A quick three-and-out by A&M returned the ball to 'Bama with 4:27 on the clock, and they wasted no time moving the ball down the field. A deep pass on the first play of the drive from McCarron landed Alabama on the A&M 6-yard line -- they would have four opportunities to punch the ball into the endzone to take a late fourth quarter lead. Again, Crimson Tide fans could sense victory.

But, conference newcomers Texas A&M had no plans of backing down.

Two rushing attempts on the first two plays from the 6-yard line netted just one yard. On third down McCarron appeared to have a straight shot at the goalline, but senior Dustin Harris belted the Tide quarterback at the last second to down the ball on the two yard line and force a crucial fourth down.

Aggie fans can all recall this play verbatim. A do-or-die fourth down. McCarron drops back and zips the ball to Kenny Bell in the right corner of the endzone, but Deshazor Everett steps in front of him, making one of the biggest plays of the 2012 season, intercepting the ball, crushing any thought of an Alabama victory.

Texas A&M had done it. The new kids on the block had taken down the most feared opponent in the neighborhood -- in their house.

All doubt had been removed about the legitimacy of Texas A&M competing in the SEC. The Aggies had made their statement to the world that they were a force to be wreckoned with.

With this victory, Johnny Manziel had also solidified himself as the Heisman frontrunner, completing 24-of-31 passes for 253 yards and and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 92 yards on the ground against the highly-esteemed 'Bama defense.

Photos: Taking Down 'Bama in Bryant-Denny

Texas A&M Pulls Stunning Upset of No. 1 Alabama by USA Today Alabama couldn't beat Johnny Football. The Crimson Tide fell behind early and couldn't catch up to freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel and upstart Texas A&M, which joined the Southeastern Conference just in time to knock off the nation's No. 1 team 29-24 in the program's first trip to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Continue Reading »

VOLLEYBALL CLAIMS SEC WEST

November 16, 2012

Seven games into an impressive nine-game run to end the 2012 regular season, Coach Corbelli's Aggies claimed the Western Division title with a 3-1 victory over Missouri on Senior Night at Reed Arena.

SEC West Champs! by Texas A&M Athletics The Texas A&M volleyball team clinched at least a share of the SEC Western Division title with a 25-20, 18-25, 25-15, 25-15 win over Missouri Friday on Senior Night at Reed Arena. It was the seventh consecutive victory for the Aggies, who improve to 22-5 overall and 14-4 in the SEC with two matches remaining. Missouri falls to 18-10 overall and 9-8 in the SEC. Continue Reading »

JOHNNY FOOTBALL MEETS THE MEDIA

November 27, 2012

Per team rules, freshmen do not speak with the media -- even if they are the most dynamic player in college football and the leading Heisman Trophy candidate. Season-long anticipation to speak to Johnny Manziel was finally met with an opportunity to speak face-to-face as Manziel stepped in front of the cameras for the first time on November 27, 2012 in a half-hour press conference inside Hagner Auditorium.

I don't see myself as Johnny Football. I still see myself as Johnathan Manziel, a small-town guy from Kerrville who's extremely fortunate and blessed to play football here at A&M."



Johnny Manziel, Starting Quarterback

Manziel Meets Media at First Press Conference by Texas A&M Athletics Johnny Manziel stepped in front of the cameras for the first time this season on Tuesday in a half-hour press conference inside Hagner Auditorium. Continue Reading »

Johnny Manziel talks of fame, 'surreal' season in first visit with media by Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel withstood the rush of three of the nation's best defenses this season against Florida, LSU and Alabama. He expected and prepared accordingly for such pressure. But the rush of fame swarming the one-time Kerrville Tivy High School standout has caught the nimble phenomenon a bit off guard. Continue Reading »

FILLING THE TROPHY CASE IN ORLANDO

December 6, 2012

As the Texas A&M football team wrapped up the regular season with a 10-2 (7-2 SEC) record and a top-15 ranking, Luke Joeckel and Johnny Manziel both received individual honors at the annual Home Depot College Football Awards Show in Orlando, Fla.

Joeckel, a 6-6, 310lb. offensive tackle who served as a protector and blocker for Heisman Trophy finalist Johnny Manziel, claimed the 2012 Outland Trophy Award for the nation's best interior lineman.

Manziel, a Heisman Trophy finalist, also brought home the 2012 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, giving anually to the nation's best quarterback.

Joeckel Claims Outland Trophy by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, who has served as a protector and blocker for Heisman Trophy finalist Johnny Manziel, was named the 67th winner of the Outland Trophy on Thursday night. The 6-6, 310-pound junior from Arlington, Texas, was revealed as the 2012 Outland winner on ESPN during "The Home Depot College Football Awards" from the Atlantic Dance Hall at the Walt Disney World Resort. Continue Reading »

Manziel Wins Davey O'Brien Award by Texas A&M Athletics The Davey O'Brien Foundation today announced Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel as the 2012 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® Winner. Todd Blackledge, the 1982 Davey O'Brien Winner, presented the award to Manziel during The Home Depot College Football Awards at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. He will be honored at the 36th Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner on Feb. 18, 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas. Continue Reading »

CALL HIM JOHNNY HEISMAN

December 8, 2012

Following the most spectacular regular season in Texas A&M football -- and one of the best in all of college football -- history, redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel was named the 2012 Heisman Trophy Winner.

Manziel completed 273-of-400 passes for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns while only throwing 8 interceptions. Additionally, he rushed 184 times for 1,181 yards with 19 rushing touchdowns.

Manziel broke the SEC record with 4,600 yards of total offense (previously held by 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton). While leading the Aggies to a 10-2 regular season record and an appearance in the January 4, 2013 AT&T Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma, Manziel was named the SEC's Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Manziel was also awarded the Davey O'Brien Award given to the nation's top quarterback.

"Leadership, respect, and putting others first. It's what the 12th Man is all about. I believe that the 12th Man is one of the greatest traditions in all of college football. Forty thousand students standing not as fans, but as members of our team.

To the 12th Man, to Texas A&M, Kerrville, Texas, and Aggies everywhere, this Heisman Trophy is for you."



Johnny Manziel, 2012 Heisman Trophy Winner

Johnny Manziel Selected as Heisman Trophy Winner by Texas A&M Athletics Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M University was selected as the 78th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the Outstanding College Football Player in the United States for 2012. Anne Donahue, of the Heisman Trophy Trust, which annually presents the Heisman Memorial Trophy Award, announced the selection of Manziel on December 8th on a nationally televised ESPN sports special. Continue Reading »

Photos: Johnny Manziel Accepts 2012 Heisman Trophy

Media Blitz

Following his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Manziel immediately hit the road to speak with the media about his experience. Appearances included the Late Show with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CBS this Morning, the Dan Patrick Show, Mike & Mike, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and others.

Video: Johnny Manziel Makes the Media Rounds

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

December 20, 2012

The Texas A&M football team took a break from Cotton Bowl preparations to spread a little holiday cheer to local children at the Indoor Practice Facility.

Photos: Aggie Football and Twin City Mission Christmas Visit

WOMEN'S HOOPS OPENS SEC BASKETBALL ACTION

January 3, 2013

Led by 20 points and 14 rebounds from junior Kelsey Bone, the Texas A&M women's basketball team cruised into SEC play, defeating Alabama 91-52 in front of 7,191 fans at Reed Arena.

Aggies Win SEC Opener 91-52 Over Alabama by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M was victorious in its first ever SEC game by a score of 91-52 over Alabama at Reed Arena Thursday night in front of an impressive 7,191 fans. Once again the Aggies were led by Junior Kelsey Bone's remarkable play of 20 points and 14 rebounds. Continue Reading »

COTTON BOWL CHAMPS

January 4, 2012

What better way to close the final chapter on Texas A&M's first football season in the SEC than a trip to the Cotton Bowl to play Big 12 Co-Champion Oklahoma?

The Aggies put the final stamp on a historic season with a 41-13 romping of the Sooners. Heisman winner Johnny Manziel set a Cotton Bowl record with 516 total yards and accounted for four touchdowns.

Coach Sumlin's first year as Texas A&M head coach was a good as any other in Aggie history. An 11-2 record. A top-5 ranking. The Aggies are on top of the college football world, have all the momentum, and look to have an even better season in 2013.

Manziel Leads A&M to 41-13 Cotton Bowl Victory by Texas A&M Athletics Johnny Manziel tiptoed the sideline for a 23-yard touchdown on Texas A&M's first drive of the game. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback known as Johnny Football and the 10th-ranked Aggies were just getting warmed up in the Cotton Bowl. In his first game since becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman, Manziel set a Cotton Bowl-record with 516 total yards and accounted for four TDs as the Aggies capped their first SEC season with a 41-13 win over 12th-ranked Oklahoma on Friday night. Continue Reading »

ELSTON TURNER DROPS 40 AT RUPP

January 12, 2013

Elston Turner caught fire in Kentucky's historic Rupp Arena, dropping 40 points as texas A&M defeated the Wildcats, 83-71.

The loss was the first home conference loss in head coach John Calipari's tenure at Kentucky, and the the Wildcats had won 24-straight home SEC games before then.

Elston Turner scores 40, Texas A&M hands Kentucky another loss by USA Today Looking back, Texas A&M's Elston Turner said preseason runs through 110-degree heat were the foundation of preparing the Aggies for their first pass at playing in the Southeastern Conference. The summer heat in eastern Texas couldn't match Turner's shooting hand Saturday against Kentucky. Continue Reading »

MEN'S TENNIS UPSETS NO. 4 OHIO STATE IN HOME OPENER

February 10, 2013

The Texas A&M men's tennis team was off to a hot start in their 2013 campaign, winning their first seven matches, capped off by an impressive come-from-behind victory against the 4th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

"To play a team like this in the home-opener and to finish with this kind of result is incredible. I couldn't ask for a better start from this team."



Steve Denton, Head Men's Tennis Coach

Aggies rally to upset No. 4 Ohio State by Texas A&M Athletics The No. 15 Texas A&M men's tennis team upset No. 4 Ohio State on Sunday in front of 281 fans at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center in College Station. With the win, Texas A&M improves to 7-0 while Ohio State drops its first match at 8-1. The Aggies are off to their best start in 19 years when the 1994 team started 19-0. Continue Reading »

AGGIES HOST FIRST SEC POSTSEASON EVENT

February 19-23, 2013

The Texas A&M men's and women's swimming & diving programs hosted the 2013 SEC Swimming & Diving Championships in late February, the first-ever SEC Championship held in Aggieland.

Both Aggie teams entered the meet ranked in the top 20, with the women's team at No. 9 and the men's team ranked 18th. The SEC is one of the deepest and most talented conferences in the nation with a total of 11 ranked teams coming to College Station.

Breeja Larson Shatters NCAA, American Record by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M junior Breeja Larson was challenged in the morning prelims and she responded with record-setting performance the 100-yard breaststroke in the evening finals at the 2013 Southeastern Conference Championships at the Student Recreation Center on the A&M campus. Continue Reading »

Aggie Women Grab Runner-Up Honors at SECs by Texas A&M Athletics With wins in seven events, including five in meet record fashion, the Texas A&M women's swimming and diving team closed out the five-day Southeastern Conference Championships with a runner-up finish in its first-ever SEC meet. Continue Reading »

SOFTBALL RIDES 19-0 START INTO SEC PLAY

February - March, 2013

Joining the other Aggie teams with white hot starts to the Spring season, the Texas A&M softball team shot off to a 19-0 start in nonconference play, and eventually started the conference season 22-1 and ranked 5th in the country.

Along with the team's incredible offense, senior ace Mel Dumezich recorded three no-hitters during this streak to help the Aggies rise in the rankings.

Dumezich Records No-Hitter in DH Sweep of SFA by Texas A&M Athletics Senior pitcher Mel Dumezich threw her career-first no-hitter in game two as the No. 9 Texas A&M softball team (12-0) swept a doubleheader against Stephen F. Austin (4-9) with a pair of shutout wins Wednesday at the Aggie Softball Complex. Continue Reading »

Dumezich Throws Second No-Hitter of Week in Run-Rule of SELU by Texas A&M Athletics Senior Mel Dumezich threw the second no-hitter of her career and of the week as the No. 9 Texas A&M softball team (17-0) ended the Texas A&M Invitational with a 5-0 record on the weekend after run-ruling Southeastern Louisiana (10-5), 8-0 on Sunday. Dumezich started the week with a no-hit effort against Stephen F. Austin, the first of her career, and added a second big outing against the Lady Lions on Sunday. The Whiting, Ind., native allowed just two runners on base through the entire five-inning game, on a walk and a fielding error. Continue Reading »

Dumezich Throws No-Hitter as Aggies Sweep Twin Bill by Texas A&M Athletics Senior Mel Dumezich threw her third career no-hitter as the fifth-ranked Texas A&M softball team (21-1) took a 5-0 shutout win over Illinois State (10-9) before defeating College of Charleston (7-5), 6-4 Saturday on day two of the Citrus Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Dumezich's no-hitter against the Redbirds was the third of her career and her third within the past two weeks. The right-hander also tossed a career-high 16 strikeouts on the win. Continue Reading »

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL VICTORIOUS IN SEC TOURNAMENT

March 8-10, 2013

In their first-ever trip to Duluth, Ga. for the SEC Women's Basketball Championship Tournament, and fresh off an upset of top-seeded Tennessee, the Texas A&M women's basketball team advanced to play No. 2 Kentucky in the championship game.

Led by 18 points and 15 rebounds from Kelsey Bone, the Aggies rallied past Kentucky -- whom they had already lost to twice in the regular season -- 75-67 to claim the 2013 SEC Tournament Championship.

Photos: Texas A&M at the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament

AGGIES INTO SEC SEMIS, TOPPLE NO. 14 GAMECOCKS by Texas A&M Athletics Kristi Bellock scored 17 points and Karla Gilbert added 13 off the bench to lead No. 19 Texas A&M to a 61-52 win over No. 14 South Carolina Friday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament inside The Arena at Gwinnett Center. With the victory, the fourth-seeded Aggies (22-9) advance to the semifinals of their conference tournament for the eighth straight year and will face off with top-seeded and ninth-ranked Tennessee (24-9) on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT (ESPNU, Sports Radio 1150 The Zone). Continue Reading »

Texas A&M Shocks Top-Seeded Lady Vols, 66-62, Moves Into SEC Finals by Texas A&M Athletics Courtney Williams' jumper with 33 seconds remaining gave No. 19 Texas A&M the lead and the Aggies held on to beat ninth-ranked Tennessee 66-62 in the Southeastern conference semifinals Saturday, ending the Lady Vols' bid for a fourth straight championship. Courtney Walker had 18 points to lead four scorers in double figures for Texas A&M (23-9), which will face either Kentucky or Georgia on Sunday for the championship. Continue Reading »

SEC Champions! by Texas A&M Athletics Kelsey Bone owes coach Gary Blair an assist. There will be time to settle that debt in the NCAA tournament. Bone had 18 points and 15 rebounds, with most of her production coming in the second half, and Texas A&M beat Kentucky 75-67 on Sunday night to win the Southeastern Conference tournament championship in its first year in the league. Continue Reading »

MEN GRAB WEST, WOMEN WIN OVERALL SEC TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

April 14, 2013

Spring dominance continued as the Texas A&M men's tennis team clinched its first SEC Western Division championship with a 4-1 victory over No. 6 Ole Miss at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center.

The same afternoon, the Aggie women's tennis team captured the school's first regular season SEC Championship in any sport with a 4-0 win over Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss.

Aggie Women Grab SEC Championship by Texas A&M Athletics The third-ranked Texas A&M women's tennis team captured the school's first regular season Southeastern Conference championship in any sport with a 4-0 victory over No. 43 Ole Miss this afternoon at the Palmer/Salloum Tennis Center. It was the fifth consecutive win for the Aggies, who improve to 20-2, finish 12-1 in the SEC, and win their first regular season conference championship since winning the Big 12 Conference regular season title in 2003. Continue Reading »

Aggies Men Clinch SEC West With 4-1 Victory Over No. 6 Ole Miss by Texas A&M Athletics The 14th-ranked Texas A&M men's tennis team clinched its first SEC Western Division championship with a 4-1 victory over sixth-ranked Ole Miss on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center. The Aggies improve to 16-11 and 7-5 in SEC play while the Rebels fall to 15-7 and 7-5 in conference action. "It's nice to pull this win out today," Texas A&M head coach Steve Denton said. "We had our backs against the wall this weekend and we competed really well on Friday night as well as today. I'm extremely pleased with the way our team performed this weekend." Continue Reading »

KELSEY BONE SELECTED 5TH IN WNBA DRAFT

April 15, 2013

Texas A&M junior center Kelsey Bone set Aggie Women's Basketball history when she was selected by the New York Liberty with the fifth pick in the first round of the 2013 WNBA draft.

Bone joined a long and impressive list of Aggies who, under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Gary Blair, have continued their career at the highest level. Monday's selection marked the sixth consecutive season that an A&M player was drafted into the WNBA. The Aggies have now had nine players drafted in the past six years.

Bone Sets Aggie Women's Basketball History by Texas A&M Athletics Bone became the first Aggie selected in the first round with the fifth pick, the highest selection for any Aggies in a WNBA Draft. Prior to Monday evening the highest A&M selection was 16th overall; three Aggies had been selected with the 16th pick, White, Sydney Colson and Danielle Gant in the 2012, 2011 and 2009 Drafts respectively. Continue Reading »

Kelsey Bone Q&A by SwishAppeal.com Texas A&M's Kelsey Bone was selected fifth overall by the New York Liberty in the 2013 WNBA Draft on Monday. Swish Appeal had an opportunity to follow up with her and her mother about getting drafted, what she did leading up to draft night, and playing for New York Liberty head coach Bill Laimbeer. Continue Reading »

LUKE JOECKEL DRAFTED NO. 2 OVERALL

April 25, 2013

For the first time in program history, the Texas A&M football team has produced a top 10 NFL Draft selection in three straight years after All-America offensive tackle Luke Joeckel was picked No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars at Radio City Music Hall.

"Being the second pick is great. It's a dream come true, representing A&M in this way. They gave me so much at A&M. I'm glad I can represent them and I'm glad I can give back to them."



Luke Joeckel, Former Texas A&M Offensive Lineman

Joeckel Goes No. 2 Overall to Jacksonville by Texas A&M Athletics “Luke Joeckel is the consummate professional,” Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said. “As talented as Luke is on the field, he is an even better person off of it. Luke is a strong, physical player with great technical skills. He started every game of his Aggie career at left tackle and did a fantastic job. He is a great addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars.” Continue Reading »

KYLE FIELD REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ANNOUNCED

May 1, 2013

Texas A&M University received approval from the A&M System Board of Regents to proceed with one of the largest college football stadium redevelopments in history, with a project cost of $450 million and a future stadium capacity of 102,500.

The renovation and expansion of Kyle Field will start immediately following the 2013 football season and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015 season. The Aggies will continue to play at the historic stadium, which dates back to the 1927 season and has a current capacity of 82,589, during the entire construction process.

"We have committed to making Kyle Field the premier college football stadium in the country, as well as an incredible facility to showcase our flagship university, our unique traditions and the incomparable spirit of the 12th Man.

This stadium will reflect the dominant prestige and power of Texas A&M University."



John Sharp, Texas A&M University System Chancellor

Renderings: Kyle Field Redevelopment

Kyle Field Redevelopment Approved by Texas A&M Board of Regents by Texas A&M Athletics “Today we celebrate Texas A&M and our many partners coming together to make history,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “We have committed to making Kyle Field the premier college football stadium in the country, as well as an incredible facility to showcase our flagship university, our unique traditions and the incomparable spirit of the 12th Man. This stadium will reflect the dominant prestige and power of Texas A&M University.” Continue Reading »

Texas A&M Approves $450M Kyle Field Renovation, Making It Largest Stadium In SEC by Sports Business Daily The Texas A&M Univ. Board of Regents yesterday approved a $450M renovation to Kyle Field that will "increase the stadium's capacity to 102,500," making it the biggest stadium in the SEC, according to a front-page piece by David Harris of the Bryan-College Station Eagle. Kyle Field's new capacity will top the Univ. of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium by "only 45 seats," and will surpass the Univ. of Texas' Memorial Stadium "by more than 2,000 seats." Continue Reading »

CREATION OF THE SEC NETWORK

May 2, 2013

The Southeastern Conference and ESPN signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network, which will launch in August 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will air SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in the first year.

"The SEC Network will provide an unparalleled fan experience of top quality SEC content presented across the television network and its accompanying digital platforms."



Mike Slive, SEC Commissioner

SEC And ESPN Announce New TV Network by Southeastern Conference The network will televise approximately 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC's 21 sports annually. Programming will also include studio shows, original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, signing day and pro days coverage. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively on the digital platform.

Continue Reading »

EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE COURT

May 8, 2013

Among the record number of degree candidates at the Texas A&M commencement exercises this Spring were 102 Aggie student-athletes. This year's senior class will be most remembered for helping successfully usher Texas A&M into the Southeastern Conference.

102 Texas A&M Student-Athletes Set to Graduate by Texas A&M Athletics "I am extremely proud of these young people for taking advantage of an opportunity to continue to play a sport they love, while also earning a degree from our world-class university," Director of Athletics Eric Hyman said. "These student-athletes have put in a lot of time, effort and dedication to reach this goal, and everyone who has supported them throughout their lives is to be congratulated as well." Continue Reading »

WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD WINS OUTDOOR SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

May 12, 2013

Scoring 92 points on the fourth and final day of the conference meet propelled the Texas A&M women into first place as they claimed the SEC Outdoor Championship team title with a 117 point total in their first year in the conference. The Aggie men finished third with 118 points.

Aggie Women Claim SEC Outdoor Championship by Texas A&M Athletics “This was a big meet for us,” said Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry. “I think as anybody knows who follows the sport, in this conference you have to qualify well in those first couple of days to set yourself up for the final day. “It may look like it comes down to the last couple of events, but what happens over the course of the past couple of days is what dictates a lot of what happens on the final day. This group lined up and got after it.” Continue Reading »

SOFTBALL RALLIES FOR NCAA REGIONAL TITLE

May 19, 2013

In a matchup of former conference rivals, the Texas A&M softball team bested Baylor twice at the NCAA College Station Regional at the Aggie Softball Complex.

Game one of the three game series was won, 6-5, in thrilling walk-off fashion as Cali Lanphear and Nicole Morgon launched back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to erase a 3 run deficit.

After dropping game two to the Lady Bears earlier in the day, the Aggie bats were back in action on in a win-or-go-home finale. Texas A&M hitters sent five balls sailing over the outfield wall en route to an 8-0 run rule. With that, 16th-seeded A&M reached the NCAA Super Regionals for the fifth time in program history.

A&M Run-Rules Baylor to Win NCAA Regional Title by Texas A&M Athletics Back-to-back home runs by Cali Lanphear and Nicole Morgan erased a three-run deficit and lifted 16th-seeded Texas A&M to a thrilling 6-5 win over Baylor Saturday afternoon at the NCAA College Station Regional. The Aggies (41-15) advance to the Regional Championship Series tomorrow beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2. An if-necessary match-up is penciled in for 5 p.m. CT on ESPN. The Lady Bears (40-16) beat Arizona late Saturday evening, and now must beat A&M twice on Sunday to advance to the Super Regional. Continue Reading »

Ainsley pitches A&M past Baylor; Oklahoma up next in super regional by Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle Texas A&M got the All-America effort it desperately needed from one of its most unlikely players as Lauren Ainsley pitched the game of her life in the Aggies' biggest game of the year. The sophomore right-hander allowed only two singles as A&M rolled to an 8-0 five-inning victory over the Baylor Bears to win the College Station Regional on Sunday at the Aggie Softball Complex before 1,505. Continue Reading »

WOMEN'S TENNIS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

May 21, 2013

In just his second year at Texas A&M, head coach Howard Joffe has already led the women's tennis program to new heights. In A&M's inaugural season in the SEC, he led his Aggies to the school's first regular season championship in any sport. Overall, he guided A&M to a 26-3 record, including 24-3 against ranked opponents and 12-1 in conference matches. Nine of those wins came against teams ranked in the top 15 in the nation, including a win against two-time defending champion and fourth-ranked Florida.

Capping off a brilliant regular season, Texas A&M made an incredible run through the NCAA Tournament. Showing grit, resilience, and determination, the Aggies battled their way into the NCAA Championship match against the Stanford Cardinal. Only once before this season had the Aggies reached even the round of 16.

The Cardinal would eventually outlast A&M in the final, 4-3, but Coach Joffe's team cannot do anything but hold their head high as national finalist.

Coach Joffe stated it best as he spoke with the media following the heartbreaking loss to Stanford:

"If you want a synopsis of the season, the trajectory of our team is rather sharp. It is not shocking to me that we were here in the final match. We do have very, very good players, and the trajectory and the speed that we have come from nowhere so to speak is somewhat startling..."



Howard Joffe, Texas A&M Head Women's Tennis Coach

Startling, indeed, but exhilarating at the same time. As the Aggies continue along this trajectory, there isn't much more ground to cover, and it shouldn't be long before they reach the top.

Stanford Tops Texas A&M 4-3 in National Championship Match by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M finished its historic season as the national champion runner-up after falling to Stanford, 4-3, today in the finals of the NCAA Championship at the Kahn Outdoor Tennis Complex. The Aggies, who had reached the NCAA round of 16 only once in school history before this season, conclude the year 26-4 under second-year head coach Howard Joffe, setting a record for the most wins in school history. Continue Reading »

BASEBALL CLINCHES 7TH-STRAIGHT NCAA TOURNAMENT BERTH

May 22, 2013

When it comes to quality baseball, there isn't a conference finer than the SEC. Texas A&M experienced this first-hand in 2013 as week-in and week-out the Aggies faced top-level opponents from across the conference.

In an up-and-down year for A&M, the Aggies needed a strong finish to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the seventh-straight season. Coach Childress' squad rose to the occasion, winning eight of their last 11 games heading into the SEC Tournament. A&M defeated Florida in the opening round of the tourney, and followed that with an impressive 5-0 shutout victory over No. 1 Vanderbilt in the second round. With the win, Texas A&M secured their spot for the seventh year in a row in the NCAA Tournament.

A&M Blanks No. 1 Vanderbilt, 5-0, in SEC Tourney by Texas A&M Athletics The Texas A&M Aggies handed the No. 1-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores their first shutout of the season in a 5-0 blanking at the SEC Baseball Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. In just his fifth career start, Parker Ray (1-1) earned his first win of the season as he stymied Vanderbilt hitters over a career-long 8.0 innings. Continue Reading »

GARY BLAIR INDUCTED INTO WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

June 6, 2013

Gary Blair, the all-time winningest women's basketball coach in Texas A&M history, was one of only six inductees into the prestigious Women's Basketball Hall of Fame this year.

With Blair at the helm, Texas A&M has elevated into one of the nation's elite programs. The Aggies have advanced to at least the NCAA Sweet 16 four of the last six years, earned a trip to the Elite Eight in 2008 and won the program's first national championship in 2011. Blair has guided A&M to a program-best No. 1 ranking in the national polls, a school-record eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances and produced A&M's only first-team All-American in Danielle Adams. In addition, the Aggies have captured four conference trophies in the last seven years.

Blair Inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M women's basketball head coach Gary Blair was inducted to the prestigious Women's Basketball Hall of Fame alongside five additional members of the Class of 2013 on Saturday evening. Blair became the first basketball hall of fame inductee from Texas A&M in either men's or women's basketball. Continue Reading »

Texas A&M coach Gary Blair is late bloomer, but big winner by GoVolsXtra When Gary Blair steps to the podium Saturday night at the Bijou Theatre, the folksy Texan will have stories to tell. They will comprise his coaching story, which will be honored with his induction to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. The past 10 years at Texas A&M, during which he's raised a program from the depths to a national championship in 2011, will only be part of his tale. Continue Reading »

Blair gives credit to former players, coaches for Hall of Fame induction by Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle It's a big weekend for Gary Blair, who is being inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but he thinks it's equally big for those he's worked with and for at Dallas South Oak Cliff, Louisiana Tech, Stephen F. Austin University, Arkansas and Texas A&M. Continue Reading »

ANOTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR TRACK & FIELD

June 8, 2013

The Texas A&M men's track & field team put a stamp on their first season in the SEC by bringing home the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Championship -- their fourth NCAA title in five years. Overall, this marks the seventh national championship won by Texas A&M track & field since 2009, and is the 34th NCAA Championship claimed by head coach Pat Henry.

Not to be overlooked, the SEC champion women's track & field team finished as the NCAA runner-up -- their fifth-straight top-three finish.

"You look at what we did today, across the board with men and women, with the events we won and how competitive we were I can't be anything but pleased with our team today."



Pat Henry, Head Track & Field Coach

Texas A&M men win NCAA Championship, Aggie women earn NCAA runner-up by Texas A&M Athletics Texas A&M won its fourth men's NCAA Outdoor championship as the Aggies and Florida Gators each scored 53 points to share the 2013 title on a dramatic day in front of 11,482 fans at Hayward Field. The Texas A&M women scored 44 points to finish as the team runner-up behind Kansas. This marks the seventh national championship won by the Texas A&M track and field program over a five year span and is the 34th NCAA Championship claimed by Aggie head coach Pat Henry. Continue Reading »

Photos: Welcome Home Celebration

RECORD-HIGH FINISH IN LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP

June 27, 2013

Putting a final stamp on the season, and receiving validation for endless hours of hard work, it was announced that Texas A&M established a school-best finish of fifth place in the final 2012-13 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup.

Click here to enlarge image below

Texas A&M Finishes With Record 5th Place Finish in Directors' Cup by Texas A&M Athletics In its first season of competition in the Southeastern Conference, the Texas A&M athletics program established a school-best finish of fifth place with 1131.50 points in the final 2012-13 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. The SEC is the only conference with three institutions in the Top 10, with Florida at No. 2, the Aggies at No. 5 and Georgia at No. 10. Six SEC schools finished ranked in the Top 25. Continue Reading »

Looking back at expectations as Texas A&M entered this inaugural season of competition in the SEC, the bar was set fairly low by the national media, casual observers, and even some Aggie fans. It would have been easy to shrug off first season failures and place the blame on the acclimation into a new conference.

At Texas A&M, we hold ourselves to a higher standard of excellence -- mediocrity was never an option for 2012-13. In the face of new challenges, our administration, coaches, and players set out not to achieve the expectations of others, but to excel because of the great sense of pride we have as Aggies.

2012-13 will forever be remembered and spoken of dearly in Aggie folklore, but as great as this year was, it was only the beginning. Generations from now, Aggies will look back at this season and view it as the foundation for their current success.

This was only Year One, and it only gets better from here. Gig 'em.