Statue Ornament Package

$32.99

These ornaments were designed to recognize the history and heritage of Texas A&M University. Crafted in pewter and made with spirit in mind, add these two leaders of character to your ornament collection today.

In stock

SKU: 0502 Category: Tags: , , ,

Description

Texas A&M University is widely recognized for its culture and deep-seated traditions. The university has come a long way since the original founding in 1871, which history attributes to a number of significant characters. Many of these influencers still have a face on campus and their statues may be spotted at points of interest at A&M. Lawrence Sullivan Ross and E. King Gill are two significant leaders among this group, and their figures are adorned in this ornament package. Add these two leaders of character to your ornament collection today.

 

 

 

 

Lawrence Sullivan Ross

In July of 1890, Texas Governor Lawrence Sullivan Ross was selected as the President of Texas A&M College. Upon hearing of Governor Ross’s acceptance to the position as President, the recently formed cadet precision drill team were renamed the Ross Volunteers.    Ross assumed his duties as President on February 1st, 1891. During his time as President, Ross put great emphasis on military training and the Corps of Cadets. He established many of the school traditions still recognized today. Some of those traditions are the first Aggie Ring, the Singing Cadets, the Aggie Band, the first intercollegiate football game, The Battalion student newspaper, and the yearbook. Upon his death on January 3rd,1898, the entire student body escorted his body back to his hometown of Waco for burial. The students then began the new tradition of Silver Taps to further memorialize President Ross.

Former cadets began immediately raising funds for a monument to honor President Ross.  In 1917, Pompeo Coppini was commissioned to build a 10 foot bronze statue of Ross.  The monument was placed in front of the Academic Building and was unveiled on May 4th, 1919.  Years later, students referred to him as “Sully” and began the tradition of placing pennies on Sully‘s feet for good luck because he would often tutor students, but would only accept a penny for their thoughts.

 

 

E. King Gill

On Jan. 2, 1922, during the playoff game with Centre College at the Dixie Classic in Dallas, sophomore E. King Gill, a former member of the Texas A&M College football team, was called from his job in the pressbox to suit up and be prepared to play if needed.   The Aggies were down many players by halftime due to injuries and Coach Dana X. Bible told Gill that he may have to go in to finish the game.  Gill put on a uniform and waited on the sidelines ready to go in if needed.  By the end of the game, the Aggies rallied and surprised everyone with a win.  E. King Gill was the only player left standing on the sidelines at the end of the game.

During the 1939 national championship season, the story of E King Gill was used as a reminder, and the 12th Man tradition was born.  Texas A&M’s student body is known as the 12th Man and stands during the entire game to show their support and willingness to step in to assist their beloved team if needed.
On March 1, 1980, the Texas A&M Class of ’80 presented the Twelfth Man statue as a gift to Texas A&M University.  The 6 ft. 4 in tall bronze sculpture depicts E. King Gill ’24 (1902-1978) suited up in his football uniform as the original 12th Man. The figure was sculpted by George E. “Pat” Foley and cast by the Al Shakis Art Foundry of Houston and placed at the north entrance to Kyle Field.  During Kyle Field renovations in 2014, the statue was moved next to Rudder Fountain.

Additional information

Weight 0.2 lbs
Dimensions 3 × 3 × 2 in

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