Letters

Crazy About Courtney Cares

Shortly after my family and I moved back to Aggieland in 2014, a friend of mine mentioned the Courtney Cares program. I signed up for the volunteer training and the rest—as they say—is history. I enjoy every part of the program; the staff members are experts in their fields and watching as they share their expertise and talents with the participants is a blessing.

Being able to horse handle for the program adds an additional dimension of joy for me, but the most amazing aspect of Courtney Cares is witnessing the positive effects that riding has on each participant every day. It is an honor and pleasure to play a tiny role in this organization’s work, and I loved seeing the program highlighted in the summer 2018 issue.

Amanda Fleming ’94
Bryan, Texas

Bringing Back the “T”

Reading the Time Capsule article in the summer 2018 issue brought back great memories for my family. My dad, William “Bill” Dorsey ’57, served as Head Yell Leader in 1956. He was the driving force behind organizing the entire student body to form the Aggie “T” at halftime that year.

The famous Aggie “T” was first formed at Kyle Field during the infamous 13-0 game against The University of Texas on November 19, 1915, in College Station. But by the 1950s, the formation had not been performed at Kyle Field for several years. My dad and his fellow Yell Leaders agreed that it was an important event for the 12th Man and shouldn’t be forgotten.

So, my dad approached Col. E.V. Adams ’29, former director of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, to ask for his help in bringing back the tradition. He agreed, but only if the band members voted for it, as it meant the band would have to forfeit its performance during halftime. Luckily, the band completely understood the intention behind the request and voted “yes.”

Col. Adams had films of previous formations of the “T” and a complete understanding of field maneuvers, so he proved crucial in helping the Yell Leaders accomplish the feat, especially with about 5,000 cadets who had never done it before, most of whom had never even seen it. He also warned the Yell Leaders that the final and perhaps most important requirement was to gain permission from “the Bear,” Texas A&M’s then-Head Football Coach Paul Bryant. Coach Bryant initially shot down the idea, but my dad was persistent and visited the coach’s office to plead his case until Bryant finally said: “Hell son, if it means that much to you, go ahead.”

The spirit of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets was demonstrated that day. It clearly shows what Texas A&M is all about and why, even 60-plus years later, the spirit lives on.

Gig ’em, Daddy!

Jenny Dorsey Johnson ’82
Grapevine, Texas