The Tradition Continues: ’Horns Hex Horned Frogs
Since 1941, Longhorns have lit red candles in front of the UT Tower to hex their various Thanksgiving Day football opponents, including Baylor, SMU, and of course, Texas A&M.
Last night, the long-standing tradition continued in the Main Mall as hundreds from the Longhorn community turned out to hex this year’s opponent, the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs. Hosted by the Texas Exes Spirit and Traditions Council, the 2012 UT vs. TCU Hex Rally featured performances by Texas Cheer, the pom squad, the Longhorn Band, and more, as well as speeches by Coach Mack Brown and Hook ’em Horns hand sign co-creator Harley Clark, BA ’57, MA ’60, LLB ’62, Life Member.
“I can feel the vibrations of a dying frog,” Clark said, lighting the first red candle of the night. Clark went on to tell the story of the Hex Rally tradition and how he helped create one of the world’s most recognizable hand gestures.
The late Darrell K Royal was also honored at the rally, as strength and conditioning coach Jeff Madden led the crowd in one of Royal’s favorite cheers—in which members of the audience held up their horns and screamed “Woah!” then yelled “Texas!” each time Madden dropped his hand.
Senior offensive lineman Mason Walters took to the mic to remind Longhorn fans that the Hex Rally isn’t just about the Aggies.
“It’s about us,” Walters said. “It’s not about the other team. It’s our Thanksgiving tradition.”
And as candles were lit and the crowd sang “The Eyes of Texas” three times in unison, the hex was completed—and Longhorns got to once again be part of a Texas tradition that’s way bigger than just A&M.
Photo by Matt Valentine.
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