Longhorns March at 30th Annual Torchlight Parade & Rally
With torches in hand and fight in their song, Longhorns from all around campus came out Wednesday night to march in the 30th annual Torchlight Parade & Rally.
Texas Poms, Cowboys, Orange Jackets, Iron Spikes, and many more took over Guadalupe Street to show their UT pride, cheering on the Texas Football team before the 111th Red River Showdown. As hundreds lined up in the journey toward the Tower, the Longhorn Band played “Texas Fight” and Hook ‘Em rallied up the bystanders.
Once they all arrived at the Tower, hundreds more Longhorns had gathered around with Bevo XV on their left and “Smokey” the Cannon on their right. Emcee and student body president Kevin Helgren welcomed the parade and introduced Longhorn Hellraisers president, Michael Dwyer, who led the crowd in a cheer.
Head football coach Charlie Strong and his senior players arrived at the steps of the South Mall as the Roustabouts Dance Company kicked off a series of dance and cheer performances throughout the night. Afterward, Coach Strong took the mic and acknowledged the Longhorns’ current 2-2 record, with their latest losses against California and Oklahoma State.
“But I tell you this: We’re going to get back on track on Saturday,” Strong said. Just last year, the Longhorns were down 4-1 before the OU game but they still ended up beating the Sooners 24-17. So fingers crossed.
UT Navy ROTC commanding officer Cecilia Beavers laid out the battalion’s plan to run the game ball up to Dallas as its done for the past 32 years. The NOTC will battle the OU Navy ROTC in a traditional game of flag football on gameday.
“We’re ready to get some Sooner blood!” Beavers shouted before Strong passed over the game ball. “Hook ’em Horns!”
The Orange Jackets wrapped up the night by leading the crowd in “The Eyes of Texas” as APO dropped the Texas state flag down the side of the Tower. The Cowboys shot off one last cannon from Old Smokey, reminding everyone that OU still sucks.
Who's ready to #BeatOU? #Longhorns gathered at the #UTTower tonight for the Torchlight Parade & Rally ahead of the #RedRiverShowdown 🤘 pic.twitter.com/leKCLB71r9
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) October 6, 2016
