I've been thinking for a while now what I could do to provide some unique content for all of you (and for everyone on the site, for that matter), remembering Bonfire.
I've been reading stories and watching telecasts all day about the Bonfire collapse -- a day none of us have nor will ever forget. From newspapers to websites to T.V., everyone is doing a remarkable job of covering an event that greatly impacted all of our lives and brought the A&M family together like never before. It was perhaps our darkest hour followed by our finest hour and it's something that we'll all carry with us forever.
Ten years later, I wanted to give several members of the 1999 A&M football team the opportunity to tell their own stories, as they had a pretty unique perspective throughout a surreal and unforgettable week. From teaming up with the rest of the student body to help clear the fallen logs from the stack to a week's worth of solemn practices to an unforgettable Midnight Yell to one of the most emotional college football games in history -- these guys were the ones who took the field that day representing all of us. Most importantly, they were truly playing for the twelve Aggies who lost their lives as a result of the tragic Bonfire accident on November 18, 1999.
You guys are going to love this. I've been overwhelmed with the response so far and more than one of these have brought tears to my eyes. You'll all have the same reaction, I'm sure.
The responses so far have been pretty poignant.
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TUESDAY UPDATE: Here are the accounts of two Aggie running backs: Game MVP Ja'Mar Toombs and fullback Stacy Jones.
JA'MAR TOOMBS, RUNNING BACK
"I can't even put all of what I was feeling into words. Like the rest of my teammates, I remember everything about that day and the days following. It meant so much to me personally -- that we BTHOtu -- for those fallen Ags. I remember being at the candlelight yell practice, and the moment of silence when all the lights went out and nothing but candles illuminated Kyle Field. I was so overcome with emotion that before we left the field I turned to look back and saw the tragedy of what happened again when on the field stood the injured and wounded, bandaged and in wheelchairs; the crew that had pulled the 24-hour duty the night the Bonfire fell. I turned without saying a word and jogged over to them to personally tell them that we would win and just wanted them to see the fire wasn't out, it was burning in my eyes. Before I knew it, the whole team had come over and started shaking hands and hugging those guys too. After that I still couldn't leave the field, I wanted the game to be played right then and there. I remember one of my coaches saying, "Save some for the game," to which I replied, "Theres plenty more than that in me." I played harder than I have ever played in my life that game. After Bum caught the touchdown, Jay made Applewhite fumble, Gamble recovered and raised his hands and head to the heavens, and when Randy finally kneeled to run the clock out, I cried proudly. My man Tiki walked me off the field telling me it's gonna be okay. That still gives me chills and I will never forget that day for as long as I live. I'm so proud to have been a part of the healing for the Aggie Nation and I still think about the 12 doves that flew out before the game for our 12 fallen classmates. Needless to say, we need to beat tu on Thursday and everyday afterward."
STACY JONES, FULLBACK
"I woke up to the DJ on my radio alarm clock saying the Bonfire stack had fallen and students had died. I headed to campus to an 8:00 a.m. class, and I had to go by the stack. After seeing the stack site, I did not want to go to class, but I went anyway. The professor opened the class by telling us if we needed to miss she would understand. I stayed the whole class because I did not know what I could do to help. The rest of my classes that morning were canceled. I went to the locker room and changed for a weight work out. Someone (I don't remember who) said that the upperclassmen are at the site helping move logs and they were headed there also. All of us that were there jumped into vehicles and headed over. I remember walking next to the orange fence and just before crossing over, a female Aggie was standing by and I heard her say a soft, "Thank You" to us.
I can remember some Corps members giving us a brief lesson on how to lift the logs. We were supposed to approach the log, "One, two, halfway up, three, four all the way up." It seemed that every log I helped with went all the way up at one, two.
One of the other things that stands out in my memory was at Yell Practice the night before the game. After all of the players left the field and headed to the locker room to get on the bus, George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. were standing there as we entered the locker room. They shock hands and made eye contact with every single player. I was very shocked by their presence, and also appreciative.
After my playing days at A&M were done, I had another semester before graduating. So, in the fall of '03 I had to go to Bonfire cut. I am really glad that I did. Those are some memories that I hope to never forget. It was great to see that even though the university does not sanction Bonfire anymore, the tradition still lives on through the alumni and the students."
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CORNELIUS ANTHONY, LINEBACKER
"When I saw this and read some of my other teammates' replies it brought tears to my eyes because I vividly remember when the tragedy happened. It feels like yesterday. My roommate and I (Jason Webster) found out about the event on the news and we were glued to the television all day, checking to see what the status was on the students. I just remember feeling so sad, so helpless, and wondering what we could do. I remember it being almost time for practice and telling Jason, "I can't practice with this going on. It will be a waste of time for all of us because we will be thinking about our fellow Ags. Let's go and talk to Coach Slocum and see if he will cancel practice and allow us to help clear the accident site." So Jason and I talked to guys who were seniors at the time just to see what they were thinking. They all were on board. We all went to coach Slocum's office and I told Jason to do the talking as we got off the elevator since he was the senior and a leader on our team. I remember Jason, who is typically soft spoken and extremely reserved, boldly approaching coach Slocum's desk. With a stern yet respectful voice, he asked if instead of practicing, we could go as a team and help our fellow Aggies in any way, shape or form. Coach Slocum asked if that was the team consensus, to which we responded in unison with a resounding yes. Coach said, "Well you have my blessing, go out there, be careful and help your fellow students." I could tell that Coach Slocum was so proud of us for our decision to help out and for being so bold to ask him to cancel practice. We were all so excited to jump in our cars to go to the Bonfire site to help out. I think the grief and reality of what had happened didn't truly hit me until I saw first-hand how huge and how heavy those logs were. It took at least 50 of us to pick up and move just one of them. Realizing how strong each of us were, it was at that point that I began to empathize with the victims and their families. I began to put myself in their shoes and felt a rush of just mixed emotions. Grief, anger, sympathy...all at once. And all of this was happening to me while moving the logs. I was just so sad that people were injured and, most importantly, had lost their lives. I'll never forget that day.
Then, the game against T.U. rolls around and it was as if God had given me an epiphany about the oneness and the strength of the AGGIE SPIRIT. Waiting in the locker room before kickoff, I thought to myself about how my fellow AGS who represent the 12th Man, died for something they believed in. That is the AGGIE SPIRIT. I thought, "God has blessed me and has given me and my teammates the opportunity to go out there and represent them on Kyle Field in 30 minutes and for 60 minutes through blood, sweat, and tears. I'm gonna do my best to give them boys in orange pure HELL!" I looked around that locker room and I believe everyone of my teammates felt the same way. Instead of music playing and the loose atmosphere you would typically find on gameday in our locker room, it was complete silence. Needless to say, we kicked T.U.'s butt that day up and down Kyle Field. I saw the fire in everyone's eyes and we played like it. I had the game of my LIFE...I was so emotional out there. I actually felt sorry for those boys in orange that day after the game because every emotion, all the pain, all the sorrow was taken out on them. That day they were our punching bags -- stress relievers so to speak. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was theraputic, though, and I know we had 12 Angels playing alongside of us. I felt so inspired to play that day and I'm sure I speak for all of my teammates because it was an HONOR to put on that Maroon and White after all that happened. Most importantly, it was an HONOR to play for those fallen and injured AGGIES that paid the ultimate sacrifice for something they believed in. I did it for them and it truly was a PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOR to play on their behalf. Now that's AGGIE SPIRIT!!!"
BILLY YATES, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
"Bonfire '99 is a special day in my heart. I remember getting a phone call early that morning from my parents about bonfire collapsing. They thought that I was at the bonfire site. I remember turning on the television to look for the story on the news, but I quickly fell back to sleep thinking that there was no way that anyone was hurt. After waking, I finally saw the news and found out all the details, my heart dropped. I began praying for those who were trapped and their families. I was kind of in shock myself so one can only imagine how their families felt. Since classes were out, I went over to one of my teammates' house and we were discussing what we needed to do in order to help the situation. We had no idea that we would get an opportunity to do so. Instead of practicing we went out to the site to help any way we could which was truly a blessing.
I am not sure of how others felt, but this was the first time of many where I felt like I was part of the Aggie family. Not only did that family consist of football players and coaches, I also had thousands of brothers and sisters that "Bleed Maroon," and they were all out there helping. It was great to see so many people from different ethnicities out at the site helping. All felt the pain and sorrow. Prayerfully, we will all remember that day and never forget those who were lost.
Let us not forget how precious life is. We must always be willing to edify one another. The greatest gift you can give is love. Love is a word that is best described in action. GOD is love.
Gig'em!"
BETHEL JOHNSON, WIDE RECEIVER
"The night the bonfire fell, I remember being awakened out of my sleep by the sounds of blaring sirens. I remember getting out of bed and looking out my dorm room window and thinking, "It's 2 o'clock in the morning...what could possibly be this bad in College Station for all of the ambulances, fire trucks and police cars to attend?" I thought nothing of it and went back to sleep. That same morning, I was getting ready to go to class and someone told me that the bonfire had fallen and all classes were canceled. The one thing I will never forget was Coach Slocum -- without second thought -- canceling practice and bussing the entire team to the site to help. When we arrived, there was a look of relief on all of our fellow student's faces because they realized we were more than football players and that football wasn't important at that time. The feeling was bittersweet: On the one hand, it was very sad and on the other we felt like heroes, joining all of the others from our student body. It was truly amazing to see people from ALL walks of life come together for the same cause and that was to lend a hand. I watched the last Bonfire burn in '98 and was there in '99, which is truly something I will never, ever forget."
JOEY PEROT, TIGHT END
"I wasn't in school yet and was still involved in the recruiting process. I was actually in the New Orleans airport waiting to board a plane to College Station when I saw the news alert come across the screen saying that Bonfire had collapsed and that students had been killed (though they didn't know how many at the time). My mom and I called the coaches to see if we should reschedule the trip but they told us to come on anyway. We came and I am so glad that we did. Upon arriving, we drove by the site and were able to see first-hand what the Aggie Family was really all about. The love that the students had for each other and the hurt they all felt for their fallen fellow Aggies was truly something I will never forget. It grabbed me right there and it has never let go of me. My official visit to A&M probably wasn't like that of many other players since everyone was still in shock, but it really solidified what I had always heard about being an Aggie - "From the outside looking in you can't understand it, from the inside looking out you can't describe it." (I hope I didn't butcher the quote). Football didn't quite turn out like I had hoped and expected but becoming an Aggie was the best decision I ever made...Bonfire pulled me to A&M even though I was never able to witness it."
Eric Bernard, Running Back
"That day was a tragic day in Texas A&M history. Not only did twelve families lose their loved ones but we all lost a part of the Aggie family. Those students will never be forgotten for the tradition they help to build and carry on at A&M. They will truly always be part of the Aggie family. Walking out onto the Bonfire site that day and seeing the tragedy that had taken place will forever be stamped in my mind!!! To hear about it is one thing but to actually have been there and witness it first hand is another. And I can say, seeing so many people come together from all different walks of life was truly amazing to me. That day showed the true meaning of Aggieland! Loved it and wish I could go back! -EB#22"
Jason Webster, Defensive Back
"I remember clearly that morning the bonfire fell. I was getting calls from family asking if I was alright. This was early before the sun came up. I had no idea what I was being asked but quickly found out about the Bonfire collapse soon after the first call. It was then that I turned on the television and I saw my school on almost every station.
At that time, I was still unsure about the situation. Shortly after that I headed to campus and ran into some teammates. We concluded that we wanted to help and do whatever we could to get involved with relief. We saw coach Slocum and later on had a team meeting. He caught us all up to speed and chose some spokesmen to represent the team. After that, the team loaded up on buses and headed to the site to help move the logs and debris. We were covered with dirt and tree bark was attached to our clothes.
Throughout that day, I was shocked, surprised, sad, scared and somewhat confused about the tragedy. Football was the last thing on my mind at that point. But after that day my focus and I would dare to say the entire team and Aggie staff of 99/2000 was locked in on beating the Longhorns."
Jay Brooks, Defensive Back
"I was out there the night it fell. I was with a friend and we were saying, 'Damn, they look like they’re having fun!' It was a little late so I said let’s head back because I had to get ready for practices. The next morning everybody was acting very weird. Coach called a meeting and told us what had happened. I think we got on a bus and headed toward the ground site so we could help...I remember everybody had the football gloves on and dirty Aggies shirts. Our faces were as dirty as if we were playing in the dirt. I've never seen so many people from so many different cities, races and backgrounds have the same hurt in their heart at the same time...It was a very weird feeling that day pulling those logs off the center pole. Every time we saw something we had to move back so EMS could do their job. I still think about that day every time we PLAY TEXAS. No matter what, we as AGGIES will always stand together as AGGIES...GOOD AND BAD, WIN or lose. Gig 'em! Jay Brooks -- aka Big Play Jay b."
Taylor Whitley, Offensive Lineman
"Starting about 5:30 a.m., the phone at the house started ringing, non-stop. After about 15 minutes, I answered. It was my parents checking on me. I had no clue what had happened, so they proceeded to describe that there had been an accident at the Bonfire site, and some kids might have been injured. After checking that my roommates were safe, and not knowing the seriousness of the situation, I jumped back in to bed.
Around 8 a.m., I headed to the locker-room to get changed for a morning lift. Once in the locker room, which was more crowded than usual, I started getting bits and pieces of information from everyone. We checked in with our position coaches, and just stayed put until we knew what to do. After growing tired of waiting, and still in our workout gear, Vance Smith, Billy Yates, Michael Mahan, Chris Montgomery, and I, headed to the site for a firsthand look. Along the way, we saw hundreds of people walking to the site. Other students, total strangers, jumped in to bum a ride. Headed to the polo fields, we were totally loaded down.
Driving up to the site, reality struck. With news crews lining the field, helicopters buzzing overhead, and fire trucks flashing, we immediately felt the weight of the morning. Like everyone else, we tried to find ways to help. Some students were handing out water, others were on crowd control. About that time, a Red Pot, covered in dirt and obviously going on very little sleep, directed us to follow him. Without hesitation, we did.
We weren’t the first football players on the scene. Seth McKinney, Chris Cole, Moses Vakalahi, and others were already so drenched that the dirt on their faces had turned into mud. For the next 3 or 4 hours, we moved logs back away from the stack in hopes that bigger machinery could get in close. But for now, all we had was manpower.
For being a spontaneous effort, it was incredibly organized. The corps and bonfire guys took charge. They ordered we followed. I remember thinking how courageous it was for these guys, many of whom had friends who were unaccounted for, to take the reins and do something, anything. It was pretty incredible.
In the early afternoon, one Red Pot called everybody up for a quick meeting. Hundreds of filth covered Aggies circled around and took a knee, like we had so often done around RC after practice. After thanking us for the effort, he split the crowd in half with his outstretched arm, instructing those on the right to get food and water, those on the left to get back to work. Jason Glenn, who was on the right hand half, was the first to get up and switch sides. "Football players are over here!" Without hesitation, what seemed like the entire team by this point, got up and moved to the "get back to work" half.
A November cold front passed through College Station in the following days, so cold, cloudy days matched the mood. As details of the tragic night emerged, I remember questioning if football was really that important, if it really mattered in the end? Apparently, I wasn’t the only one, because over the next few days, there was talk of actually canceling the game. Looking back on it, that would have been tragic in and of itself.
Practice leading up to the game was understandably somber, but it did provide us with some sense of regularity. Getting back to the grind of our everyday routine provided some relief from the unending experience that now seemed to be engulfing us. As each new day went by, I remember feeling a sense of relief that we made it through another one, almost as if you could feel the burden getting a little lighter.
Yell Practice on Thanksgiving night, which also served as a Bonfire memorial, was magical. Never before had I felt such a sense of pride. Haloti Ngata, an All-Pro defensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens, and his family were sitting behind me as a recruit. Even they were welling up with pride. I’ve always wondered how he went to Oregon after seeing that.
Rarely in life do you get to experience moments that from then on are indescribable. This is one of them. I remember thinking, "THIS is why I came to Texas A&M. This is what it’s about." As the football team left Kyle Field that night, the crowd came alive. All 50,000 in attendance decided, at once, that the mourning process was over. It was time to start healing.
The guys on the team bus headed to the hotel were giddy. Almost as if we had just received permission to go kick some ass. I didn’t sleep a wink.
The next morning was beautiful. Sunny, calm, you couldn’t find a cloud in the sky. I don’t remember much being said before the game. Everyone knew what was at stake, no need to talk about it. The stadium was electric, even more than normal, even more than a “run of the mill” A&M/Texas game. The energy was almost suffocating, like it couldn’t quite fit in the confines of the stadium.
Of course the game was unforgettable. I remember thinking that none of our guys were getting tired!?! Usually, you get so fired up, that you exhaust yourself. But for some reason, on that day, our guys were flying around, hopping up, and playing even faster the next down. Getting goose bumps thinking about it. Bum’s catch, Gamble’s fumble recovery…wow.
My most unforgettable game ever. And I didn’t play a down!"
Brian Gamble, Linebacker
"First of all, I can't believe it's been 10 years. I can remember waking up in the morning to a bevy of missed calls. There were helicopters around and I wasn't sure what was going on. It was just a huge ordeal and when something of that magnitude is that close and you're viewing it, it's really overwhelming for a young kid. And to later find out during the day what happened and to go over to the stack to help remove logs was a very surreal feeling. You don't think you would ever bee a part of something so tragic and to be so close to home, it was surreal."
BG on the game itself: "The Texas game as a whole, when I look back and think about it, was an incredible experience. I grew up in the State of Texas as a coaches son and I've always dreamed of being a part of the Texas A&M-Texas game. I can't remember sleeping much at all the night before. In the game, I had a sack and an interception, and of course [the fumble recovery] there at the end. Jay [Brooks] came off the edge and made the hit on Major Applewhite. I had just shed the block of the tailback and was right there near the ball. To see that ball hit the ground and to get down on it, it was simply amazing. It was such an emotional relief. When I was coming off the field, I dropped to my knees and raised my arms in the air. It was really like a weight had been lifted off of our shoulders. All of the stress, emotion and everything that happened during that week ... that was just kind of a celebration to say, 'We did it! We did it!' Where it hits close to home is now ... 10 years down the road. People talk about their favorite photo of A&M Football and what the victory meant to them. It was a total team effort but to kind of have that picture as a poster for that game and that week ... that means more than you could ever explain."
Seth McKinney, Offensive Lineman
"I can remember waking up that morning and hearing the phone ring. I was living with Billy Liucci and Shane Lechler. Our moms kept calling us early in the morning. When we finally answered, they told us to turn on the TV. It was such a tragic deal and was probably the most tragic event in the history of Texas A&M University. The three of us got in the truck and drove down there to the site, to get a glimpse and see what happened. When we pulled up, it was a heart wrenching, devastating experience knowing that people were hurt, injured and unfortunately some had lost their lives inside the stack. We were just in awe of the whole event.
Then, it came time for us to go to practice that day. I remember going into the locker room and a few of the guys and I decided that it would be better if we went down there to help out and do what we can. We all went down there and did what we could do to try to lend a hand. I remember being as dirty as you could be in doing whatever we could to help. Even though it was just a little bit of effort in moving those gigantic logs, we did what we could and I think that it was a moving experience. At one point while we were out there, they removed one of the bodies and we all took a knee. That was our way of showing respect. It was a very saddening and tragic event that we were witnessing.
I also remember Coach Slocum calling us together. He asked us what we wanted to do...to keep helping or to go back and practice. All of us said that we wanted to stay around and continue helping out. I don't know how long we were out there but we were just a small part of the people who were trying to lend a hand. You hear of team-building exercises...I don't think there is anything bigger than that. It was good for us as a team and as individuals to stay out there that day. That practice wouldn't have helped one bit and we ended up doing what we had to do out there on the field to come up with a victory.
I think that the win over Texas was so big. You hear about the '98 Big 12 Championship Game and the Nebraska game in '98...but that Texas game in '99 has to rank as one of the greatest games ever played at Kyle Field. The night before, we lit the candles and it was an amazing event. I'm just glad that we won the game and provided what little help we could give for those families that lost a loved one that week. Hopefully winning help them as much as it could. It was an amazing and sad deal and something that all of us will never forget and we'll always have that experience as members of that team."
Chris Valletta, Offensive Lineman
"Hard to believe it's been 10 years. For me, there's no doubt that November 18th 1999 was the day that I grew up. As kids, especially college kids, we live in a proverbial bubble of invincibility -- constantly stating that "nothing ever bad will happen to me, it's always someone else." The Bonfire collapse hit home for me -- hard. It made me realize that I need to recognize the realities of life and start realizing the things that make my life special -- like my family and friends. Since that day, I've made sure to say more, "I love you's" than before, knowing that I may never get the chance again. As for the game against Texas, there's not much else to say, other than the fact that every player on the team wasn't playing to win a game...we were playing for the legacy of the kids who died and who were injured, and the legacy of Texas A&M's most treasured tradition. Bonfire may not burn in the physical sense but, if you're a Texas AGGIE, Bonfire is something that burns forever within you."
Andre Brooks, Offensive Lineman
"It's been 10 years since the Bonfire tragedy but it is a memory that will stick with me forever. Bonfire ’99 was my freshman year at Texas A&M. I still remember waking up to my mom’s frantic phone call at like 5 or 6 a.m. that morning, to make sure that I was OK. At the time, I had no clue what she was talking about. After I found out all of the news, I understood how tragic this event was but I did not realize the impact it would have on the University and the rest of the world. When Coach Slocum talked to us about canceling practice and helping move the logs, not one person voted against it. When we got to the bonfire site, it all sunk in and truly became reality. That day was the first time I had ever sweated and worked so hard with a group of people and not one complaint was made. I was proud to call myself an Aggie the day I signed on the dotted line to play for Texas A&M, but during that whole week of events, I truly understood what it MEANT to be an Aggie. Other than the 9-11 tragedy, I have never witnessed the Aggie Spirit shine so bright. When we ran out on Kyle Field against UT, we weren’t playing for a better bowl game or for a record; we were playing for the 12 Aggies God called home. The atmosphere on Kyle Field that day was a feeling and sensation that words will never accurately describe. After the Bonfire of ’99, I finally understood the meaning of: 'From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside out, you can't explain it.' --Andre Brooks, Class of ‘03."
Chris Taylor, Wide Receiver
"For me it felt like a dream. All the time and effort and care that goes into Bonfire, there was no way it could have collapsed. When you actually got out there to the site and saw the logs, a piece of you just seemed to be lost. The sadness, disbelief, and tragedy was heavy in the air. Our thoughts were on the students on the stack and there was no way we were going to practice knowing our fellow students were in need. We went out and helped as much as we could by moving logs, but in the end it wasn’t enough. The game meant more then it ever had. We weren’t playing just to beat the hell out of t.u, we were playing for our fallen 12. Beating Texas ranks in my top 3 of greatest memories at A&M. Football took a back seat to the memory of the 12 students that lost their lives. I wish I could be there today to help remember those 12 students."
Tim Cassidy, Texas A&M Recruiting Co-Ordinator:
"What a very sad day. Recieved the phone call from Dave South around 3:30 a.m. that morning letting me know about the collapse. It was a no-brainer to call off practice. The players all volunteered to go to the site to help any way they could. A very sad day, but in the midst of crisis I have never been prouder to be an Aggie because of the way the entire Aggie Community and our football team rallied to help fellow Aggies. If you ever have any question about what makes A&M special, all you have to do is look back the events surrounding this tragedy. The Aggie spirit was truly was alive and played a major role in the victory against Texas eight days later."
Lonnie Madison, Tight End
"I remember going to my 8 a.m. Business Math class the morning it collapsed not knowing anything. I sat in the class with 150 other students with none of us knowing anything. After about 5 minutes in class word was spread that the bonfire had collapsed but we hadn't heard that people were trapped. I talked to other players on the team and they said that people were trapped and that players were already there moving logs. I made it to the Bonfire and there were thousands of students trying to do what they could to help. I jumped in with many of the other guys and started moving logs away from the collapsed area. Practice was canceled that day and I just remember being alongside the team moving as many logs as we could. It was a terrible scene that I won't ever forget."
Michael Mahan, Offensive Lineman
"I was only 19 years old at the time. It doesn't really hit you what is going on at the time. I don't really know when it hits you what happened. Whether it was the candlelight yell practice or the feeling when we won the game. The impact of what happened is still felt today when you have time to think about it. I can remember being there to remove the logs. In the face of tragedy we all pulled together and worked as one. That is the spirit of Aggieland."
Moses Vakalahi, Offensive Lineman
"I went to High school (Euless Trinity) with Jerry Self who was one of the 12 who died in the bonfire collapse. It was a very sad day in Aggieland that afternoon, but it was also a day that I can clearly remember seeing the Aggie Family come together from all cultures and backgrounds for one common cause and that was to help support our fellow Aggies who had fallen in the collapse. I believe the spirit of Aggie bonfire still burns in all of our hearts today."
[This message has been edited by TexAgs staff (edited 11/24/2009 4:41p).]
I've been reading stories and watching telecasts all day about the Bonfire collapse -- a day none of us have nor will ever forget. From newspapers to websites to T.V., everyone is doing a remarkable job of covering an event that greatly impacted all of our lives and brought the A&M family together like never before. It was perhaps our darkest hour followed by our finest hour and it's something that we'll all carry with us forever.
Ten years later, I wanted to give several members of the 1999 A&M football team the opportunity to tell their own stories, as they had a pretty unique perspective throughout a surreal and unforgettable week. From teaming up with the rest of the student body to help clear the fallen logs from the stack to a week's worth of solemn practices to an unforgettable Midnight Yell to one of the most emotional college football games in history -- these guys were the ones who took the field that day representing all of us. Most importantly, they were truly playing for the twelve Aggies who lost their lives as a result of the tragic Bonfire accident on November 18, 1999.
You guys are going to love this. I've been overwhelmed with the response so far and more than one of these have brought tears to my eyes. You'll all have the same reaction, I'm sure.
The responses so far have been pretty poignant.
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TUESDAY UPDATE: Here are the accounts of two Aggie running backs: Game MVP Ja'Mar Toombs and fullback Stacy Jones.
JA'MAR TOOMBS, RUNNING BACK
"I can't even put all of what I was feeling into words. Like the rest of my teammates, I remember everything about that day and the days following. It meant so much to me personally -- that we BTHOtu -- for those fallen Ags. I remember being at the candlelight yell practice, and the moment of silence when all the lights went out and nothing but candles illuminated Kyle Field. I was so overcome with emotion that before we left the field I turned to look back and saw the tragedy of what happened again when on the field stood the injured and wounded, bandaged and in wheelchairs; the crew that had pulled the 24-hour duty the night the Bonfire fell. I turned without saying a word and jogged over to them to personally tell them that we would win and just wanted them to see the fire wasn't out, it was burning in my eyes. Before I knew it, the whole team had come over and started shaking hands and hugging those guys too. After that I still couldn't leave the field, I wanted the game to be played right then and there. I remember one of my coaches saying, "Save some for the game," to which I replied, "Theres plenty more than that in me." I played harder than I have ever played in my life that game. After Bum caught the touchdown, Jay made Applewhite fumble, Gamble recovered and raised his hands and head to the heavens, and when Randy finally kneeled to run the clock out, I cried proudly. My man Tiki walked me off the field telling me it's gonna be okay. That still gives me chills and I will never forget that day for as long as I live. I'm so proud to have been a part of the healing for the Aggie Nation and I still think about the 12 doves that flew out before the game for our 12 fallen classmates. Needless to say, we need to beat tu on Thursday and everyday afterward."
STACY JONES, FULLBACK
"I woke up to the DJ on my radio alarm clock saying the Bonfire stack had fallen and students had died. I headed to campus to an 8:00 a.m. class, and I had to go by the stack. After seeing the stack site, I did not want to go to class, but I went anyway. The professor opened the class by telling us if we needed to miss she would understand. I stayed the whole class because I did not know what I could do to help. The rest of my classes that morning were canceled. I went to the locker room and changed for a weight work out. Someone (I don't remember who) said that the upperclassmen are at the site helping move logs and they were headed there also. All of us that were there jumped into vehicles and headed over. I remember walking next to the orange fence and just before crossing over, a female Aggie was standing by and I heard her say a soft, "Thank You" to us.
I can remember some Corps members giving us a brief lesson on how to lift the logs. We were supposed to approach the log, "One, two, halfway up, three, four all the way up." It seemed that every log I helped with went all the way up at one, two.
One of the other things that stands out in my memory was at Yell Practice the night before the game. After all of the players left the field and headed to the locker room to get on the bus, George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. were standing there as we entered the locker room. They shock hands and made eye contact with every single player. I was very shocked by their presence, and also appreciative.
After my playing days at A&M were done, I had another semester before graduating. So, in the fall of '03 I had to go to Bonfire cut. I am really glad that I did. Those are some memories that I hope to never forget. It was great to see that even though the university does not sanction Bonfire anymore, the tradition still lives on through the alumni and the students."
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CORNELIUS ANTHONY, LINEBACKER
"When I saw this and read some of my other teammates' replies it brought tears to my eyes because I vividly remember when the tragedy happened. It feels like yesterday. My roommate and I (Jason Webster) found out about the event on the news and we were glued to the television all day, checking to see what the status was on the students. I just remember feeling so sad, so helpless, and wondering what we could do. I remember it being almost time for practice and telling Jason, "I can't practice with this going on. It will be a waste of time for all of us because we will be thinking about our fellow Ags. Let's go and talk to Coach Slocum and see if he will cancel practice and allow us to help clear the accident site." So Jason and I talked to guys who were seniors at the time just to see what they were thinking. They all were on board. We all went to coach Slocum's office and I told Jason to do the talking as we got off the elevator since he was the senior and a leader on our team. I remember Jason, who is typically soft spoken and extremely reserved, boldly approaching coach Slocum's desk. With a stern yet respectful voice, he asked if instead of practicing, we could go as a team and help our fellow Aggies in any way, shape or form. Coach Slocum asked if that was the team consensus, to which we responded in unison with a resounding yes. Coach said, "Well you have my blessing, go out there, be careful and help your fellow students." I could tell that Coach Slocum was so proud of us for our decision to help out and for being so bold to ask him to cancel practice. We were all so excited to jump in our cars to go to the Bonfire site to help out. I think the grief and reality of what had happened didn't truly hit me until I saw first-hand how huge and how heavy those logs were. It took at least 50 of us to pick up and move just one of them. Realizing how strong each of us were, it was at that point that I began to empathize with the victims and their families. I began to put myself in their shoes and felt a rush of just mixed emotions. Grief, anger, sympathy...all at once. And all of this was happening to me while moving the logs. I was just so sad that people were injured and, most importantly, had lost their lives. I'll never forget that day.
Then, the game against T.U. rolls around and it was as if God had given me an epiphany about the oneness and the strength of the AGGIE SPIRIT. Waiting in the locker room before kickoff, I thought to myself about how my fellow AGS who represent the 12th Man, died for something they believed in. That is the AGGIE SPIRIT. I thought, "God has blessed me and has given me and my teammates the opportunity to go out there and represent them on Kyle Field in 30 minutes and for 60 minutes through blood, sweat, and tears. I'm gonna do my best to give them boys in orange pure HELL!" I looked around that locker room and I believe everyone of my teammates felt the same way. Instead of music playing and the loose atmosphere you would typically find on gameday in our locker room, it was complete silence. Needless to say, we kicked T.U.'s butt that day up and down Kyle Field. I saw the fire in everyone's eyes and we played like it. I had the game of my LIFE...I was so emotional out there. I actually felt sorry for those boys in orange that day after the game because every emotion, all the pain, all the sorrow was taken out on them. That day they were our punching bags -- stress relievers so to speak. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was theraputic, though, and I know we had 12 Angels playing alongside of us. I felt so inspired to play that day and I'm sure I speak for all of my teammates because it was an HONOR to put on that Maroon and White after all that happened. Most importantly, it was an HONOR to play for those fallen and injured AGGIES that paid the ultimate sacrifice for something they believed in. I did it for them and it truly was a PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOR to play on their behalf. Now that's AGGIE SPIRIT!!!"
BILLY YATES, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
"Bonfire '99 is a special day in my heart. I remember getting a phone call early that morning from my parents about bonfire collapsing. They thought that I was at the bonfire site. I remember turning on the television to look for the story on the news, but I quickly fell back to sleep thinking that there was no way that anyone was hurt. After waking, I finally saw the news and found out all the details, my heart dropped. I began praying for those who were trapped and their families. I was kind of in shock myself so one can only imagine how their families felt. Since classes were out, I went over to one of my teammates' house and we were discussing what we needed to do in order to help the situation. We had no idea that we would get an opportunity to do so. Instead of practicing we went out to the site to help any way we could which was truly a blessing.
I am not sure of how others felt, but this was the first time of many where I felt like I was part of the Aggie family. Not only did that family consist of football players and coaches, I also had thousands of brothers and sisters that "Bleed Maroon," and they were all out there helping. It was great to see so many people from different ethnicities out at the site helping. All felt the pain and sorrow. Prayerfully, we will all remember that day and never forget those who were lost.
Let us not forget how precious life is. We must always be willing to edify one another. The greatest gift you can give is love. Love is a word that is best described in action. GOD is love.
Gig'em!"
BETHEL JOHNSON, WIDE RECEIVER
"The night the bonfire fell, I remember being awakened out of my sleep by the sounds of blaring sirens. I remember getting out of bed and looking out my dorm room window and thinking, "It's 2 o'clock in the morning...what could possibly be this bad in College Station for all of the ambulances, fire trucks and police cars to attend?" I thought nothing of it and went back to sleep. That same morning, I was getting ready to go to class and someone told me that the bonfire had fallen and all classes were canceled. The one thing I will never forget was Coach Slocum -- without second thought -- canceling practice and bussing the entire team to the site to help. When we arrived, there was a look of relief on all of our fellow student's faces because they realized we were more than football players and that football wasn't important at that time. The feeling was bittersweet: On the one hand, it was very sad and on the other we felt like heroes, joining all of the others from our student body. It was truly amazing to see people from ALL walks of life come together for the same cause and that was to lend a hand. I watched the last Bonfire burn in '98 and was there in '99, which is truly something I will never, ever forget."
JOEY PEROT, TIGHT END
"I wasn't in school yet and was still involved in the recruiting process. I was actually in the New Orleans airport waiting to board a plane to College Station when I saw the news alert come across the screen saying that Bonfire had collapsed and that students had been killed (though they didn't know how many at the time). My mom and I called the coaches to see if we should reschedule the trip but they told us to come on anyway. We came and I am so glad that we did. Upon arriving, we drove by the site and were able to see first-hand what the Aggie Family was really all about. The love that the students had for each other and the hurt they all felt for their fallen fellow Aggies was truly something I will never forget. It grabbed me right there and it has never let go of me. My official visit to A&M probably wasn't like that of many other players since everyone was still in shock, but it really solidified what I had always heard about being an Aggie - "From the outside looking in you can't understand it, from the inside looking out you can't describe it." (I hope I didn't butcher the quote). Football didn't quite turn out like I had hoped and expected but becoming an Aggie was the best decision I ever made...Bonfire pulled me to A&M even though I was never able to witness it."
Eric Bernard, Running Back
"That day was a tragic day in Texas A&M history. Not only did twelve families lose their loved ones but we all lost a part of the Aggie family. Those students will never be forgotten for the tradition they help to build and carry on at A&M. They will truly always be part of the Aggie family. Walking out onto the Bonfire site that day and seeing the tragedy that had taken place will forever be stamped in my mind!!! To hear about it is one thing but to actually have been there and witness it first hand is another. And I can say, seeing so many people come together from all different walks of life was truly amazing to me. That day showed the true meaning of Aggieland! Loved it and wish I could go back! -EB#22"
Jason Webster, Defensive Back
"I remember clearly that morning the bonfire fell. I was getting calls from family asking if I was alright. This was early before the sun came up. I had no idea what I was being asked but quickly found out about the Bonfire collapse soon after the first call. It was then that I turned on the television and I saw my school on almost every station.
At that time, I was still unsure about the situation. Shortly after that I headed to campus and ran into some teammates. We concluded that we wanted to help and do whatever we could to get involved with relief. We saw coach Slocum and later on had a team meeting. He caught us all up to speed and chose some spokesmen to represent the team. After that, the team loaded up on buses and headed to the site to help move the logs and debris. We were covered with dirt and tree bark was attached to our clothes.
Throughout that day, I was shocked, surprised, sad, scared and somewhat confused about the tragedy. Football was the last thing on my mind at that point. But after that day my focus and I would dare to say the entire team and Aggie staff of 99/2000 was locked in on beating the Longhorns."
Jay Brooks, Defensive Back
"I was out there the night it fell. I was with a friend and we were saying, 'Damn, they look like they’re having fun!' It was a little late so I said let’s head back because I had to get ready for practices. The next morning everybody was acting very weird. Coach called a meeting and told us what had happened. I think we got on a bus and headed toward the ground site so we could help...I remember everybody had the football gloves on and dirty Aggies shirts. Our faces were as dirty as if we were playing in the dirt. I've never seen so many people from so many different cities, races and backgrounds have the same hurt in their heart at the same time...It was a very weird feeling that day pulling those logs off the center pole. Every time we saw something we had to move back so EMS could do their job. I still think about that day every time we PLAY TEXAS. No matter what, we as AGGIES will always stand together as AGGIES...GOOD AND BAD, WIN or lose. Gig 'em! Jay Brooks -- aka Big Play Jay b."
Taylor Whitley, Offensive Lineman
"Starting about 5:30 a.m., the phone at the house started ringing, non-stop. After about 15 minutes, I answered. It was my parents checking on me. I had no clue what had happened, so they proceeded to describe that there had been an accident at the Bonfire site, and some kids might have been injured. After checking that my roommates were safe, and not knowing the seriousness of the situation, I jumped back in to bed.
Around 8 a.m., I headed to the locker-room to get changed for a morning lift. Once in the locker room, which was more crowded than usual, I started getting bits and pieces of information from everyone. We checked in with our position coaches, and just stayed put until we knew what to do. After growing tired of waiting, and still in our workout gear, Vance Smith, Billy Yates, Michael Mahan, Chris Montgomery, and I, headed to the site for a firsthand look. Along the way, we saw hundreds of people walking to the site. Other students, total strangers, jumped in to bum a ride. Headed to the polo fields, we were totally loaded down.
Driving up to the site, reality struck. With news crews lining the field, helicopters buzzing overhead, and fire trucks flashing, we immediately felt the weight of the morning. Like everyone else, we tried to find ways to help. Some students were handing out water, others were on crowd control. About that time, a Red Pot, covered in dirt and obviously going on very little sleep, directed us to follow him. Without hesitation, we did.
We weren’t the first football players on the scene. Seth McKinney, Chris Cole, Moses Vakalahi, and others were already so drenched that the dirt on their faces had turned into mud. For the next 3 or 4 hours, we moved logs back away from the stack in hopes that bigger machinery could get in close. But for now, all we had was manpower.
For being a spontaneous effort, it was incredibly organized. The corps and bonfire guys took charge. They ordered we followed. I remember thinking how courageous it was for these guys, many of whom had friends who were unaccounted for, to take the reins and do something, anything. It was pretty incredible.
In the early afternoon, one Red Pot called everybody up for a quick meeting. Hundreds of filth covered Aggies circled around and took a knee, like we had so often done around RC after practice. After thanking us for the effort, he split the crowd in half with his outstretched arm, instructing those on the right to get food and water, those on the left to get back to work. Jason Glenn, who was on the right hand half, was the first to get up and switch sides. "Football players are over here!" Without hesitation, what seemed like the entire team by this point, got up and moved to the "get back to work" half.
A November cold front passed through College Station in the following days, so cold, cloudy days matched the mood. As details of the tragic night emerged, I remember questioning if football was really that important, if it really mattered in the end? Apparently, I wasn’t the only one, because over the next few days, there was talk of actually canceling the game. Looking back on it, that would have been tragic in and of itself.
Practice leading up to the game was understandably somber, but it did provide us with some sense of regularity. Getting back to the grind of our everyday routine provided some relief from the unending experience that now seemed to be engulfing us. As each new day went by, I remember feeling a sense of relief that we made it through another one, almost as if you could feel the burden getting a little lighter.
Yell Practice on Thanksgiving night, which also served as a Bonfire memorial, was magical. Never before had I felt such a sense of pride. Haloti Ngata, an All-Pro defensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens, and his family were sitting behind me as a recruit. Even they were welling up with pride. I’ve always wondered how he went to Oregon after seeing that.
Rarely in life do you get to experience moments that from then on are indescribable. This is one of them. I remember thinking, "THIS is why I came to Texas A&M. This is what it’s about." As the football team left Kyle Field that night, the crowd came alive. All 50,000 in attendance decided, at once, that the mourning process was over. It was time to start healing.
The guys on the team bus headed to the hotel were giddy. Almost as if we had just received permission to go kick some ass. I didn’t sleep a wink.
The next morning was beautiful. Sunny, calm, you couldn’t find a cloud in the sky. I don’t remember much being said before the game. Everyone knew what was at stake, no need to talk about it. The stadium was electric, even more than normal, even more than a “run of the mill” A&M/Texas game. The energy was almost suffocating, like it couldn’t quite fit in the confines of the stadium.
Of course the game was unforgettable. I remember thinking that none of our guys were getting tired!?! Usually, you get so fired up, that you exhaust yourself. But for some reason, on that day, our guys were flying around, hopping up, and playing even faster the next down. Getting goose bumps thinking about it. Bum’s catch, Gamble’s fumble recovery…wow.
My most unforgettable game ever. And I didn’t play a down!"
Brian Gamble, Linebacker
"First of all, I can't believe it's been 10 years. I can remember waking up in the morning to a bevy of missed calls. There were helicopters around and I wasn't sure what was going on. It was just a huge ordeal and when something of that magnitude is that close and you're viewing it, it's really overwhelming for a young kid. And to later find out during the day what happened and to go over to the stack to help remove logs was a very surreal feeling. You don't think you would ever bee a part of something so tragic and to be so close to home, it was surreal."
BG on the game itself: "The Texas game as a whole, when I look back and think about it, was an incredible experience. I grew up in the State of Texas as a coaches son and I've always dreamed of being a part of the Texas A&M-Texas game. I can't remember sleeping much at all the night before. In the game, I had a sack and an interception, and of course [the fumble recovery] there at the end. Jay [Brooks] came off the edge and made the hit on Major Applewhite. I had just shed the block of the tailback and was right there near the ball. To see that ball hit the ground and to get down on it, it was simply amazing. It was such an emotional relief. When I was coming off the field, I dropped to my knees and raised my arms in the air. It was really like a weight had been lifted off of our shoulders. All of the stress, emotion and everything that happened during that week ... that was just kind of a celebration to say, 'We did it! We did it!' Where it hits close to home is now ... 10 years down the road. People talk about their favorite photo of A&M Football and what the victory meant to them. It was a total team effort but to kind of have that picture as a poster for that game and that week ... that means more than you could ever explain."
Seth McKinney, Offensive Lineman
"I can remember waking up that morning and hearing the phone ring. I was living with Billy Liucci and Shane Lechler. Our moms kept calling us early in the morning. When we finally answered, they told us to turn on the TV. It was such a tragic deal and was probably the most tragic event in the history of Texas A&M University. The three of us got in the truck and drove down there to the site, to get a glimpse and see what happened. When we pulled up, it was a heart wrenching, devastating experience knowing that people were hurt, injured and unfortunately some had lost their lives inside the stack. We were just in awe of the whole event.
Then, it came time for us to go to practice that day. I remember going into the locker room and a few of the guys and I decided that it would be better if we went down there to help out and do what we can. We all went down there and did what we could do to try to lend a hand. I remember being as dirty as you could be in doing whatever we could to help. Even though it was just a little bit of effort in moving those gigantic logs, we did what we could and I think that it was a moving experience. At one point while we were out there, they removed one of the bodies and we all took a knee. That was our way of showing respect. It was a very saddening and tragic event that we were witnessing.
I also remember Coach Slocum calling us together. He asked us what we wanted to do...to keep helping or to go back and practice. All of us said that we wanted to stay around and continue helping out. I don't know how long we were out there but we were just a small part of the people who were trying to lend a hand. You hear of team-building exercises...I don't think there is anything bigger than that. It was good for us as a team and as individuals to stay out there that day. That practice wouldn't have helped one bit and we ended up doing what we had to do out there on the field to come up with a victory.
I think that the win over Texas was so big. You hear about the '98 Big 12 Championship Game and the Nebraska game in '98...but that Texas game in '99 has to rank as one of the greatest games ever played at Kyle Field. The night before, we lit the candles and it was an amazing event. I'm just glad that we won the game and provided what little help we could give for those families that lost a loved one that week. Hopefully winning help them as much as it could. It was an amazing and sad deal and something that all of us will never forget and we'll always have that experience as members of that team."
Chris Valletta, Offensive Lineman
"Hard to believe it's been 10 years. For me, there's no doubt that November 18th 1999 was the day that I grew up. As kids, especially college kids, we live in a proverbial bubble of invincibility -- constantly stating that "nothing ever bad will happen to me, it's always someone else." The Bonfire collapse hit home for me -- hard. It made me realize that I need to recognize the realities of life and start realizing the things that make my life special -- like my family and friends. Since that day, I've made sure to say more, "I love you's" than before, knowing that I may never get the chance again. As for the game against Texas, there's not much else to say, other than the fact that every player on the team wasn't playing to win a game...we were playing for the legacy of the kids who died and who were injured, and the legacy of Texas A&M's most treasured tradition. Bonfire may not burn in the physical sense but, if you're a Texas AGGIE, Bonfire is something that burns forever within you."
Andre Brooks, Offensive Lineman
"It's been 10 years since the Bonfire tragedy but it is a memory that will stick with me forever. Bonfire ’99 was my freshman year at Texas A&M. I still remember waking up to my mom’s frantic phone call at like 5 or 6 a.m. that morning, to make sure that I was OK. At the time, I had no clue what she was talking about. After I found out all of the news, I understood how tragic this event was but I did not realize the impact it would have on the University and the rest of the world. When Coach Slocum talked to us about canceling practice and helping move the logs, not one person voted against it. When we got to the bonfire site, it all sunk in and truly became reality. That day was the first time I had ever sweated and worked so hard with a group of people and not one complaint was made. I was proud to call myself an Aggie the day I signed on the dotted line to play for Texas A&M, but during that whole week of events, I truly understood what it MEANT to be an Aggie. Other than the 9-11 tragedy, I have never witnessed the Aggie Spirit shine so bright. When we ran out on Kyle Field against UT, we weren’t playing for a better bowl game or for a record; we were playing for the 12 Aggies God called home. The atmosphere on Kyle Field that day was a feeling and sensation that words will never accurately describe. After the Bonfire of ’99, I finally understood the meaning of: 'From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside out, you can't explain it.' --Andre Brooks, Class of ‘03."
Chris Taylor, Wide Receiver
"For me it felt like a dream. All the time and effort and care that goes into Bonfire, there was no way it could have collapsed. When you actually got out there to the site and saw the logs, a piece of you just seemed to be lost. The sadness, disbelief, and tragedy was heavy in the air. Our thoughts were on the students on the stack and there was no way we were going to practice knowing our fellow students were in need. We went out and helped as much as we could by moving logs, but in the end it wasn’t enough. The game meant more then it ever had. We weren’t playing just to beat the hell out of t.u, we were playing for our fallen 12. Beating Texas ranks in my top 3 of greatest memories at A&M. Football took a back seat to the memory of the 12 students that lost their lives. I wish I could be there today to help remember those 12 students."
Tim Cassidy, Texas A&M Recruiting Co-Ordinator:
"What a very sad day. Recieved the phone call from Dave South around 3:30 a.m. that morning letting me know about the collapse. It was a no-brainer to call off practice. The players all volunteered to go to the site to help any way they could. A very sad day, but in the midst of crisis I have never been prouder to be an Aggie because of the way the entire Aggie Community and our football team rallied to help fellow Aggies. If you ever have any question about what makes A&M special, all you have to do is look back the events surrounding this tragedy. The Aggie spirit was truly was alive and played a major role in the victory against Texas eight days later."
Lonnie Madison, Tight End
"I remember going to my 8 a.m. Business Math class the morning it collapsed not knowing anything. I sat in the class with 150 other students with none of us knowing anything. After about 5 minutes in class word was spread that the bonfire had collapsed but we hadn't heard that people were trapped. I talked to other players on the team and they said that people were trapped and that players were already there moving logs. I made it to the Bonfire and there were thousands of students trying to do what they could to help. I jumped in with many of the other guys and started moving logs away from the collapsed area. Practice was canceled that day and I just remember being alongside the team moving as many logs as we could. It was a terrible scene that I won't ever forget."
Michael Mahan, Offensive Lineman
"I was only 19 years old at the time. It doesn't really hit you what is going on at the time. I don't really know when it hits you what happened. Whether it was the candlelight yell practice or the feeling when we won the game. The impact of what happened is still felt today when you have time to think about it. I can remember being there to remove the logs. In the face of tragedy we all pulled together and worked as one. That is the spirit of Aggieland."
Moses Vakalahi, Offensive Lineman
"I went to High school (Euless Trinity) with Jerry Self who was one of the 12 who died in the bonfire collapse. It was a very sad day in Aggieland that afternoon, but it was also a day that I can clearly remember seeing the Aggie Family come together from all cultures and backgrounds for one common cause and that was to help support our fellow Aggies who had fallen in the collapse. I believe the spirit of Aggie bonfire still burns in all of our hearts today."
[This message has been edited by TexAgs staff (edited 11/24/2009 4:41p).]
for the memory of the lost 12.