Elephant Walk Returns To Its Origins Friday

Aggies are all about traditions and keeping them as close to their origins as possible. This year Class Councils at Texas A&M University have focused on the tradition of Elephant Walk, scheduled for Friday (Nov. 13).

According to the tradition, Elephant Walk takes place each year prior to the last regularly scheduled football game. It marks the end of the usefulness of the Aggie seniors, who will soon graduate, to the 12th Man (student body). The symbolism is that these seniors are like dying elephants wandering around looking for a place to die after their value to the herd is done.

“We are excited to bring the focus of the time-honored Elephant Walk tradition back to what it is truly intended to be — a meaningful reflection of the spirit of Aggieland,” says Albert Saenz, 2015 Elephant Walk director. “As we look back on the original purpose of Elephant Walk — a celebration for the senior class of the transition from the 12th Man into life as a former student and Junior E-Walk, a much younger tradition, with the junior class celebrating their advancement as leaders of the 12th Man – we believe this is the perfect opportunity for juniors and seniors to relive their most meaningful campus experiences and enjoy new ones.”

On Friday, the members of the Class of 2016 will step off from the Sanders Corps of Cadets Center at 8:16 p.m. and the members of the Class of 2017 will follow at 8:17 p.m.

This year’s organizers say that the origins of the tradition were clouded when the event became more like a party than a reflection. Saenz says the focus will include speakers and events spread throughout campus geared toward reflection and remembering their time at Texas A&M. President Michael K. Young will be one of the speakers and he will address both classes in the Liberal Arts and Humanities Building Courtyard.

“The walk paths will now be sprinkled with signature moments that will remind juniors and seniors of the past, present and future journey as they hear from those who have guided them along the way,” Saenz adds. “During their walk, the students also will hear from Student Body President Joseph Benigno, Corps Commander and Deputy Commander, current and former Yell Leaders, faculty members, the Singing Cadets and the Texas Aggie Band; each sparks another memory. Class Councils is excited to bring back the origin of Elephant Walk – that ‘There’s a spirit can ne’er be told.’”

The tradition of Elephant Walk began in 1922. Two Aggie Band Fish from the Class of 1926 wandered out of Kyle Field after the football team was outscored the second time in the first two weeks of the season. They began to play a mournful funeral march. The goal of the march was to break the “jinx” that haunted Aggie football at the time. One by one, others joined the march, creating a long, serpent-like column that wandered throughout the campus. For the rest of the season, the fish continued their walk regardless of whether or not the football team was outscored. After their freshman year, the Class of 1926 discontinued their marches throughout campus.

During their senior year, the Class of 1926 decided to give one last walk to show their spirit for the A&M College of Texas. The other three classes on campus at the time had never seen the ceremony. Led by the same two “Fish,” the seniors rested one hand on the shoulder of the Aggie in front of them and walked around campus as they did when they were freshmen, only this time they were wearing their senior boots. The seniors walked through the campus remembering good times and bad, buddies for life, and those that had fallen along the way. Thus, the solemn tradition of Elephant Walk was born.