Texas A&M University is often defined by its traditions, and the yell leaders are not merely another tradition in Aggieland; they are an integral part of promoting and preserving so many traditions, especially those associated with athletics. Through the years, hundreds of thousands of visitors to historic Kyle Field have been mesmerized by the atmosphere generated by the yell leaders, five guys in white uniforms who create maroon mayhem, calculated clamor and a symphony of spirit with the mere gesture of hand signals. From the earliest documented yell leader-Tom Armstrong Adams in 1907-08-to now, the yell leaders have played an instrumental role in defining, refining, building, maintaining and showcasing the Aggie spirit. Then and now, the yell leaders are revered on campus and recognized as the true "Ambassadors of the Aggie Spirit." This is their authorized story, one that is as unique as Texas A&M itself.
Since 1998, Rusty Burson has served as the associate editor of 12th Man Magazine and as a vice president with the 12th Man Foundation, the fundraising organization of Texas A&M athletics. Burson began his professional career as a newspaper sports reporter, columnist and editor in Galveston and later joined the staff of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He lives in College Station with his wife, Vannessa, and the couple's three children-son, Payton, and daughters, Kyleigh and Summer. Burson was hired by the Association of Former Yell Leaders to write this book, which represents his 15th book. Some of Burson's other A&M-related books include Reveille First Lady of Texas A&M; Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL; What it Means to be an Aggie; Standing Together; The Spirit of Kyle Field; 100 Things Texas A&M Fans Should Know or Do Before They Die; and First Dooowwwnnn...And Life To Go.