When the Corps of Cadets marches into Kyle Field behind the Aggie Band today, about 600 familiar faces will be joining it for the inaugural Rally to the Guidons.
All former members of the Corps were invited back to the university to march in one more time, simultaneously showing support for current cadets while reuniting with old friends.
"I wanted to come up with some sort of event to encourage the guys to leave their tailgates, come to the quadrangle and see the cadets for themselves," said Don Crawford, executive director of The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association. "I was hoping there might be a couple hundred but was pleasantly surprised that 600 were able to show up."
Based on the high number participating in the first year, Crawford said, he hopes the event will become annual.
The former members will all be wearing matching polo shirts, khaki pants and headgear.
Former members from every decade since the 1940s will be in attendance, and one block will be comprised only of legacy members -- multiple individuals from the same family who have served in the Corps.
Michael Goodwin, who graduated from the university with a degree in marketing in 2003, will be marching in with his father, a 1966 graduate, and his brother, a 1998 graduate.
"My dad used to tell us we could go to any college we wanted, but he'd pay for A&M," he said. "It was a pretty easy decision after that."
Goodwin said his father, Henry Goodwin, is particularly excited about the rally.
"He's the one who got me and my brother into this," he said. "They've had some band reunions in the past, but never anything like this. You always miss, on Saturdays, getting to march in behind the band."
He said he also hopes the rally becomes an annual tradition and is excited about getting to march into Kyle Field with his father and brother at his side, but one thing would make the experience complete.
To "beat the hell outta Baylor," he said.
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