Published Sunday, December 20, 2009 12:08 AM

CS delivers on bet with Austin mayor

Eagle Staff Report

College Station Mayor Ben White began paying off a lost bet with the mayor of Austin on Thursday.

The mayors bet trees on the outcome of the Thanksgiving football game between the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

Austin received the first of 12 crape myrtles Thursday. College Station officials said the crape myrtles are the most popular ornamental tree in the community, and they represent Texas A&M University's 12th Man tradition, which symbolizes readiness to serve and help for those in need.

"It's our hope that these crape myrtles help beautify what is otherwise a relatively flat and treeless city," White said in a statement.

The mayors of each city placed a bet on whether the Aggies or the Longhorns would win the Nov. 26 game. It was the 116th meeting of the two teams and the first time that plant life has been at stake. The Longhorns beat the Aggies 49-39.

The remaining crape myrtles will arrive in Austin at a later date and will be given to the Austin Parks Foundation for auction. Officials said they found a local person willing to sell the trees at cost, which would be less than $150.

The mayors said they looked forward to repeating the wager in 2010.

"I didn't feel we were going out on a limb. This was an easy opportunity for Austin to win some new trees," said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell in a statement. "When I see these trees, I'll remember the Longhorns' undefeated season and think about next year's victories."

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