Longhorn 101

So here’s the thing: I am a much bigger fan of team spirit than actual sports. If we’re talking stats and players and strategy and coaches, you’ve totally lost me. I’m singing showtunes in my head. Trust.

But if you throw hot dogs and beer and team jerseys and coordinated songs and big foam #1 fingers in the mix? I am ALL ABOUT IT.

I mean, when you think about it, displaying your team spirit is not much different than a costume party. I believe I come by this genetically, FYI. Witness this picture of my sister during her undergrad days at Kansas:

She's the "H"

Speaking of my family, being from Birmingham, my family (particularly my new brother in law who may be, at this very moment, reading this post from Pasadena…Hi Brian!) are HUGE Alabama fans. It’s so much fun! I’ve always enjoyed getting decked in my crimson and throwing around rammer jammers and roll tides and such…so I suppose all the questions I’ve been fielding lately regarding my team loyalty today are warranted…

But let it be known: I am not confused. Don’t you think I’ve forgotten what the degree on my wall says! HOOK ‘EM HORNS, Baby! (Ok, it says University of Texas Bachelor of Arts – Theatre and Dance…but you know what I mean.)

Y’all. Is there ANYTHING better than being a Longhorn Fan? Truly, there’s not. There are so many traditions and so much TEXAS PRIDE. Totally infectious. I urge you to try it this evening. To aide you in your conversion, here’s a handy-dandy list of everything you need to know to be a Texas fan tonight! (even if you’re not sure if Colt McCoy is a quarterback or a beer.)

(FYI: Quarterback. That was a bonus.)

#1 The Eyes of Texas:

(to the tune of “I’ve been working on the railroad”)

The eyes of Texas are upon you
All the live long day
The eyes of Texas are upon you
You cannot get away

Do not think you can escape them
At night or early in the morn’
The eyes of Texas are upon you
‘Till Gabriel blows his horn!

#2 our Mascot (in case you happen to be from Mars and don’t know this already.)
Bevo the Longhorn!

You may recognize him here:
Texas men’s service and spirit organization, The Silver Spurs, are responsible for Bevo’s care and transportation:#3 Our colors:
Burnt Orange and White. Duh!

Ginnifer Goodwin knows what's up!

#4 Hook ‘em Horns

Texas’ world-renowned Hook ‘em Horns sign was created in 1955 by head cheerleader Harley Clark and was voted the nation’s top hand signal by Sports Illustrated!

#5 Smokey the Cannon

Smokey chills out in south end zone area at home football games and fires blank shotgun shells after each Texas score and at the final gun after a Texas victory. The cannon is operated by the Texas Cowboys – yet another men’s spirit organization!Ok. Now you’re prepared. Go get some burnt orange, grab a Shiner Bock, get your Hook ‘Em hands ready and let’s cheer our Longhorns on to VICTORY tonight!

TEXAS FIGHT TEXAS FIGHT…

xx, L