April 15, 2004
After the trading deadline came to a close and the Texas A&M football staff evaluated the teams, the Maroon and White squads have been finalized by Commissioner Dennis Franchione.
"There were a couple of moves made just under the deadline," Commissioner Fran said. "After the coaches gave approval of the teams, I have assigned the Maroon squad to (defensive coordinator) Coach Torbush and the White team to (offensive coordinator) Coach Koenning. Everyone on the staff has been assigned to a team and it should be an entertaining game."
Texas A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne is considered the owner of the event and serving as the Commissioner's Committee is Charley North and Johnny Barr.
The Maroon coaching staff includes: Torbush, Kenith Pope, Mark Tommerdahl, Chris Thurmond, David Bobo, Jeffrey Barnett and Shepley Heard.
The White coaching staff includes: Koenning, Lee Fobbs, Jim Bob Helduser, Stan Eggen, Melvin Smith and Reuben Vaughn.
Rosters for the Maroon & White squads are posted on AggieAthletics.com as well as CoachFran.com.
The Maroon & White Game, presented by AT&T Wireless, will kick at 3 p.m. at Kyle Field on Saturday, Apr. 17. Gates will open for the game at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are currently available by calling the athletic ticket office at 1-888-99-AGGIE (888-992-4443) or going by the ticket office in the Zone. The ticket windows in front of the Zone will open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Seating is available throughout the stadium, with the exception of the suites and Zone Club areas, which are for those season-ticket holders only.
Texas A&M students can get in free with a valid student I.D. and athletic sports pass. Children 12 and under will also be admitted free.
The autograph session will be held at G. Rollie White Coliseum from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Fans can pick up a copy of the spring game program/poster for autographs. This will be the only opportunity for pictures and autographs in a formal setting this year. Fans will admitted in four shifts with 20-minute time limits for each group. Fans are permitted to re-enter as space allows.
At 11 a.m., Director of Athletics Bill Byrne will host an open forum in the Hagner Auditorium in the Bright Football Complex to discuss the state of Aggie Athletics and his vision for the future.
A children's clinic for ages ranging from kindergarten through the seventh grade will be held on Kyle Field from 11:30 until 12 noon. The Aggie players and coaches will help the youngsters learn about some of the fundamentals of the game of football. There is no contact for the youngsters. The children and their parents are allowed in the stadium through Gates 4-5 near Netum Steed at the southwest corner of the stadium. They will be directed into the west stands before moving to the field. The object of the clinic is to allow the youngsters to interact with the players and coaches. Parents are allowed to shoot video and photographs without the event turning into another autograph session.
At halftime, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band will perform and several members of the Aggie football team will receive various awards. AT&T Wireless will sponsor a Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
Some of the rules of the game include: kicking game is live; there is no limit on trick plays; quarterbacks will be live, but the officials will be encouraged to have a quick whistle; blitzing is allowed; exchange of players is permitted when injuries dictate; and the quarters will be 12 minutes in duration.