September 30, 2005
You can't have their ball handling skills. You'll never be able to hit the upper-90 from outside the box like they do. And you definitely won't have the chance to be a member of one of the best soccer squads in the country.
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But then again, even when you can't play like the pro's-or for this matter, the spectacular intercollegiate athletes that make up the Aggie women's soccer team-you can always look like them. Through the 2005-2006 12th Man Team Rewards Program, you have the opportunity to earn your very own Texas A&M Nike soccer jersey. Just like in the past when Aggie faithful have earned a Texas A&M baseball jersey and a 1939 football National Champions replica jersey, you will be rewarded the soccer jersey for attending thirty-six Texas A&M home athletic events.
However, there happens to be about thirty girls that already have dibs on the first set of jerseys-none other than the Aggie soccer team. The first unveiling of the maroon, dri-fit Nike jerseys will take place at tonight's 7:00 soccer match against Boise State when the girls don the exact top that all 12th Man Team Rewards All-Americans will receive.
"Friday night is going to be a special night for the 12th Man Team," said 12th Man Team Rewards Program Coordinator Jay Roberts. "We are unveiling our 2005-06 official jerseys. The team will be wearing the actual jersey during the Boise State game."
The only thing better than having an opportunity to earn a replica jersey of that which Ashlee Pistorius and Carrie Berend wore when slicing through the Bronco defense is to have one of the actual, sweat-soaked jerseys that the soccer team wore...and you can! Every Aggie fan that has their card stamped or swiped at tonight's game will also be entered into a drawing to win one of those original thirty jerseys-right off the girls' backs.
"Following the game each worn jersey will be given away to a lucky 12th Man Team member," Roberts said. "Thirty members will get an authentic jersey! This is going to be one of the most exciting promotions we have ever done here at A&M."
 A lucky fan will receive Aggie defender Emily DeWoody's #4 jersey at tonight's game! |
Implemented two years ago to reward Aggieland's famed 12th Man for their support of Texas A&M Athletics, the 12th Man Team Rewards Program has launched itself into a positive epidemic that has pulled more fans into Aggie facilities than ever before. The increase in attendance at three sports specifically-soccer, volleyball, and women's basketball-is utterly amazing. After just two years, women's basketball has seen an increase of 121%, soccer a 93% jump, and volleyball a 36% rise. People from all ages and backgrounds-students, university employees, student-athlete parents, and former students-participate and have the chance to obtain Active Roster, All-Big 12, All-American, or Hall of Fame status. 3,768 people made the Active Roster last year by attending at least 12 events. 2,140 of those made All-Big 12 by attending 24 events and 1,329 participants earned their 1939 National Champions replica jersey by cheering on the Aggies at 36 home contests. The biggest increase in participation last year compared to the program's inaugural season was the number of Hall of Fame inductees-those fans that attended 72 events. Amazingly enough, 161 people did just that this past year-a 666% increase from the 21 who had done it in the 2003-2004 season.
"As we enter the third year of the 12th Man Team Rewards Program, I am continually amazed at the records that you, the 12th Man, continue to set . . . and break," Texas A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne said. "Each year YOU raise the bar to a new level only to raise it again the following season. I am anxious to see which attendance records will fall this year and challenge you, just as I challenge our coaches and administrative staff, to take ownership in the vital role that you play in 'Building Champions.'"
This year's current leaders have already attended 10 home events. If you're behind in the game, tonight's soccer match gives you an awesome opportunity to get one more step closer to reaping your reward. Texas A&M Athletic teams graciously appreciate the support they receive from the 12th Man at every home contest. Your very own 2005-2006 Aggie soccer jersey is a token of our thanks-knowing the impact you make, it's the least we could do.
"It's going to be an exciting night," Roberts said. "We're expecting a huge crowd. The Home Field Advantage will definitely be in effect. The 12th Man Team and the Home Field Advantage has helped shape one of the greatest atmosphere's in college soccer."