Texas A&M University–Kingsville has a long history of athletic traditions. Since the university was established in 1925, the school placed an emphasis on traditions that united students in institutional and organizational identity.
Current •
School colors: The school's official colors are royal blue and gold, which are reflected around the campus. They are seen in the uniforms of athletes, coaches, and band members. They are also found on flags and school apparel, and are proudly worn during sporting events. •
Alma mater: The official song of the university, "Hail AMK", is sung following each football game. •
School songs: The official fight song for TAMUK, is "Jalisco", is played by the band following every
touchdown. In addition, the "Javelina Victory March" is played after every
field goal or
extra point. Other songs are played during the games, often followed by a chant of "Go Hogs Go!" •
Pride of South Texas Marching Band: This is the award-winning marching band of the school. The band has participated in competitions throughout Texas and the United States. They routinely perform during halftime of home football games. In addition, the band plays the school's
alma mater at the end of football games. •
Bonfire: During homecoming week, a large bonfire is held in a field located adjacent to the soccer field and softball stadium. The bonfire is sponsored by the Aggie Club and is open to the student body, faculty, staff, and
alumni of the university. •
Homecoming King and Queen: In the weeks preceding the
homecoming, members of various student organizations campaign for King and Queen. Students vote for the candidates of their choice, and the results are announced during halftime at the
Homecoming Game. •
Tailgate party: A
tailgate party is hosted in the northeastern parking lot of Javelina Stadium before each home football game. These gatherings have become a normal part of Javelina football games and attract thousands of fans. The tailgate party is open to the public and many student organizations, clubs, and surrounding businesses around the area choose to participate with food, drinks, and music. •
Army ROTC: The cadets of Javelina Battalion present colors during official school functions. Javelina Battalion upholds several internal traditions, including the firing of "Old Smokey" (prior to 1965, cadets fired a cannon known as "Little Jav") during home football games, as well as sponsoring the Military Ball each year since 1975. •
Hog Calls: Enthusiastic rallies are held before the 1st Home Game, Family Weekend and Homecoming games. •
Blue Out: During home games, students are encouraged to participate in a "Blue Out" – where students wear their school colors in a sign of school spirit. • '''Porky's Pack and Train''': Children who become members of Porky's Pack accompany Porky the Javelina mascot on a train ride around the stadium throughout the game. •
Blue Thunder: Prior to kickoff, students sitting on the west side of the stadium repeatedly kick the metal rails beneath their seats in a sign of school solidarity, resulting in a thunderous clamor. •
Flag Run: Following each touchdown scored by the Javelinas, two separate school flags are run around the stadium by members of the Aggie Club. •
Tortilla toss: During the 1980s, students began to throw tortillas following every touchdown as a show of support for the football team. This tradition was halted in 1999 after some students complained of possible racial undertones. School officials subsequently banned tortillas from the stadium; however, tortillas continue to be thrown during the game. •
College Hall black lights: Following each football victory, the bell tower atop College Hall is lit up with black lights to provide an ethereal reminder to the campus community of each victory.
Athletes •
Rally Entry: The Javelina athletic teams choose to make a scenic entry to football, basketball, baseball, and softball games. •
Prayer in the End Zone: An unofficial football tradition, many of the players from various religious backgrounds immediately head to the north end zone (near the scoreboard) following entrance into the stadium. These players kneel in silent prayer. Following the game, many players (from both the Javelinas and visiting teams) choose to meet at the 50-yard-line and pray. •
Alma mater: The Javelina football team joins the students on the western bleachers in the singing of the school's alma mater. • '''Children's Hospital''': At various times throughout the year, members of the various Javelina teams accompany Porky the Javelina costumed mascot and visit local hospitals, including the
Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Mascots •
Mascot: The javelina is the official mascot of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. The a live mascot is paraded during official school events and games. Over the years, various mascots named Henry, Henrietta, Little Henry, Scrappy, and Porky have held the honor as official mascot. The current mascot is named Porky III. •
Porky and Baby: The university has two costumed mascots who represent the university at public functions and encourage crowd involvement during athletic events. "Porky" is the original and male javelina mascot. Several years ago, he was joined by "Baby", a female javelina mascot.
Rivalries in 2014 As a perennial champ in the LSC and a regional and national powerhouse in football and other sports, the Javelinas of Texas A&M University–Kingsville have fostered several conference, regional, and national rivalries. •
East Texas A&M University •
Tarleton State University •
University of Central Oklahoma •
Abilene Christian University •
West Texas A&M University •
University of North Alabama •
University of California, Davis •
Northwest Missouri State University ==People==