Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > August > 07 > Entry
Aggie Night at Dell Diamond
Into the Valley of Death rode … Just kidding, my Aggie friends.
Six hundred or so Aggies brimmed with good will at Dell Diamond on Friday, even welcoming an interloper and outrider for four generations of Longhorns. (One nephew becomes the first Barnes Aggie soon; two of our dearest friends, Dale Rice and Antonio La Pastina, teach at College Station. My spouse’s family has spawned a whole corps of Aggies, so I am not a complete stranger to the maroon.)
Jennifer Jackson, Bryan Farney and Jill Selman
With my guide, Sue Whaley (‘94, American-Statesman editor), I met a dozen or so members of the Williamson County and Capital City A&M clubs under the most fortuitous circumstances. The related groups have outgrown the sky boxes for the Round Rock Express games, and, according to Darald Berger (‘97), Wilco club president, the Aggies easily beat the Longhorn numbers on these alumni, student and family theme nights.
Erika wells, Jacqui Spiller and Lyndsay Smith
We assembled in the large banqueting room above first base. Hot dogs and hamburgers refreshed, as did soft drinks and cups of beer. Because the room was air-conditioned and exterior temperatures hovered around 100 degrees before sunset, ball fans tended to watch an inning of the game against the humorously name Fresno Grizzlies — big ol’ bears in Central Valley, agricultural Fresno? Really? — then retreated inside.
Justin Spillmann, Larry Gonzales and Andy Webb
By accident — or cultural bias — Sue and I gravitated to members of the Austin club (which counts 10,000 members to Wilco’s 5,200). Michael Enger (‘00) and Ginger Enger (‘00), who live in downtown Austin, relaxed in the picnic area. Centered around a cheery inside table were Jennifer Jackson (‘98, president, Capital City Club); Bryan Farney (‘06, VP professional group, Capital City) and Jill Selman (‘07, VP coach’s night, Capital City).
Kids proliferated. Men and women bunched in corners and along borders of the crowds, catching up. A&M, like UT, is a huge school. Most of these folks likely did not meet on campus. Several members of Aggie diaspora met right in the heart of Longhorn country at events just like this one.
Michael and Ginger Enger
One lone University of Texas grad working the crowd was Republican state representative candidate Larry Gonzales, who said “I’m a Longhorn, but Aggies vote.” He greeted folks flanked by Justin Spillmann (‘00) and Andy Webb (‘96, Wilco leader).
As the jolly crowd grew jollier, Sue and I kept a wandering eye on the game. When we left, the Express were ahead by 1. The sun had finally dipped below the stadium and the field was soothed by pale yellow light. Finally, folks left the ball park’s swimming pool, games zone and indoor oases to sit near the action. An arcadian scene.
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By www.WCAMC.com
August 8, 2010 7:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks to all the Aggies that participated in the 10th Annual Aggie Night @ the Dell Diamond!!!
Whoop!