@Texas A&M chooses not to revive the controversial bonfire tradition

A Snap of the Past

COLLEGE STATION, Texas— After months of anguished debate and meticulous studies, Texas A&M University President, Mark Welsh, has taken the final decision not to bring back the student bonfire tradition. The infamous bonfire event, once a bedrock of A&M’s annual tribute to the football rivalry with the University of Texas, Austin, was discontinued following a tragic incident in 1999.

It was a somber time in November, two decades past, when a 60-foot bonfire collapsed during its construction, causing the loss of 12 students’ lives and leaving 27 others injured. This marked the end of what had been an enduring tradition for over 90 years at Texas A&M, one that saw students construct a towering structure of logs, culminating in its burning on the eve of the football match between the two rivals.

Mulling over Memorialization

In the fall of 2023, with the renewal of the historical competition between the A&M Aggies and the UT Longhorns, President Welsh formed a committee to explore ways to commemorate the fabled rivalry. With the idea of reinstating the student bonfire back on the table, the committee was tasked to liaise with the families of the victims of the 1999 tragedy.

After many tear-streaked consultations and heated debates, the conclusion was drawn that reviving the bonfire tradition would be a step too far. Many of the victims’ family members argued that it would be an unforgivable somber reminder of the irreplaceable loss they experienced and would salt old wounds yet to heal fully.

End of the Line for an Age-Old Tradition

Representing the voice of the many, President Welsh announced his decision to let go of the bonfire tradition permanently. He communicated that the sentiment surrounding the event has changed over the years. Most importantly, the families of the victims of the bonfire collapse did not favor its return.

In addition to the emotional consequences, the potential logistical hurdles also played a significant role in this conclusion. The bonfire, which was initially a symbol of student camaraderie, unity, and leadership, would now need to be designed by professionals and built by contractors due to legal implications stemming from settlements with victims’ families.

Commemorating Rivalry the New-Age Way

As tradition must continue in one form or another, the committee came up with alternative suggestions to retain the spirit of the competition. A golf tournament and a “Rivalry Run”—an event where the game ball is transported from Austin to College Station, were proposed. These fresh ideas are expected to keep the spirit of the rivalry alive, even without the characteristic blaze of the bonfire.