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The Aggie Yell Leaders lead a yell practice in the parking lot at Olsen Field. The celebration was attended by several hundred fans in honor of the track team's national championships.

On the double

By: Brett Sebastian

Posted: 6/15/09

The national champion Texas A&M men's and women's track teams returned home to College Station Sunday night to find a celebration of their accomplishments waiting for them in the parking lot at Olsen Field. Nearly 300 well-wishers turned out at 10 p.m. to welcome home the twin No. 1 teams. The Twelfth Man bus was on hand, along with the Yell Leaders. Hundreds of fans of all ages came out to experience history being made as A&M brought home two more national championships to cap off the sports year.

"Three in three weeks," said senior Head Yell Leader Casey Schaefer. "Hopefully we can get more programs to follow suit, but this definitely puts us on the map and gives us much-deserved recognition. The team has done something that hasn't been done in 20 years, and it probably won't happen for a while unless we do it again next year."

"It's a great accomplishment for the University, said junior Yell Leader Travis Kennedy. "This is history right here."

People chatted while waiting for the bus carrying the team. Despite the news of President Elsa Murano's resignation at the University earlier in the day, Aggies and the community came together to celebrate.

"This is a great turnout with a lot of people here," Schaefer said. "Obviously this means a lot to a lot of people and this is what we need to focus on as a university. We need to show these great athletes gratitude as a whole."

The bus from Fayetteville arrived to applause and congratulations from the crowd. The national championship teams came out, enjoying the celebration and hugging friends and family while chanting celebratory team yells.

"It is fantastic to see so many people supporting our school and our team," said sophomore general studies major Gerald Phiri. "It is great to know that our accomplishments brought people together and for the first time began following our sport. As soon as we entered town and we got police escorts the bus went crazy.

"It feels really good to be a champion and to be appreciated. Knowing that we represented A&M and helped the community enjoy being on top as national champions feels good as well."

The team gathered around head coach Pat Henry. The 29-time championship coach thanked the team's coaches, assistants and family members, then highlighted his team's athletes, their accomplishments and finally the seniors. The graduating class is the first class Henry recruited to A&M upon his arrival in 2005.

"First off they tell me that the Aggies are loyal to their school and their programs," Henry said. "To be here at 10 at night, you all have proven that."

The Yell Leaders led a yell practice and the War Hymn before wrapping up organized festivities.

"This is great," said senior environmental studies major Justin Oliver. "It is 10:30 at night, people have work and school tomorrow and still so many showed up. It feels really good to know that so many people are behind us back home. It is amazing to be here right now."

"The team's accomplishments are a credit to Bill Byrne and the athletic department," Schaefer said. "He has been bringing great coaches to A&M and this accomplishment will bring recognition to our great programs. Hopefully more will follow suit."