Lighting of Eternal Flame to Return to WT Homecoming Celebrations

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A student-led tradition will return for the first time in five years during West Texas A&M University’s Homecoming Week celebrations.

The WT Student Government Association will light the Eternal Flame at the conclusion of the 46th annual Pigskin Revue, a longstanding Homecoming tradition that will move this year to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on WT’s Canyon campus. The flame hasn’t been lit in about five years.

“We’re excited to bring back this beloved tradition,” said Kyal Browne, student body president. “But relighting the Eternal Flame is more than a tradition. It’s a powerful reawakening of WT’s history and values, reflecting the resilience, unity and spirit that has shaped the University’s journey.”

The flame will be lit at the end of the festivities, which kick off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the white buffalo statue in Citizens Bank Plaza in front of the stadium.

It will be a symbolic lighting as the flame itself will be extinguished after the event, but the brazier will be on display on the plaza for the week preceding Pigskin Revue. Keeping a physical flame burning is cost-prohibitive, but electric flames are mounted atop stone columns at the Fourth Street entrance to campus, keeping the tradition alive.

The concept of the Eternal Flame at WT dates back to 1914, when a fire destroyed the original Administration Building. President R.B. Cousins declared, “If West Texas State is nothing more than brick and mortar, it ought to die.” Funds were raised from state and local resources, and a new building—today known as Old Main—opened two years later.

Browne and other SGA officers hope the revitalized Pigskin Revue will attract alumni, parents and others interested in taking part in Homecoming activities.

“We are thrilled to see the exciting changes that WT Student Government Association has planned for this year’s Pigskin Revue,” said Ronnie Hall, Alumni Association executive director. “WT is rich in history, and seeing the return of the flame-lighting ceremony is a fantastic way to honor our traditions. This event is an important part of WT Homecoming as it brings together the WT Student body, alumni, and fans to celebrate their Buff Spirit. We look forward to celebrating these moments with the entire WT Community.”

Homecoming court finalists will be announced at the event, which also will include performances by The Sound of West Texas Buffalo Marching Band, WT Chorale and WT Spirit.

Admission is free.

Homecoming Week festivities also include The Phoenix dinner for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni at 6 p.m. Oct. 10; the unveiling of a bronze statue of Dr. Paul Engler at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building; the Homecoming parade at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 along Russell Long Boulevard; the Countdown to Kickoff Block Party after the parade on 26th Street; and the WT football game against Western New Mexico University at 7 p.m. Oct. 12.

Maintaining strong community ties is a component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: West Texas A&M University's Student Government Association is reviving the tradition of lighting the Eternal Flame for Homecoming 2024 celebrations. Members are, front from left, Sloan Knolton, Peyton Hastings, Tory Trahern, Jocelyn Hernandez, Kyal Browne, Gizelle Borunda and Mary Vivian Ivey; and, back from left, Jordan Conde, Thomas Lopez, David Ortega, Hunter Heady, Madeline Britten, Augustus Shirley, Chamberlaigne Elliott, Ania Ball, Geraldine Medina and Matthew Stone. 

—WT—