The Aggie Wranglers have been known worldwide for their high-flying country western routines since 1984, but seven months ago they ceased operations. They will begin operations for the first time since February with their traditional performance at Ring Day.
They will be performing at 6 p.m. Friday at the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center as students receive their Aggie Rings.
Senior civil engineering major and president of the Aggie Wranglers, Kyle Molitor, said the Wranglers never left but were under review for a short time.
The Wranglers were always an organization and never ceased to exist, even for a little while, Molitor said. Back in February, due to certain events that transpired within the organization, the Department of Student Activities suggested to the Wranglers to undergo an organizational audit, which we agreed to.
Molitor said the summer was partially responsible for the long break, but it allowed them to review the organization.
Cynthia Olvera, the program coordinator for student organization development and administration in the Department of Student Activities, said there was nothing scandalous about what happened to the Wranglers seven months ago.
Many organizations go through this same process where they need time to assess things, Olvera said. It was the kind of situation where the organizations members and adviser took a look at their mission, vision and values.
According to the Department of Student Activities, the Wranglers official status during the break was renewing recognition.
Olvera said the Wranglers have made lots of changes within the structure of their organization.
They did so good during their evaluation, Olvera said. Outstanding, actually.
The Wranglers President said they worked hard to fix problems within the organization.
We have worked to make changes to our governing documents and to the safety and risk management aspects of our organization along with increasing the opportunities that our organization has to offer to our members, Molitor said.
Molitor said the Wranglers will resume teaching dance lessons in the upcoming weeks.
Signups for these lessons should start in the next couple of weeks, and we will still try to accommodate as many couples as we have in the past in the shorter time frame, Molitor said. We are changing the location and time for some of the lessons, and these details will be listed on our website and advertisements as soon as they are determined.
Molitor said they will still be providing free performances to any organization or groups event. They will begin accepting performance requests starting Friday for any date on or after Oct. 1. Tryouts for the organization will be held on Sept. 30 for those unable to tryout because the organization was under review in the spring.
Senior economics major Catie Cottingham who is receiving her Aggie Ring Friday said she is eager for the Wranglers return.
I always enjoyed watching the Wranglers perform, and I am looking forward to having them at my Ring Day because I will be able to show off an awesome tradition to my friends and family who dont go to A&M, Cottingham said.
Another student getting his ring this Friday is Ken Chessir, senior petroleum engineering major. Chessir said the entertainment the Wranglers provide is a welcomed addition to the Ring Day experience.
Its great to have that kind of entertainment there because it makes the atmosphere so much more enjoyable, Chessir said.
Some students were not aware that the Aggie Wranglers had ceased their operations last February but most were enthusiastic about their return.
Junior political science major Travis Kauffman said he wanted to bring the Wranglers back.
I have wanted to take dance lessons from them since Ive been here, Kauffman said.
Molitor said he was rightfully excited for the return of the organization.
Im so glad that it is hard to put into words, Molitor said. There is nothing like stepping out there in front of a crowd and just being able to put on the best performance that I can. I still get goose bumps every time I hear the music come on.
Outside of performing at Ring Day, Molitor said he is also excited to resume full operations.
We are all looking forward to being able to once again perform and teach lessons and share this organization with anyone and everyone we can, Molitor said.