Texas puts the 'Hex' on Horned Frogs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The University of Texas' annual Hex Rally is a tradition that dates back to 1941 when a group of Texas students were looking for a way to help the Longhorns snap an 18-game losing streak at Kyle Field against Texas A&M.

The students turned to a local fortune teller, Madam Agusta Hipple, who told the students to light red candles to put a hex on the Aggies.

The hex worked, and a tradition was born as the Longhorns beat Texas A&M 23-0.

"I think it's a tradition that has to keep on going, even though the A&M, they backed off on us," Texas freshman Amadeus Miranda said. "It's something that we as students look forward to every year, so I don't see a reason why we should take it away."

Despite the Aggies' move to the SEC, and the end of the rivalry, Texas held the pep rally this year to put the hex on this year's Thanksgiving day opponent, Texas Christian University.

Texas students feel the pep rally should continue because it's about more than just football.

"Definitely spirit, spirit spirit," said Texas freshman Poojah Raman. "I love the feeling of us all coming together as one, burnt orange. I'm just ready to see this. I'm just happy to be here. If there wasn't a Hex Rally, I would cry."

"Really, it's about having school spirit and coming out for the Thanksgiving game cause it's such a big game," Chelsea Baskin, a junior at Texas said. "It's really exciting that last year wasn't our last year."

Kickoff against TCU is set for 6:30 p.m. at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Texas is guaranteed to keep playing on Thanksgiving Day for the near future. Monday, it was announced the Longhorns would host Texas Tech on Thanksgiving next year.