Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Serena Swanland- THE BATTALION Senior Chuan Wang catches a frisbee while attending the International Aggie Football Symposium at the Bright Football Complex Auditorium Monday evening. [Click to enlarge]

MSC Hospitality and the Student Government Association organized the third annual International Student Football Symposium to teach international Aggies about the sport of football and the traditions that come with it.

"The event started when a member of SGA and a member of Hospitality decided they wanted to do something to interact with foreign students," said Ross Lasley, a junior agricultural business major and the traditions chair for MSC Hospitality. "Every year it's sold out really well, it's one of our most successful programs."

The football symposium was Monday night. At least 200 international students attended.

"We sold out instantly," said Eunice Overton, a senior international student adviser for International Student Services. "I love it; it really sets us apart from the other universities that the Athletic Department reached out to get international students involved."

The opportunity to learn more about American football attracted students from around the world.

"In Brazil we are crazy about soccer and I want to see why they are so crazy about football here," said Paulo Silva, a doctorate student from Brazil.

Charley North, the director of football operations under Head Coach Dennis Franchione, made an appearance with four football players. Safety Kenny Brown, linebacker Anthony Lewis, center Cody Wallace and quarterback Jerrod Johnson were greeted with cheers from the audience as Coach North explained the role of each player on the team.

"Seeing the players and having North teach us football was very exciting," said Jongsoon Kim, a biological and agricultural engineering research assistant from South Korea.

After learning the football rules, the students were taught the traditions of A&M associated with football. A representative of the Traditions Council and A&M's two junior yell leaders were on hand to explain everything from Midnight Yell to how to "Beat the Hell."

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