2008 Woodie Awards
Student group committed to baseball, service
By: Travis Yoesting
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Sports
In a school that boasts more than 800 student organizations, Iron Spikes stands out for its dedication to Texas A&M baseball and the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Iron Spikes was borrowed from the tradition at the University of Texas. The Aggie Iron Spikes organization was formed in 2000 as a branch of the Texas Iron Spikes and is committed to service, spirit and social events at A&M.
"Our goals are to represent Texas A&M University through our service in the community and to raise as much money as possible to donate to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brazos Valley," said Austin Grafing, president of Iron Spikes.
To accomplish these goals, Iron Spikes members participate in many service events throughout the year, including Big Event, Kyle Field clean-up, "Party in the Park" and helping Bryan-College Station nursing homes serve Thanksgiving dinner.
"Every semester, each member is required to get three service points to remain active," said Ty Lindsey, liaison officer for Iron Spikes.
Lindsey, a sophomore agricultural economics major, is in charge of the annual charity softball tournament where the money raised will benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brazos Valley.
"Big Brothers and Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth one-on-one mentoring service in the United States," said Grafing, a senior economics major. "They are responsible for pairing children right here in the Brazos Valley with mentors who will help guide these children in the right direction in life."
During the season, Iron Spikes rakes the infield during the fifth inning. They put on the "Party in the Park" every Saturday of a Big 12 home game at Olsen Field.
"This event is a perfect way for our members to give back to the children of our community," Grafing said. "We set up various games and activities including moonwalks, whiffleball home run derby and baseball pitch and catch."
What sets the A&M Iron Spikes apart from the UT organization is the size of the group. While UT has a few hundred members, the athletic department limits the A&M Iron Spikes to 61 members. Grafing said having fewer members helps the group socially.
"This creates a close-knit group for us where everyone knows everyone, and you are able to form lasting, life-long friendships," Grafing said.
Lindsey said one of the requirements of rookies wishing to join Iron Spikes is to get a baseball signed by all active members in order to meet everyone, something that would not be possible in a group of hundreds.
Members of Iron Spikes said they are looking forward to a good season for the Aggies.
"I, personally, am very excited about Aggie baseball this year," Lindsey said. Grafing said he thinks the team will be a strong contender, building on the success from 2007.
Iron Spikes urges students to get out this spring to support the A&M baseball team.
"Watching and supporting Aggie baseball at Olsen Field is a very unique experience in a very unique atmosphere," Grafing said. "There is a certain intimacy shared between the game and the fans that can be found only in Olsen Field."
Iron Spikes was borrowed from the tradition at the University of Texas. The Aggie Iron Spikes organization was formed in 2000 as a branch of the Texas Iron Spikes and is committed to service, spirit and social events at A&M.
"Our goals are to represent Texas A&M University through our service in the community and to raise as much money as possible to donate to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brazos Valley," said Austin Grafing, president of Iron Spikes.
To accomplish these goals, Iron Spikes members participate in many service events throughout the year, including Big Event, Kyle Field clean-up, "Party in the Park" and helping Bryan-College Station nursing homes serve Thanksgiving dinner.
"Every semester, each member is required to get three service points to remain active," said Ty Lindsey, liaison officer for Iron Spikes.
Lindsey, a sophomore agricultural economics major, is in charge of the annual charity softball tournament where the money raised will benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brazos Valley.
"Big Brothers and Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth one-on-one mentoring service in the United States," said Grafing, a senior economics major. "They are responsible for pairing children right here in the Brazos Valley with mentors who will help guide these children in the right direction in life."
During the season, Iron Spikes rakes the infield during the fifth inning. They put on the "Party in the Park" every Saturday of a Big 12 home game at Olsen Field.
"This event is a perfect way for our members to give back to the children of our community," Grafing said. "We set up various games and activities including moonwalks, whiffleball home run derby and baseball pitch and catch."
What sets the A&M Iron Spikes apart from the UT organization is the size of the group. While UT has a few hundred members, the athletic department limits the A&M Iron Spikes to 61 members. Grafing said having fewer members helps the group socially.
"This creates a close-knit group for us where everyone knows everyone, and you are able to form lasting, life-long friendships," Grafing said.
Lindsey said one of the requirements of rookies wishing to join Iron Spikes is to get a baseball signed by all active members in order to meet everyone, something that would not be possible in a group of hundreds.
Members of Iron Spikes said they are looking forward to a good season for the Aggies.
"I, personally, am very excited about Aggie baseball this year," Lindsey said. Grafing said he thinks the team will be a strong contender, building on the success from 2007.
Iron Spikes urges students to get out this spring to support the A&M baseball team.
"Watching and supporting Aggie baseball at Olsen Field is a very unique experience in a very unique atmosphere," Grafing said. "There is a certain intimacy shared between the game and the fans that can be found only in Olsen Field."
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