A First Timer’s Guide to Texan Rider Pride

Walking onto campus for the first time you are engulfed in gorgeous scenery, magnificent oak trees, and wait who are those people in costume…

Tarleton State offers outstanding academic programs, a sense of community, and a plethora of traditions that make the school culture so unique. Today I will take you through some of the most important traditions so you can be prepared for your first year on campus. 

The Ten Tarleton Sisters and Ten Tarleton Peppers are not only the two oldest spirit organizations on campus, but they also make up the famous Purple Poo. Members of this organization walk around campus and appear at events in costume. They are covered from head to toe so no one knows their identity. They even have voice changers.

Not only are the Purple Poo fun to see at football games, but they play a crucial role in the Tarleton State spirit. They are the only organization that can raise the spirit of Oscar P (see Oscar P section for more details). They also leave hand-drawn signs in Heritage Park every Monday night, which you can only grab starting at 8 am Tuesday morning.

The Purple Poo truly bring life to any event they are at and provide a great sense of mystery for the campus. Every spring during Founder’s Week, the senior members of the Purple Poo are unmasked. Then at graduation, they get to hand a purple pig to the president while walking across the stage to signify who they are.

Legend has it that John Tarleton, Tarleton’s founder, had a pet duck named Oscar P who went with him everywhere. Oscar P is said to be buried somewhere on campus. The Purple Poo “raise his spirit” at different student events. 

The Plowboys are another spirit organization here on campus. Defined by their white shirts, cowboy hats, and purple chaps, the Plowboys help keep the Tarleton State spirit alive. They also help construct the L.V. Risinger Bonfire, the largest bonfire in Texas, during homecoming every year. 

Tarleton’s signature hand sign has a lot more meaning than meets the eye. By tucking in your pinkie and ring finger, and sticking your other two fingers and your thumb out you create the shape of Texas. Also your pinkie and ring finger point to Stephenville. Make sure to do this with your left hand.

In 1961 the student body elected to change the new mascot and name to “Texans.” In the 1970s the official horse and rider we know today emerged. 

Students, faculty, and alumni wear purple every Thursday to represent their Tarleton spirit.

Every year Tarleton State throws a week long homecoming celebration. The week is filled with Purple Pancakes, Beating the Drum, the L.V. Risinger Bonfire, a football game, and much more. Homecoming is a time for students, staff, and alumni to come together and embrace the Texan culture we have all come to love.

You go through convocation at the end of your Freshman Orientation week, T-week. This is where incoming students light a candle signifying the start of their Tarleton journey.

Held every year during Founder’s Week, this ceremony is put on in remembrance of all of the Tarleton Texans who passed away that year. We light a flame in their honor and blow it out to signify the end of their Tarleton journey.

The Founder’s Day Celebration originated in 1902. Today the Student Government Organization leads a week of events including Silver Taps and Mayfete.

There are 254 oak trees located on campus to represent the 254 counties of Texas.

The official Tarleton rings display the Tarleton State University Seal on the top. On the left side is the graduation year, along with the light poles that were installed in the late 1920s and a tree indicating how each county in Texas is represented by a tree on Tarleton’s campus. On the right side are the student’s degree letters, the Administration Building that was built in 1984, the front gates that were given to the University by the Classes of 1932 and 9134, and the post oaks that are the largest trees on Tarleton’s campus. Wearing this ring is a symbol to everyone of your accomplishment of completing at least 60 credit hours, is a great way to stay connected to Tarleton, and continue to Bleed Purple!!

Grassburr is Tarleton State’s yearbook. Since 1916 the annual Grassburr has honored memories and special moments for students. If you are a Tarleton Alum or a current student then you get a Grassburr! They are included in your tuition and they have books available from 1960-present.

Now that you are familiar with the Tarleton State traditions, you are one step closer to becoming a Tarleton Texan!! #BLEEDPURPLE