Texas Wesleyan
When the Texas Wesleyan Rams defeated Trinity University 39-0 for a homecoming victory at Farrington Field in 1941, it was a win for the ages.
And ages and ages.
It was the last home game for 76 years for the Rams. The school suspended the football program after that season, not to return until this past weekend at McPherson (Kansas), a game being played at press time.
Saturday, the Rams will finally return to Farrington Field – itself just a few years old when that homecoming game was played – when they host Millsaps College at 2 p.m.
“It’s so exciting. If my dads were alive, they’d be on the 50-yard line telling the coach what to do,” said an almost ecstatic Susan Radde.
That’s right. She said “dads.” Both her biological father, Hall Splawn, and stepdad, Monroe McCarty, played for the Rams. Splawn, a running back, and McCarty, a quarterback, are both in the Texas Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame.
“That team was a very close-knit group,” Radde said.
As part of celebrating the team’s return, the afternoon each home game (they all start at 2 p.m.), the program will host a pre-game tailgate party in the east parking lot of Farrington Field. It will begin at noon and feature music, kids’ games and lots of food and run.
Also, players and coaches will walk past those tailgating as they prepare to get ready for kickoff.
There will also be a post-game party after each home contest at the Reservoir Bar and Grill.
“I’m really excited. We have gone to great lengths to give our fans the best possible experience,” said Associate Athletic Director Ricky Dodson.
Head Coach Joe Prud’homme has coached a lot of memorable games. Before coming to Texas Wesleyan in 2016 he led Nolan Catholic High School to seven state championships.
“Each state championship was like a child,” he said.
When asked where he would place Saturday’s upcoming game, Prud’homme said, “It’ll be maybe the top one.
“That game on the 9th, I can’t sleep at night, I’m so excited.”
The players also appreciate the history surrounding the occasion.
“I have family in Dallas and Austin, so I have ties here,” said junior linebacker/safety Vincent Stephenson, from Roland Park, Kansas and a transfer from Benedictine College.
“I look at this as a blessing, a legacy. This is an opportunity to build something better than yourself,” he added.
Freshman linebacker Dewaun Colbert came all the way from Victorville, California for the chance to be a part of history.
“This is a great opportunity, a no-brainer,” he said.
Junior running back Jermarcus Jones, from Houston, said, “Being a part of something new, you set a foundation for the next generation.”
And, for sophomore quarterback Kane Hardin of Irving and a transfer from East Texas Baptist University, playing for the Rams is something he believes will give him a lifetime of memories.
“It’s something I can come back 10 or 20 years from now and tell my kids about,” Hardin said. “My mom and dad are already talking about making sure they get tickets. I come from a big family. I’m the oldest of four, I have cousins, aunts and uncles, it’s a big deal for me to be close to home.
“For us to be playing on that field so many years later, honoring those guys, it’s such an awesome thing.”
More info from Texas Wesleyan on the game:
After a 76-year timeout, Texas Wesleyan Football will return to Farrington Field on Saturday. The Rams will host Millsaps College at 2 p.m.
Tailgate with us!
Be sure to check out the Ram Zone pre-game experience – presented by 92.1 Hank FM – from 12-2 p.m. in the east parking lot of Farrington Field. The Ram Zone will feature music, prizes, giveaways and more. There will also be visits from the Ram Band, Willie the Ram mascot, TXWES Cheerleaders, and the Gold Line dance team. The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. and the stadium gates will open at 1 p.m.
The Islanders food truck – owned by a TXWES alumna – will be in the Ram Zone, along with Chik-fil-A and and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Please remember that open flames and alcohol are prohibited at Farrington Field. Coolers, backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the stadium.
At all Texas Wesleyan home games, parking is FREE.
Honoring First Responders
In honor of 9/11 and first responders who are currently working in Houston and South Texas areas effected by Hurricane Harvey, the Rams Home Opener will be a tribute to first responders. Fire, rescue, EMS and police, with badges, and their families will get free admission to the game. First responders can show their badge at the Ram Club/VIP entrance to gain free admittance.
The Ram Club will be selling First Responder Appreciation t-shirts with a portion of the sales going to provide aid for families that have been displaced by the hurricane and are currently residing in shelters in Fort Worth.
Keep the party going
Continue the fun after the game and join us for the Ram Club Post-Game Party hosted by Reservoir.Chimy’s will also be serving Ram-Ritas for Ram Fans!
Tickets
Haven’t purchased your ticket yet? Visit RamSports.net/TICKETS to purchase your ticket online today. Tickets can also be purchased with cash at the gate on game day.
Watch the Game Online
Can’t make the trip? We’ve got you covered.RamSports.net/LIVE will broadcast live streaming video as well as live stats. Jimmy “The Saint” Christopher and Mark “Link” Warde will have the call from Farrington Field. You can hear their call and watch the live video for a cost of $7.95 per game or purchase a season pass (all five home games) for $29.95. Live stats are available free of charge. Fans can also follow us on Twitter (@RamSports) and like us on Facebook (/ramsports) for up to the minute information.
www.ramsports.net/