WTAMU Football: Thunder and The Herdsmen Lead the Charge

WTAMU has been around for almost 125 years. The university started as West Texas State Normal College and has eventually evolved into West Texas A&M University.

Over those almost 125 years the mascot of WTAMU has been a buffalo. The mascot was named Thunder.

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The Herdsmen

Photo Courtesy of WTAMU

The Herdsmen are responsible for the care of Thunder, and any buffalo in training to one day become Thunder. The Herdsmen were originally formed in 1977 during the era of West Texas State University by a group of men who thought that the athletic events needed a morale boost. A live buffalo was the answer. The tradition remains today.

The current buffalo serving as the WTAMU mascot is Thunder XIV (that's 14 for those not familiar with Roman numerals). Thunder XIV is thought to be one of just two live buffalo mascots for a university in the United States.

Where Can I See Thunder?

Once again in WTAMU tradition, Thunder XIV will run the field at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium during all home WTAMU football Games. The first home game of the season will be Saturday, September 14th at 7 pm.

As always The Herdsmen will be running with Thunder and making sure he is cared for as he makes his run.

Who are the Herdsmen?

The Herdsmen are comprised of 12 WTAMU students, this year's team include:Boone Begert, a sophomore agriculture major from Allison; Samuel Blanton, a junior agriculture major from Weatherford; Emerson Dean, a sophomore animal science major from Decatur; Mia Encinias, a senior animal science major from Edgewood, New Mexico; George Graybill, a senior animal science major from Keenesburg, Colorado; Will Hauerland, a sophomore agricultural business and economics major from Sealy; Hayden Holwick, a senior animal science / pre-vet major from Wheeler; Kaden Husband, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Childress; Jett Mizer, a senior agricultural business and economics major from Amarillo; Emily Montgomery, a sophomore agriculture from Lubbock; Jozie Petit, a sophomore agriculture media and communication major from Seymour; and Jaden Vititow, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Sulphur Springs.

WTAMU Thunder XIV and Thunder XV

Thunder XV is currently in training and will take over when Thunder XIV is ready to retire. Thunder XV's name is Doc and he arrived at WTAMU in Spring 2024.

What Year Did WT Have Buffalo Mascots?

Portal to Texas/UNT Libraries

WTAMU purchased their first mascots in 1922 from Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight. Charlie one of the first, was preserved and donated to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

Go cheer on Thunder XIV, The Herdsmen, and the WTAMU football team this Saturday, September 14th as they take on Western Colorado.

West Texas State Normal College

When WT was first established in 1909 it was known as West Texas State Normal College. It has since been West Texas State Teachers College, West Texas State College, West Texas State University, and as we know it today West Texas A&M University.

Here's a look at the early days of the university.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University has a rich history that has evolved over the decades.

From West Texas Normal College to university status, to becoming a part of the Texas A&M University System. Many proudly have earned degrees from this amazing University.

"Let Me See Your WT"

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford