Wednesday, October 9
Following Snake Dance through Kick Off of Football Game
TSC Amphitheater
Drum Beating Registration: September 1st-October 9th
The 1920s marked the beginning of a tradition that is a favorite among Tarleton students—the beating of the drum. At the height of the rivalry between JTAC and NTAC, the burning of the opponent’s bonfire prior to the scheduled celebration was a popular undertaking. During this time, Tarleton students would station themselves around the perimeter of the rock wall to guard the bonfire. A drum was beaten 24 hours a day until kick off of the football game to discourage NTAC students from invading campus. Today, organizations and residence hall students carry on this tradition during Homecoming week by beating the drum on Tuesday evening and continuing until kickoff on Saturday. The original drum was suspended from a frame; today, 55 gallon steel drums are used. The winner of the Yell Contest beats the drum following the Plowboys.