WT’s Live Mascot Thunder Back in Action with Student Herdsmen

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Thunder is booming again on the campus of West Texas A&M University.

Thunder XV, believed to be one of only two live buffalo university mascots in the country, again will make on-field appearances at all five of WT’s home football games at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, beginning with the home-season opener against the Western Colorado University Mountaineers at 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Tickets are available now.

The buffalo, who is officially sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau, will run onto the gridiron accompanied by his handlers, the Herdsmen.

Thunder XV will continue his duties while the Herdsmen continue to train Thunder XVI, dubbed “Sally,” who arrived on campus in spring 2025.

The Herdsmen and Sally, perhaps joined by Thunder XV, will greet the community at a Meet the Hersdmen event from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Whataburger, 100 N. 23rd St. in Canyon. Photo opportunities will be available.

This year’s Herdsmen squad is comprised of 13 men and women: Jenna Arens, a junior accounting major from Shawano, Wisconsin; Calvin Autrey, a junior agricultural business and economics major from Willard, New Mexico; Boone Begert, a senior agriculture major from Allison; Christian Davalos, a sophomore animal science major from Midland; Jacque Ghormley, a senior animal science major from Rockwall; Taylor Goin, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Valley View; Eli Hicks, a junior electrical engineering major from Lubbock; Cayden Hodnett, a senior agriculture education major from Lubbock; Kash Krueger, a sophomore agriculture major from Bellville; Jozie Petit, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Seymour; Claudia Tepper, a junior agriculture major from Wolfforth; Shirley Jo Thompson, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Limon, Colorado; and Jayden Vititow, a senior animal science / pre-vet major from Sulphur Springs.

They are led by Dr. Kelly Jones, clinical assistant professor of agriculture.

Graduate assistants are Will Hauerland, a graduate student in animal science from Sealy, and Emily Montgomery, a graduate student in agriculture from Shallowater.

Community members can support Thunder and the Herdsmen joining the Thunder Club. With each $100 membership, supporters get a custom plush buffalo, an invitation to a members-only event and other benefits.

The Herdsmen date back to 1977, tasked with the safety, care and management of Thunder XV, as well as his pen, dubbed the “Thunder Lodge.” They also serve as ambassadors for WT’s Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the University at large.

WT’s first live mascots were purchased in 1922 from Col. Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight; the buffalo “Charlie” was mounted for posterity and donated to Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. The live mascot program was revived in the 1970s.

Being part of the Herdsmen helps students develop leadership and organizational skills, important factors in their drive to graduate and succeed.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 65 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 41 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and three doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: The Herdsmen pose on First United Bank Field inside Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium with Thunder XV and Sally. Pictured are, from left, Will Hauerland, Dr. Kelly Jones, Eli Hicks, Christian Davalos, Thunder XV, Jaden Vititow, Kash Krueger, Jozie Petit, Cayden Hodnett, Taylor Goin, Boone Begert, Jacque Ghormley, Calvin Autrey, Jenna Arenas, Thunder XVI, Claudia Tepper, Shirley Jo Thompson and Emily Montgomery.

—WT—