From the Forty Acres to the Playground: Texas Cowboys Make Friday Unforgettable

The Texas Cowboys, UT Austin’s oldest men’s organization, have been a symbol of leadership and service since their founding in 1922. Known for maintaining Smokey the Cannon—the iconic tradition that fires every time the Longhorns score—the Texas Cowboys also make a lasting impact beyond game day.

Notable Texas Cowboys alumni include: Dolph Briscoe (37th Governor of Texas), Jack Blanton (former regent of the UT System), Larry Faulkner (former UT Austin president), Tom Landry (former Dallas Cowboys head coach) and Earl Campbell (Heisman Trophy winner) among dozens of other notable individuals.

Since 2023, the Texas Cowboys have partnered with UT Elementary to engage Little Longhorns through mentoring, play, and volunteer service. They mentor a group of fourth- and fifth-grade boys each year, volunteer at school events like Spooktacular in the fall and Bevo Bash in the spring, and two members serve as non-voting representatives on the UT Elementary School Management Board.

Additionally, they drop by on Fridays to play with students during recess or PE, creating positive connections through teamwork and fun. On the afternoon of Friday, November 7, when the Texas Cowboys dropped by for Friday fun, they made it even more memorable for the Little Longhorns.

The fifth grade students were surprised and some were shocked to see that Texas Cowboys members include Longhorn Quarterback Arch Manning. Manning, along with teammates Rett Anderson and Will Randle and Longhorn Men’s Golf team member Tommy Morrison showed up – in their Texas Cowboys full garb – to play with students during PE.

For over an hour, the Texas Cowboys participated in Coach Z’s PE activities, modeling skills and good sportsmanship for the Little Longhorns. Having the Texas Cowboys at UT Elementary is always a treat, this special day is one for the record books. UT Elementary is grateful for all of the ways that students from “Big UT” engage with our students. From interns and student teachers from the College of Education or The Butler School of Music and graduate students from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Moody College of Communications, UT Elementary is glad to be part of The University of Texas at Austin.