Texas MBAs Talk

If you are a loyal reader of this blog (all three of you), you may remember how bitter I was when I couldn’t attend last year’s Red River Rivalry (Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas) because of first year midterms. When the second years came back and raved about how amazing the game and the corresponding Texas State Fair were, I knew I’d make it my mission to attend this year. My fellow blogger Kalin described her fantastic experience, and I echo all of her sentiments about the game, the Fair and fried butter.

Although the entire weekend (and especially the State Fair) exceeded my expectations, nothing could top my experience prior to the game. My friend Jen interned in Dallas over the summer, and her coworker’s friend (an ex-Silver Spur) invited us to attend a party in Dallas on Thursday night where Bevo would be in attendance. If you don’t know of Bevo, he’s the live mascot that represents the University of Texas and stands on the football field during games (and is present at other important University events). I was so excited to meet him, and was thrilled as we walked up to the house and saw the Bevo-mobile parked up front (and Bevo standing on the front lawn). We took our picture with him (but avoided getting too close - those horns are BIG) and enjoyed the chatter of projected winners and point spreads for the weekend’s game. I felt like a true part of the University of Texas community, and felt that much more excited to see Bevo on the field during Saturday’s game. The game itself was close (and a little too nerve-wracking for my liking) but Texas prevailed, and we walked away with calmed nerves and increased hopes of a Rose Bowl appearance.

I topped off my experience with the purchase of my first pair of authentic cowboy boots and all of the fried food I could eat (butter, smores, oreos, corn dogs and peanut butter and jelly!). I left Dallas with a full stomach (and clogged arteries!) and the satisfaction of both UT winning a huge game and having met the esteemed Bevo. It was another one of those fantastic McCombs weekends for the books - and an experience I wish I could replicate for years to come.