P.A.N.K.U.S. rallies behind Texans during historic run

BY CAROLINE CRAIN

Editor-in-Chief

As Tarleton State football pushed deeper into the postseason, one organization remained a constant presence on the wall of Memorial Stadium: P.A.N.K.U.S.

The spirit organization played a visible and vocal role throughout the Texans’ historic playoff run, bringing energy, tradition and unwavering support to every game.

Priscilla Ramos, president of P.A.N.K.U.S., said the success of the season still feels unreal.

“Last year we had a riveting football season. We made it into the playoffs for the first time, and I remember going, ‘It was so fantastic.’ Then come to find out this year we were the fourth seed. My mind was blown,” Ramos said.

Ramos said supporting the team goes beyond simply attending games. It is about showing players that the campus stands behind them.

“We want our boys to know that they have a strong school spirit behind them, that what they’re doing marks history for Tarleton,” Ramos said.

Game days with P.A.N.K.U.S. are anything but quiet. Members cheer nonstop, often losing their voices by the end of the night.

“We get so into our game for our Texans that some of us lose our voices the next day. I’m a prime example of that,” Ramos said.

Despite being a smaller spirit organization on campus, P.A.N.K.U.S. prides itself on intensity and unity.

“We’re considered the youngest and the smallest, but it never takes away from how loud and proud we are,” Ramos said.

Montana Zapata, recruitment chair and sergeant for P.A.N.K.U.S., said the playoff run carried special meaning for seniors across campus.

“It being my senior year as well, I have supported them so much, and the fact that they made it to playoffs, I’m just stunned,” Zapata said.

Zapata said the team’s advancement set a new benchmark for the program.

“It’s the first time ever that our football team went to the third round of playoffs, and that just leaves me in awe,” Zapata said.

She said the atmosphere inside the stadium often became emotional, especially during wins.

“I get emotional sometimes at games, and when we won [against North Dakota], I almost started crying,” Zapata said.

Zapata said a strong spirit section plays a direct role in motivating players during high-pressure moments.

“The players look out every now and then and they see us, they see Texan Nation, and I know that our energy helps them click back on that gear,” Zapata said.

For freshman Benjamin Norris, being part of P.A.N.K.U.S. while also performing with the marching band offered a unique perspective on school spirit.

“Being in both organizations really means to me that this school isn’t just a school; it’s a part of my life,” Norris said.

Norris said what sets P.A.N.K.U.S. apart is its understanding of Tarleton traditions.

“It’s not just about screaming and yelling. It’s about actually understanding why we carry on these traditions,” Norris said.

As the postseason continued, Norris said spirit organizations remained essential to the team’s success.

“These spirit sections have been the backbone of the team and the support,” Norris said.

The playoff run also became an opportunity to showcase P.A.N.K.U.S. to the broader Tarleton community.

“There’s a nice little organization that always wears the overalls. You can find us quite literally everywhere,” Norris said.

As Tarleton football etched its name into program history, P.A.N.K.U.S. remained locked in alongside the team, determined to be heard until the final whistle.