About 900 students gathered on Johnson Field on Thursday night for the burning of NMSU's mascot during Red Rally. The event was a pep rally for the football game against NMSU. Matt Maez, ASUNM's Lobo Spirit Committee co-director, set the Aggie ablaze. "A burning Aggie - that's what I like to see," said student Joel Garcia. Student Jessica Buckmaster said it took too long to light the bonfire, but she still enjoyed the event."I think they should set more things on fire," she said.
Archers with flaming arrows would be a good addition to the giant torch that ignites the Aggie, she said.The event included the annual Craziest Lobo contest in which several students used paint, glue and gel to show their school spirit."We're just doing everything we can to get Lobos excited to be Lobos," said student Randi Andrews. UNM's football team got on stage to rouse the crowd with jokes and dancing. T.J. Radzilowski, a freshman linebacker, said the event adds a dimension to the team play."You go game by game. We'll beat the Aggies, then forget about them," Radzilowski said.
Students were not the only people at the Red Rally. Alumnus Brian Eagan was impressed with UNM's growing spirit, he said."I've seen the spirit build up over the years," he said. "It's coming back."Before the rally, the Aggie was covered with a tarp to prevent it from being soaked with rain.It was made of plywood, chicken wire, newspaper and napkins with wood piled below, said Lt. Dave Mowery of the Albuquerque Fire Department.
This allowed flames to reach up to 50 feet, he said.Tanya Skinner, co-director of the Lobo Spirit Committee, said the organizers had to get a permit for burning and abide by specific regulations. The Aggie was allowed to be 15 feet tall, she said.Skinner said the Aggie took 35 volunteers and between 25 to 30 hours to build. UNM Physical Plant constructed the bonfire, she said."They really enjoy it," Skinner said.
