What is Pull Out Day?
Pull Out Day is the Sophomore Class Tradition where the Sophomore Class gathers together for the opportunity to WHOOP for the first time. This WHOOP, as a part of the Junior Wildcat, is yelled out in unison during the Class Yell Practice led by the newly elected Yell Leaders from the Sophomore Class. This Yell Practice symbolizes the Sophomore Class’s rise to leadership across campus as they look toward their Junior Year as upperclassmen. After the yell practice, the Sophomore Class attends an Aggie Baseball Game dressed in their Pull Out Day baseball jerseys, where a member of the Sophomore Class throws out the opening pitch.
Whooping is an exclusive upperclassman privilege. Whooping as an underclassman without permission from a Junior or Senior is known as “Pulling Out.” If caught whooping as a Freshman or Sophomore, you’re required to complete as many push ups as your Class year, or year of graduation, that will eventually be engraved on your Aggie Ring.
Freshman Wildcat
AAAAAAAA!
Sophomore Wildcat
A-A-A-A-A!
Junior Wildcat
A-A-A-WHOOP!
Senior Wildcat
A-WHOOP!
Did you know?
Every Class year has a unique Wildcat, or chant, that the Class will scream in unison as the end of every Aggie Yell along with a synchronized hand motion as featured in the above photo.
The Storied History of
The Official Sophomore Class Tradition
Sophomore Ball
(1937-1996)
Sophomore Weekend
(1970-1972)
Pull Out Day is the 3rd Chapter of
The Official Sophomore Class Tradition
See the Full Story Below!
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Full Story of Sophomore Class Traditions
Since the first Sophomore Ball was held in 1937, Texas A&M’s Sophomore Class has been dedicated to promoting class unity through every tradition they’ve had; although, their efforts were not without some difficulties.
The Sophomore Class’ first attempt at a tradition was actually several years prior to 1937. In 1931, the Class of 1933 tried to host a Sophomore Prom, but their request was denied by the Student Activities Committee, who cited distraction from academics as well as from the Junior Prom and Final Ball as reasons for the disapproval.
The Sophomore Class finally had success in the Spring of 1937 when they hosted the first Sophomore Ball; however, the event was originally hosted for the Senior Class by sophomores. The sophomores however, did have their own private dance alongside it, starting the very first chapter of the Sophomore Class Tradition.
In 1942, the Sophomore Ball was officially dedicated solely to the Sophomore Class.
Over the next several decades, Sophomore Ball faced only a few changes, while holding steadfast in its promise to give a good time to all sophomores in attendance.
In 1943, the Sophomore Ball included both sophomore and freshman attendees for unspecified reasons. This was the only year in which freshmen were included in the Sophomore tradition.
In 1949, Sophomore Ball started having nominations for a Sophomore Sweetheart. This addition to the tradition would continue until 1975.
The Sophomore Ball remained the only Sophomore Class Tradition until 1970, when the first Sophomore Weekend was held. During this weekend, several activities were held for sophomores to enjoy, starting with the Sophomore Ball and also including a barbecue and outdoor games. The Sophomore Weekend was held for the last time in 1972. Albeit short-lived, the Sophomore Weekend marked the second chapter of the Sophomore Class Tradition.
The Sophomore Ball appeared to start losing popularity in 1978, only being mentioned in vague advertisements. The dance was rebranded in 1984, becoming the Class of ‘86 Ball and changing to reflect each new class year.
In 1988, the Class Ball became a junior-sophomore joint ball. It would remain this way until its cancellation in 1997 before the planned ball could occur.
The Sophomore Class would not go long without its own tradition fortunately. In spring 1998, the first Pull Out Day was hosted, becoming the third and current chapter of the Sophomore Class Tradition. Pull Out Day serves as the first opportunity for the Sophomore Class to whoop and do the junior wildcat.
For several years, Pull Out Day was held during a pre-game event at the Rec Backyard before a baseball game, and the director of the event threw the ceremonial pitch at the game. After being temporarily canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Pull Out Day was moved to Kyle Field Plaza in 2021, where it continues to be enjoyed by sophomores today.
Pull Out Day, like its predecessors, encourages unity among all sophomores, serving as a celebration of the Sophomore Class’ accomplishments as they move forward into their future as leaders on campus as upperclassmen.
Did you know?
Pull Out Day is funded through Sophomore Class merchandise fundraisers and generous donations from our Alumni.