A Hard Battle
In the first few years after its opening, the College fought a hard battle for survival. A turning point came when Lawrence Sullivan Ross, then Governor of Texas, accepted the appointment as president in 1890. Sul Ross, loved and respected by Texans for his actions as a soldier, statesman, and gentleman, led A&M from a state of near failure to a secure position as a successful and growing institution. He is fondly remembered for his institution of discipline, organization, and honor into the Corps of Cadets. "Sully" strongly supported competitive sports as a unifying activity that built character, physical courage and fitness. Texas A&M fielded its first football team in 1893, but not until the next year did it play any road games, including the first in the long and memorable series with Texas University. At this time the important buildings were Gathright Hall and the Main Building (in which classes were held). In 1900 there were 327 Cadets in the Corps.
