In football, the 12th man refers to the teams supporters, who are believed to have a role in encouraging or motivating their side to perform better or score goals. The term is based on the atmosphere a set of fans can generate and the effect it can have on a match. In many eleven-a-side games, including Association football and American football, the 12th man is a collective term for fans of sports teams). The entire student body at Texas A&M University is considered the 12th Man, and they stand during the entire game to show their support. The 12th Man tradition at Texas A&M began in 1922 when an underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, then the nations top-ranked team. As the hard-fought game wore on, and injuries mounted, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a squad man who was not in uniform. His name was E. King Gill, and he was a former football player who was only playing basketball. Gill was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready for duty if needed. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be thought of as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the eleven men on the gridiron needed assistance. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire student body; a spirit that has grown vigorously throughout the years.