the flag pole at College Hall in order to pray for the school year. Holiday decorations: Prior to the November Thanksgiving holiday, students, faculty and staff are invited to assist in decorating the campus for the winter holidays. Football games In addition to the traditions mentioned above, there are many other traditions that are displayed during football games. Pep rallies: Enthusiastic rallies are held before each game. Tailgate Party: The tailgate party is held before each home game in the northeastern parking lot of Javelina Stadium. Blue Out: During home games, students are encouraged to participate in a “Blue Out” – where students wear their school colors in a sign of school spirit. Porky's Pack & Train: Children who become members of Porky's Pack accompany Porky the Javelina mascot on a train ride around the stadium throughout the game. Blue Thunder: Prior to kickoff, students sitting on the west side of the stadium repeatedly kick the metal rails beneath their seat in a sign of school solidarity, resulting in a very loud and thunderous clamor. Flag Run: Following each touchdown scored by the Javelinas, two separate school flags are run around the stadium by members of the Aggie Club. "Old Smokey:" In addition, cadets of the TAMUK Army ROTC the “Old Smokey” cannon during every home game. Tortilla toss: During the 1980s, students began to throw tortillas following every touchdown as a show of support for the football team. This tradition has halted in 1999 after some students complained of possible racial undertones. School officials subsequently banned tortillas from the stadium; however, tortillas continue to be thrown during the game. College Hall blue lights: Following each football victory, the bell tower atop College Hall is lit up with blue lights. These lights provide an ethereal reminder to the campus community of each victory. Notable alumni Mike Adams, MLB pitcher, Texas Rangers Elsa Alcala, judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; former Houston prosecutor and state and intermediate appeals court judge Johnny Bailey, retired NFL running back Sid Blanks, retired NFL running back, Houston Oilers and the New England Patriots. First African American player in the Lone Star Conference Michael T. Boyd, Emmy Award-winning costume designer for film and television J. E. "Buster" Brown (B.S. in secondary education), Texas politician Laura Canales, Tejano singer, known as the "Queen of Tejana music" Juan Castillo, NFL Coach, Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach