Nearly every college has an organization dedicated to raising the school spirit around campus. Texas A&M has the 12th Man, Texas Tech tosses tortillas, and freshmen at Baylor form a human tunnel known as the ‘Baylor Line’ to name a few. 

But you may not be familiar with Texas's oldest and, quite possibly, the best spirit organization. Meet Tarleton's Purple Poo.

Originally formed when Tarleton was a junior college, the Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and the Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS) began in 1921 and 1923, respectively.

Each year, 20 members, consisting of 10 guys and 10 girls, are chosen to promote the spirit of Tarleton. What began as a secret organization that stretched canvas signs between trees on the campus with messages for upcoming athletic events.

The group remains secret to this day. How secret? No one, not even their family, knows who is a member of the Purple Poo. They lead the regular life of a student. They attend class, intern on campus and around Stephenville, and attend athletic events. However, they don’t attend games just like any other student. 

They arrive in public disguised in masks and purple costumes. And speak in high-pitched voices to further conceal their identity. Each member is unmasked at the Leadership and Service Awards Ceremony each April or in the yearbook, known as the Grassburr.

Two years ago, the long snapper on the football team was a member. Last year, an intern with the school sports information department was a member. No one had a clue, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The long snapper didn’t disguise for football games. The intern met her requirements, including helping during certain sporting events. Still, no one had a clue.

Legend has it that the TTP and TTS eventually took on the Purple Poo name after a glob of paint splattered on a sign being painted for placement on campus. Why is it so crucial for the members of the Purple Poo to keep their identity secret?

“It’s not about us,” one member said. “It’s about raising the spirit of Oscar P and Tarleton. It’s a big honor to be a member and not something any of us take for granted.”

At this point, you might be wondering who is Oscar P. According to legend, that was the name of the pet duck that belonged to the school’s founder, John Tarleton. The duck allegedly went everywhere with Tarleton and is said to be buried with him. Oscar P even has a spot on the Tarleton sculpture on campus. 

The Purple Poo lead the students in raising the spirit of Oscar P. This is accomplished by kneeling and pounding the ground and calling out, “Hey, Oscar P.”

Everyone, including the school president, takes part in raising the spirit of Oscar P. Members present the president with a purple pig when receiving their diplomas. All the pigs are on display on the first floor of the Thompson Student Center.

Members of this elite organization are chosen, and nobody knows the criteria. Interested students (The Poospects, if you will) are often sent around campus in search of an application. No one outside of the organization is to know how the members are selected.

Each member contributes around 20 hours a week, making signs and attending events. While it can’t be easy to keep being a member secret from everyone you know and love, each member I spoke with talked about this being the best time of their life.

“It’s not easy to keep everything secret, and some people could be upset when they find out,” one member said. “But it’s a really cool experience, and I wish everyone at Tarleton could be on this journey with us.”