“We’re in the Golden Age of Tarleton State University.”

Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp spoke those words before the unveiling of the Texan Rider statue outside of Tarleton Memorial Stadium in Stephenville two hours before the Texans kicked off against McNeese State on ESPN2.

It might sound odd that a university celebrating its 125th year of existence is entering its “Golden Age,” but Chancellor Sharp has a valid point. Consider the changes at Tarleton since the 2018 season. 

In November 2018, the Texans were in the NCAA Division II playoffs and hosted Azusa Pacific in front of 4,713 fans in a stadium where the home fans and press box faced the sun. The visiting section was under construction, and the capacity at that time was 7,400. 

Fast-forward to Saturday afternoon. Memorial Stadium has been expanded to seat 24,000. A new events center is being built across the street from the football stadium to replace Wisdom Gym. The fieldhouse has been completely renovated into a top-notch facility. A parking garage has been built, with construction on another parking garage set to begin soon. Add in a student population of over 18,000 when many universities around the in its weight class are struggling to increase their student population, and it’s clear the vision of Tarleton’s leadership from Dr. James Hurley to former director of athletics Lonn Reisman is coming to fruition.

The football team took the field in front of 16,125 fans in a game broadcast nationwide on ESPN2. The stadium was rocking with excitement as over 3,000 new students ran the length of the field and filed into the stands to welcome the team.

“I’m so proud of our program and I’m proud of our students. What a cool thing (the new student run) was before the game. Gosh, they kept coming, and the only issue was getting into the stands,” Tarleton coach Todd Whitten said. “It was a difficult day to be a fan out in the sun and heat. That can eliminate some folks (from attending), but we’ve got the best fans and the best student body.”

The energy inside the stadium grew as the Texan Rider began to circle the field. Even some pregame shenanigans from McNeese couldn’t keep the Texan Rider from completing his mission and leading the team onto the field. 

The football team used the energy to its advantage, with the defense forcing four turnovers and the offense scoring 12 points with the extra possessions in a 26-23 victory over the Cowboys.

The festivities began three hours before kickoff when the Tarleton Corps of Cadets fired the canon to start the traditional Pointe du Hoc, during which the cadets, the Sound and the Fury band, Tarleton cheerleaders, and the Texan Stars led the football team to the stadium. 

Multiple members of the Texas A&M System joined Chancellor Sharp and Dr. Hurley at the unveiling of the Texan Rider statue in front of the stadium. The sculpture was the work of renowned American Western expressionist artist Mike Tabor.

“We have a robust commitment from so many people - particularly on campus from Dr. Hurley. There’s nobody that likes winning more than Dr. Hurley, and he is all in,” Whitten said. “We’re really blessed. We have great leadership and great resources. It’s such a good thing for all of us to be a part of the Texas A&M System. We really are in the Golden Age, but I think we’ve got better days ahead.”

We’re no longer waiting for the Texans to arrive. The Texans are here.