Aggie Pride: Dead or Alive?

Aggie Maniacs and LiveWire, North Carolina A&T's own pep squad and support system for the basketball and footballs teams, are held together by students who epitomize the definition of Aggie Pride.

There are about 50+ members, and the numbers continue to grow. Maniacs have their very own section next to the band at both the football and basketball games. They are also known as "the most crunk and most lively group on the yard."

William "Buddy" Newsome, a senior Journalism and Mass Communications major from Charlotte, NC is a profound member of Aggie Maniacs. Newsome is known for wearing his rainbow wig and gigantic car rim chain. Buddy spoke with me about his ideas on Aggie Pride and how people feel about him and some of his outrageous accessories.

At last weekend's game against North Carolina Central University, the Eagle's halftime show revolved around the statement that "Aggie Pride is dead". Even though we won the game, some people still feel as if Aggie Pride is not as high as it should be.

Do you think Aggie Pride is dead?

As long as it lives in me and any student, no. But there are fake Aggies on campus that only complain about wackness but don't do anything but Facebook and eat in the cafe.

What do you think the Aggie Maniacs bring to A&T?

We along with Aggie LiveWire prove that AGGIE PRIDE can never die and install it into those that lack pride.

How do you see yourself?

I see myself as a hardworking man that has flaws but I do my best to overcome them one day at a time. I feel sorry for the people that don't know me on a deeper level. If they had a chance to find the real me they would see there is so much more to me.

How do you think other people see you?

I really don't think of how people think of me 'cause thinking about that only holds you back from making yourself a better person with God .

Why do you feel you are an interesting person?

I think I'm interesting because I'm an extrovert that loves attention. I'm goofy and talented and when anyone is around me I do my best to get a smile out of them. Not for attention, but because I love to see people at their purest moment.

For more information about Buddy, contact him via email at wenewsome@ncat.edu.

By: Essence Lee