The Student Recreation Center does not begin at the member services desk, by the rockwall or in the weight room. It begins outside, under the sun, where rows of sandstone bricks stretch across the walkway. Students see the engraved names before they enter the facility. Known as the Walk of Champions, this pathway preserves the memory and legacy of Aggies from 1998 to 2026.

“The brick program gives [students] the opportunity to leave their mark on campus both literally — through a personalized brick — and figuratively, as the funds raised help support Rec Sports’ mission to provide the best facilities and programs for future generations of Aggies,” said Haylie Zavodny, director of development and sponsorships. 

Like many Aggie traditions, the Walk of Champions holds stories. For many students, the story spans four years. But for Gabriel Agyemang ’25 who got both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Texas A&M, the story stretches longer and the reasons behind it become stronger. 

“There were times when I’d go to the Rec, and I remember seeing all the names on the floor,” Agyemang ’25 said. “I wanted to get one because I felt like I’ve done a lot at A&M, so I might as well leave a stand.” 

But beyond leaving an imprint of his legacy, Agyemang was focused on the idea of Aggie spirit. 

“My father never really talked about school,” Agyemang said. “He never really had that school pride. So I never knew what college I wanted to go to.”

Encouraged by a high school friend who spoke highly of Texas A&M, Agyemang decided to go to A&M — a choice that became part of Rec Sports’ history. 

“I definitely enjoyed the culture [at Texas A&M] to a certain degree,” Agyemang said. “I enjoyed my time there. I guess my brick probably symbolizes me enjoying my time at A&M and me being recognized by A&M.”

While these bricks embellish the Rec, some choose to take them home as well. 

“We paid to have a brick so that we could have a brick at home,” Sophie Uresti ’90 said. “When my son graduated from A&M, we had his party back home. There was a lot of people that noticed that and they thought that was really cool. I got to tell that story of support for the university.”

The bricks may create legacy, but for their patrons, they are a link to their past. For Uresti, the bricks take her back to football games, Dixie Chicken and time spent with her husband.  

“Back then, we would wear dresses and pantyhose and our high heels to the football games to stand the whole football game,” Uresti said. “That one was a good game. Who they played, I don’t know. It was just so neat to be that close to the field and having [my husband] down there, that would be one of my A&M moments.”

Beyond preserving memories like Uresti’s, the bricks also offer students and families a way to give back to Rec Sports. Through the funding, Rec Sports helps create spaces, programs and new experiences for its students to enjoy.

“Our Rec activities that they have on campus are state of the art and they enrich student’s lives,” Uresti said. “I know my children all use them. Working out in there and having soccer fields that kids can play is really valuable not just for their physical health, but also for their mental health. Having that opportunity of supporting the Rec, I thought, ‘Yeah, absolutely,’ because you know that is needed and it’s important.” 

Current and former students can purchase a brick through the Rec Sports website, creating a tangible link to the past and a pathway toward the future. As Rec Sports celebrates its 100 year anniversary, the bricks take part in continuing its legacy. 

Written by: Angeline Nappoly