Texas A&M bonfire to remain on hold this year, university president decides

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) _ Texas A&M University's nearly century-old bonfire tradition _ on hold since a deadly collapse in 1999 _ will not be resurrected this fall, the school's president said

Monday, February 4th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) _ Texas A&M University's nearly century-old bonfire tradition _ on hold since a deadly collapse in 1999 _ will not be resurrected this fall, the school's president said Monday.

``I'm still determined that the horror of that day will never visit our campus again,'' President Ray Bowen said. ``My heart wanted to continue the bonfire but I had to let my brain make the decision.''

He said there are other ways Texas A&M students can show their school spirit.

The 90-year-old bonfire tradition was suspended after 12 students were killed and 27 others injured on Nov. 18, 1999. The 59-foot-high, wedding cake-style stack of more than 5,000 logs collapsed while under construction.

The bonfire traditionally has been lighted on the eve of A&M's football game against the University of Texas, its archrival.