Who are the Purple Poo?
The Purple Poo is the oldest spirit organization in the state of Texas. This group consists of 20 members, 10 guy and 10 girls, with the mission to promote the spirit of Tarleton. The Purple Poo evolved from the TTP/TTS spirit organizations. The members of this still-secret organization appear in public dressed in costumes and speak in high squeaky voices to conceal their identity. Many members “un-mask” at the Leadership and Service Awards Ceremony each April while others choose to have their pictures appear in the Grassburr.
TTP & TTS
Formed when Tarleton was a junior college, the Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS) are the two oldest organizations on campus. These spirit organizations for men and women were formed in 1921 and 1923 respectively. New members of these secret organizations are selected by current members. When first organized, the two groups met late at night and prepared signs for upcoming athletic events. The basic signs at this time were made of canvas and were stretched between trees on the campus.
The clubs met in the attic of the old recreation hall which is now the Administration Annex. The identities of the senior members were disclosed in group photos when the yearbooks were distributed. Senior members stood facing the camera while others faced away from the camera with various and sundry items placed over their heads. The groups are sponsored by faculty and staff members.
Poo Signs
The Purple Poo members gather to make “Poo Say” signs each Monday night. The “Poo Say” signs appear on campus every Tuesday morning and occasionally comment on campus political life and student life. The “Poo Say” signs are nailed to the trees on campus and most are designed to promote school spirit.
Oscar P
At various student activities, the Purple Poo rally Tarleton students by raising the spirit of Oscar P. This is done by kneeling and pounding the ground while calling out “Hey, Oscar P.”
Purple Pig
During Dr. Thompson’s tenure, graduating members of the Purple Poo began slipping the president a small purple pig when shaking his hand on the commencement stage. The tradition continues.