On Saturday, Oct. 1, West Texas A&M University Buffs played the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons for the 2022 Homecoming game. In an intense 4th quarter, the Buffs won 28-27 with four seconds left. 

9,414 fans fit into the Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, ultimately exceeding the 8,500 capacity designed to sit for the homecoming game comfortably. During the middle of the game, the Buffs led the game 14-16. That flipped in the third quarter to 24-19, the Falcons leading. 

“Just feeling the energy coming off of the fans, the team, everyone just coming together was so great,” said kicker Gage Urias, senior. 

At the beginning of the game, the Buffs, with the help of WT’s placekicker Urias, took the lead. Urias not only helped to score the points in the first quarter but also the game-winning 32 yd field goal. 

“We do feel [the energy] a lot during the games, all the fans, Maroon Platoon, everyone,” Urias said.

WT’s homecoming game was more than just close; it broke a school record. Urias made five field goals during the game, including the game-winning 32-yarder. 

“This is my new family and playing in the best Division II stadium in the nation is another perk,” Urias said.

WT’s new Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, located in the heart of campus, is nationally recognized as one of the best Division II university stadiums. Having such a great game on campus reflects positively on the entire community. 

“I appreciate everyone for the support, appreciate everyone for believing in us, and won’t let y’all down,” Urias said.