Football: Cadet praised for throwing block to protect canine mascot

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College Station, Texas • A member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets who threw a block to protect the school's canine mascot from an out-of-bounds SMU player will get his $1,300 senior boots for free.

Sophomore Ryan Kreider (KRY'-der) deflected Mustangs receiver Der'rikk Thompson away from the dog, Reveille VIII, during Texas A&M's 58-6 win Saturday. Kreider said Monday he was just doing his job to protect the 8-year-old collie.

Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez Jr., the commandant of the Corps, was watching the game on TV when he saw Krieder's action. He later offered to pay for Kreider's custom-made boots, a footwear tradition for Aggie seniors.

Albert Caudillo (kuh-DEL'-oh) owns Victor's Shoe & Boot Repair in Bryan. He said Tuesday the average cost for the boots, with tax, is $1,326.