The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Puente family honored in inaugural fan hall of fame induction
11.09.2015 | Texas Athletics
The Longhorn Nation Hall of Fame was created by Longhorn Network, Texas Athletics and The Texas Boot Company to recognize the most passionate, loyal and uniquely spirited Longhorn fan and family.
Brandon Puente got to fire Smokey the Cannon before Texas Football opened its 59-20 home victory against Kansas on Saturday night.
So, Brandon was able to answer his own question from pregame, "Is it loud?"
His excitement matched the volume. Brandon and his mother, Adriana Puente, were honored as the inaugural members of Longhorn Nation Hall of Fame, created by Longhorn Network, Texas Athletics and The Texas Boot Company to recognize the most passionate, loyal and uniquely spirited Longhorn fan and family.
Brandon saw commercials promoting the nation-wide search for special fans and was compelled to enter his family.
"I thought, 'This might be right up my alley,'" Brandon said Saturday before appearing live on the Texas Football Gameday pregame show. "We come here a good four times a year, all the way from Amarillo, which is about an eight-hour drive. We've done it since I was 6."
Brandon said his mom grew up in a small town around Austin, and his dad and uncles have always been Longhorn fans.
"Of course, when I was born I had no choice," Brandon said. "We watched Ricky (Williams) when he broke the record against Texas A&M, and I want to say that was one of the biggest things that made me a huge fan."
The Puente family arrived in Austin on Friday before the Texas-Kansas football game and were treated to a weekend of activities to highlight their hall of fame induction. On Friday, they toured the football facility on campus. At Saturday's game, they hung out with Longhorn Network on-air talent – including Brandon's favorite, Ricky Williams – enjoyed seats in hospitality areas and were honored on-field during the game. At that time, Texas Pom presented the Puente family with a one-of-a-kind art canvas.
"It has been awesome," Brandon said. "Even the hotel. That's actually one of the greatest hotels I've stayed in anywhere."
