Friday, Oct. 17, 2008

Tailgaters Show School Spirit, Support Home Teams

Christianne Young

Staff Writer

Pre-game tailgating is a way of life for local football fans — but we’re not talking about NFL fans. Parents, high schoolers, friends and little ones gather for food and fellowship before high school varsity football games. Some meet for traditional tailgating, around a pick-up tailgate, while others gather around picnic tables or under tents. Wherever they gather, they show their spirit.

Tailgating creates a sense of community and school spirit, team fans say.

"More than anything, tailgating shows the camaraderie with the fans, and the enthusiasm they have for the school," said T.C. Cohen, president of the Colleyville Heritage Panther football booster club.

The Panthers have only been able to play one game in their home stadium this fall, because one game was played in Texas Stadium and another was moved as rain from Hurricane Ike approached. When they play at home, however, enthusiastic tailgaters congregate in the stadium parking lot for a pre-game good time. Fans don black and red Panther-inspired outfits, and show their spirit as they enjoy a pre-game meal.

"When you see that, it puts the school spirit into play. It lets the team and coaches know the fans are behind them," Cohen said.

The Grapevine Mustangs always draw a crowd for tailgating. GHS Filly Laurel Rushton, a senior, said tailgating helps get her and other Fillies get prepared for the game. "It’s a time for us to relax and get ready for the game," she said. "My favorite part is all the students coming together before the game — the shared spirit."

The Panther and Mustang fans are not the only ones getting into the spirit.

Vicki Adams, the mother of varsity Carroll Dragon football player, John Adams Jr., is known for tailgating munchies in a spread near her RV in the Dragon Stadium parking lot. A crowd of 15 to 20 fans often gathers there for foods such as Buffalo wings, veggies or bratwurst.

"It gets the excitement, and the adrenaline going before the game," Adams said.

Grapevine senior Zach Balod enjoys fostering school spirit and fellowship with friends during pre-game tailgating. "It’s a good place to meet up and hang out before the game, get your Mustang pride on," Balod said. "It’s cool. All your friends are here. We’re getting ready to watch some Grapevine football."

Bryan McLarty of Southlake doesn’t have any children who play football, but he and his neighbors gather to tailgate before every game. "We turn up the music real loud and put the dragon head on the truck," he said of what has become a bi-monthly social event in Southlake.

A large faux dragon head named Sid adorns the top of the one of the vehicles in McLarty’s party, where everyone feasts on barbecue.

"It’s good to see all the people coming out. It’s just a family type of environment," he said.

Southlake senior Chris Mendiola gathered with a group of about 10 other Southlake high-schoolers before the game Oct.3. They grilled burgers and hot dogs. "It’s a good atmosphere after a long week of school — to hang out with friends, listen to good music, vent a little bit and just chill," Mendiola said. "It helps boost the team morale, supporting the local football team outside of the stadium, showing your colors, that you’re proud to be here. Go, Dragons!" he exclaimed.

Mustang dad Jimmy Lynn, father of varsity football player, Jarrod Lynn, whose older brother Josh also played for GHS, said Grapevine football fans come out for tailgating to create enthusiasm for the team.

"It’s a time for the people that support Grapevine football to socialize and create an atmosphere of support for the team.

"We have one mission: to support the football team," Lynn said.