College football home openers typically call for a big tailgate, which brings a crowd on campus filled with more than just students, and at Ferris, this idea is no exception.
From an outside perspective, tailgates may seem like just an excuse for people to come together, sharing a love of food, alcohol and sports. While this may set the scene for a perfect tailgate, the roots go beyond that.
The home opening tailgate at Top Taggart Field has become a symbol of tradition and community pride that surely sets the tone of the season.
Students show up hours before the game begins, some even missing class to secure a spot.
Professional golf management senior Ethan Lemke and his group of friends were already enjoying themselves at the tailgate three hours before kickoff.
“It’s always been a good time in my experience,” Lemke said. “It’s always fun to kind of get with your buddies and not only that, but kind of mingle in with people you don’t know. You get to know a lot of people on campus that way, and it’s awesome.”
While Lemke didn’t miss class himself, he had friends in his group who were missing the first day of classes in order to attend. Instead, they were busy playing cornhole and tossing the football around in the name of tailgating season.
Being a senior, Lemke knows these are the days that they will look back on after graduating, so he makes the most of every moment.
“It’s always welcoming,” Lemke said. “You never really feel like you are too out of place. It’s really scary at first jumping into it, but once you get here, it really feels like one big family.”
This opening mark of the season also acts as a reunion for alumni, and it offers friends a way to reunite after the summer.
Ferris alumni and Big Rapids resident Bill Scheible has been tailgating at Ferris football games for 51 years, and students can always expect to see his tent set up.
As a former player, this is the time for him to get together with old friends and meet new people as well.
“I get the tent set up for all the former players and my friends,” Scheible said. “We travel for the away games and we always have a great time.”
Traveling to every game shows Scheible’s commitment to bulldog pride. Since he played football for Ferris in the early ‘70s, he knows how important the fans are when it comes to taking home a win.
“It gives everybody the chance to get fired up. It shows what we’re all about,” Scheible said. “We got a great team, and a great program, but we need you back here next week.”
For several students, this gathering becomes a tradition of their own.
Forensic biology senior Leah Levandowski has been attending tailgates at Top Taggart since her freshman year, and as a seasoned tailgate veteran, she knows what makes this gathering special.
“I always expect lots of cornhole, pong and especially drinking,” Levandowski said. “We go out to show our support, eat great food and meet lots of great people.”
Levandowski has watched the tailgating culture evolve at Ferris since her first year. One of the more notable changes since first attending is an increase in the number of people who show up early to the tailgate.
“It’s pretty much the unofficial kickoff,” Levandowksi said. “It’s a great time and a good way to spend time with your friends, even if it’s before or after class, and support the bulldogs.”
Tailgate season at Ferris may seem as plain as any other college gameday tradition, but it’s more than that. It has become rooted in the ways of life of many students and will surely fuel their bulldog pride for years to come.