ACU football isn’t the only thing to kick off its regular season schedule on Saturday. Tailgating also began its pregame ritual for the purple and white fans. Smoke filled the air as several grills were fired, the music was loud and all around the students seemed to be energetic.
Abraham Enriquez, junior political science major and SA executive vice president
Abraham Enriquez, Students’ Association vice president, said he was a little nervous about the first tailgate of the year.
“We had three days to get it all together, but all the clubs and organizations that you see out here today were very great in cooperating with us and bringing the best they can out here,” Enriquez said. “The turnout is awesome, considering this was family weekend, so we didn’t really get to have the freshman and their parents here, because they had a separate tailgate, but for the most part this was a great way to kick off football season and tailgating season.”
Danny Burke, a member of GSP, is able to see a different side of tailgating, since he was a football player last year but is now helping his club at the tailgate.
“Observing the size and excitement of a tailgate corresponded to the level of anticipation for the game,” Burke said. “Now, being more involved in the tailgate itself, I am extremely excited for this season and the direction S.A. is leading different clubs and organizations in supporting one another.”
The food was good, the music was loud and the energy was high. Trevor Tyson, president of Galaxy, said that his club is very excited for the tailgates to be starting back up.
Trevor Tyson, Galaxy president
“Last year we showed out well, and this year we are making it even better,” Tyson said. “We want to be the club with the best tailgate, and we are so far doing a great job. It’s also great to just come out and show school spirit with all the other clubs and student organizations. We are looking forward to some great tailgates and an awesome football season as well. Scratch ’em, Cats!”
The football team will be away for the next two games, but tailgating will resume at Shotwell on October 1, when the team returns home to take on Southland Conference rival Central Arkansas.
