Bobcats at Tailgate

Homecoming is a time for alumni, Bobcat pride, and tradition. Saturday, October 27, 2018 marked Frostburg State University’s (FSU) Homecoming. Many alumni made their way back to Frostburg’s beautiful campus to help celebrate. What other way to celebrate homecoming than with the traditional homecoming football game. The Bobcats faced off against Southern Virginia University in this year’s game. Before any major football game, fans gather in the stadium parking lot to participate in the tailgate.

Tailgating began at 10:30 on Saturday morning and the parking lot was filled with students and alumni preparing to cheer the Bobcats on to victory. Attendees were able to purchase parking spots for the tailgate at the price of $10. Alumni had good laughs as they reconnected and shared stories about the time they spent at the university. Students were decked out in their Frostburg apparel and were amped to see some of their old classmates and catch up on good times.

​At the tailgate, not only did people share good stories, but also good food. Some of the attendees decided to break out the grills. The parking lot was filled with the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers being cooked. Music played a major role in setting the mood for everyone to get excited for the big game.

Bringing laughter and excitement to the event, Frostburg’s Fraternity and Sorority life added to the carefree and nostalgic feeling of the tailgate.

​Angela Harrell, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., crossed into the sisterhood in the Spring semester of 2018. “When I hear tailgate, I think of alumni coming back to the school,” Harrell said. “I think of the entire Frostburg community being happy and positive because it’s like homecoming literally.”

​Marvin Autry, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. said that his favorite part of the tailgate experience is “The laughs, the smiles everyone has before the homecoming game. Just to see everyone together having a good time.” Autry crosses into the brotherhood in the Spring semester of 2017. “It’s always a blessing to gain knowledge from the wise men and women from Frostburg,” Autry says of the alumni that come back for homecoming. “Their stories and history make me want to create my own during my time on this mountain.”

Lexi McKenzie is a transfer student from Shepherd. This is her first homecoming at Frostburg with her Frostburg sisters.  McKenzie is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. She joined ΑΣΤ at Shepherd and is now a part of the Gamma Zeta chapter at FSU. “Fraternity and Sorority life was more than represented in current members and alumni,” McKenzie said about her tailgate experience. “All of FSL mingled with one another and shared stories with alumni.” She is full of Bobcat pride and loves the Frostburg community. “It was amazing meeting the alumni of the Frostburg campus and seeing how things have changed since they went here,” McKenzie said.

Many other groups were at the tailgate as well. Both current students, alumni, faculty and staff, and families were able to gather and bond at the tailgate. The Frostburg campus and community is strong. There is so much life and pride in this group of people

​Tailgating not only gave attendees the opportunity to hear about the memories of the alumni, but it also gave them the opportunity to create memories of their own. Excited to see the game between the Bobcats and Southern Virginia University, everyone bonded over good music, great food, and fun times. Even though the weather was a little rough, the Bobcats did not let a little rain stop their fun. Go Bobcats!