Saturdays are for college football. Saturday, Sept. 12, at West Chester University’s Farrell Stadium was no exception.
I arrived at the stadium almost two hours before kickoff, and the parking lot was already filled to the brim. I was lucky to find a spot! I was on a mission to go around to fellow students and some alumni to find out what brings them to games (or brings them back) and how they feel about supporting not only our football team but our other athletic programs as well.
As soon as I stepped out of my car, I saw groups of students and families with their trunks open, tents and tables set up, barbecues grilling and speakers playing music to get fans hyped up for the game.
It was the perfect day for that since it was the first home game of the season and the Hall of Fame Game.
The Hall of Fame and Family Time
Five former players were being inducted into the Hall of Fame: Pat Ellis, class of ’88 (defensive end); Steven Grundy, class of ’79 (linebacker); Michael Labor, class of ’14 (linebacker); William Lowe, class of ’99 (wide receiver); and Kevin O’Neill, class of ’07 (offensive and defensive line), whom I had the opportunity to interview.
O’Neill returned for his induction into the Hall of Fame. He was a starting offensive lineman for the Golden Rams from 2004 to 2007. During his career at West Chester, he was a two-time first-team All-PSAC offensive lineman, chosen as an ECAC Division II honorable mention all-star, and named to The Philadelphia Inquirer academic all-area football team, among other accomplishments and accolades.
O’Neill was attending the game with his family, and I got the opportunity to speak to him and his daughter Riley about his time spent at West Chester and favorite memories from his experience here and after graduation.
O’Neill began attending games for the first time when his brother played, after Kevin graduated with show support. “I really enjoyed my whole time here; my entire career I enjoyed the whole way,” he reflected. Kevin, along with his family, brings their kids. He now brings his kids and other family members to the games with them.
I spoke to his daughter Riley about her favorite memories from attending games with her father. She shared, “Last time we tailgated, we came during homecoming and it was a fun time.” These tailgates with our families and friends create memories and traditions that are way bigger than football.
A Student’s First WCU Game
I spoke to current students as well. It was current student Logan Howland’s first time attending a tailgate and football game at West Chester! I asked him what made him want to come out and attend today. “I wanted to enjoy the West Chester atmosphere,” Howland said. The atmosphere at tailgates and games here is certainly electric and makes for a fun and memorable experience for students here at West Chester. I asked Howland if he would consider coming to more tailgates and football games. “No doubt” was his response!
Reflecting on why students should attend and support our football team and other athletic programs, Howland said as well, “It creates a great sense of community within the WCU athletic branch.” Creating a sense of community helps students fit in and find people who are like them to connect with and to build relations and friendships with other students. As for the athletic branch and athletes from different sports, supporting one another at games and in other ways really builds up that community feeling and emphasizes two of the university’s institutional goals: community (and cultural) engagement, and inclusion.
Alumni Pride
Another alumna I had the opportunity to speak to was Leoni, who graduated in 2014 and returns to games and tailgates to support her brother-in-law, who currently plays football for the Golden Rams.
In her time here, Leoni was an athletic training major and was also a member of the women’s soccer team. “We took our sports teams very seriously and wanted to see them succeed,” she said. From her time attending West Chester to her time now as an alumna, Leoni and her family continue to support West Chester football and athletics. “I think it’s important to support our teams here at West Chester, especially the football team and women’s soccer as well,” Leoni said. While people may see going to games and tailgating as just football, to many, it’s something way bigger; it’s a community.
Cheering On
Next, I interviewed two members of the cheerleading team: Ava and Devon. I asked what their favorite part about attending West Chester football tailgates and games was. “100% seeing the crowd and everyone enjoying their time, full of school spirit and bonding with our teammates is a very special time,” they responded.
The cheer team tailgates in the parking lot hours before games, with tables, speakers and lots of food. It’s a great team bonding experience, fun for the whole team and gets them ready to cheer on the football team. Ava and Devon also said, “We love seeing students getting involved and coming to support our teams here at West Chester.”
More Than a Game
I asked Ava and Devon if they think it’s important for alumni to return and support their former sports programs. They responded: “It’s amazing for alumni to come see how much the school and teams are growing; it’s a great support system, and it’s great to see your old teammates.”
Many athletes keep in touch with their old college teammates, coaches and staff. Getting the opportunity to support the next generation and see how their old campus and program have grown in their time away is an amazing feeling, and it broadens the community.
When asked for advice for current students, O’Neill responded, “Enjoy every single second; it only lasts a little bit of time, but you’ll enjoy every second of it.”
Your time in college is limited; why not make memories and have unforgettable experiences at a Golden Rams tailgate and football game?