By Maegan White
Elm Staff Writer
On Friday, Nov. 4, the Student Government Association hosted a tailgate in collaboration with fraternities Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma in honor of the men’s soccer team competing in the Centennial Conference Semi-final game.
SGA Secretary of Student Life junior Kamden Richardson was the lead coordinator and planner for the event.
According to Richardson, the Director of Athletics Thad Moore reached out to the SGA to inquire about having an event before the game to encourage students to get out and support the Shoremen.
“With men‘s soccer entering their postseason run, we knew we wanted to do something to get people out and excited to see the game,” Richardson said. “Thad Moore asked us to do this on Sunday, so with the quick turnaround we asked the fraternities for help with pulling it off. It has been great to work together.”
The SGA provided all the supplies for food and giveaways while the fraternities provided entertainment, games, and helped with set up.
“We want to help host a tailgate to inspire some community before the soccer game,” said President of Phi Delta Theta junior Rodger Ecker. “Phi Delt brought over the corn hole boards, volleyball net, and some good vibes.”
Kappa Sigma brought a speaker for music and helped the SGA Executive Board grill on the Dorchester House patio.
From 5 to 6:45 p.m., students gathered at the fire pit, listened to music, ate burgers, and played games, which included corn hole, can jam, and volleyball.
Most students sat around the fire pit talking and getting excited for the game. Students could also pick up free WC merchandise including sunglasses, bags, and water bottles.
Richardson said this was one of the biggest turnouts for an SGA event this year.
“We have a ton of different people here from a ton of different groups,” Richardson said. “We have different athletic teams, Greek Life, [and] a ton of freshmen came out which is a ton of fun to see them get involved as well.”
One freshman in attendance was Lauren Paules, who came to the event with her friends and played cornhole.
“I came out for the experience, and to hang out with friends, and to have a good time before the game, and to raise spirits,” Paules said. “I am excited about all the energy that will come from the crowd.”
Senior Courtney Maxwell said that the event caused her to reflect on how things have changed since her freshman year.
“It’s a lot different but it is nice after COVID-19 to see all these people come out to events and support our teams,” Maxwell said.
At the end of the tailgate, all the students headed to the Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium to pack the stands and cheer on the Shoremen as they played John Hopkins University.
During halftime, Richardson and other members of the executive board and Student Life Committee fired t-shirts from a cannon into the crowd.
According to Richardson, despite the Shoremen’s loss, the game and the events leading up to the game demonstrated a strong sense of community and support for WC athletic teams.
She said the SGA hopes to have more events like this for other sporting events to get students involved and excited.
Photo by Miranda Parrish
Photo Caption: Students made conversation in different groups while enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs by the Quad Fire Pit.