42Student Life Camaraderie and sportsmanship have always been central to any sporting event on campus. The practice of tailgating, where students, alumni and fans came together and celebrated friends and football was one tradition that TOUCHDOWNS TAILGATES Harding continues long-held tradition of tailgating prior to Saturday games. & has embodied the Harding spirit like no other for decades. Students tailgated with their club members. Senior Shelby Stratton was the former tailgate director for women’s social club of Ju Go Ju. She expressed her experience with the position and being a part of Harding’s tailgates. “It was an honor to have the position that I did—I’m grateful to have the experience and it taught me how to do so many things,” Stratton said. “It helped me learn how to communicate and work well with various groups of people, and most of all I loved being able to use my gifts and assets to celebrate Harding’s community and culture.” Morris Seawel, senior Harding University Fund Officer, communicated that although there was a long standing tradition associated with tailgating, the primary goal was to have fun. “I can say that I believe tailgates are very important for our campus because they promote school spirit and camaraderie,” Seawel said. “Anything that we can do to have fun together and get to know each other better is a major plus. I’m thankful that we’re doing them on game day and really enjoy the fun atmosphere.” Although tailgates at Harding had a rich history that dated back several decades, the celebrations didn’t always look like they do today. In fact, the large cookouts and crowds were a very recent addition to a Tossing Bagg-o | Playing cornhole is a tailgate tradition for many. Senior Tyler Windon and Sophomore Macy Phillips played a game at the Delta Gamma Rho tailgate tent. Photo by Hallie Davis “There’s something very positive about the Bison nation coming together to celebrate our love for our university and team, and doing so in a festive environment full of food, music, games, laughter, and joy.” - Ken Bissell football game day. “It wasn’t unusual for families to bring picnics to the First Security Stadium parking lot and eat before games as far back as the 1970s and 80s,” Ken Bissell, the Director of the Center for Charitable Estate Planning said. “In more recent years, Harding fans in small groups gathered near the Ganus Activities Center for food and fun. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago that clubs and the broader Harding community created the festive environment that we know today.” Although tailgates were exciting and fun, Bissell spoke to the true importance of the tradition. “They are extremely important to the spirit of the university,” Bissell said. “Our athletic program is a rallying point for students, staff, parents and supporters. Everyone loves Bison athletics, and football is certainly the most visible of the sports. There’s something very positive about the Bison nation coming together to celebrate our love for our university and team, and doing so in a festive environment full of food, music, games, laughter, and joy. It reminds me of a big family reunion.” The tradition of tailgates at Harding University continued on, bridging generations and fostering the enduring bonds that made this campus a second home for so many. The tailgates persevered as a to be a place of joy, unity and blazing school spirit. Written by Bailey Coffman
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