Tempering tailgating

Student organizations, administration work together to make 'safe' tailgating environment

September 25, 2006 —

by Brandon Kish

Sophomore Jaclyn Wagner of the Dance Team applies a tattoo on senior Nick Frees's face Saturday morning before the game.

by Brandon Kish

A portion of the Ryder parking lot was reserved for student tailgaters. The partitions were set up late, though, so most students were already elsewhere.

University officials reported no major problems during tailgating Saturday, two weeks after incidents during the Sept. 9 game against Gannon led to discussion of possible changes.

According to University Police Chief Ron Trepkowski, there were no major incidents at either tailgating or the game itself. Trepkowski did say one MIP was issued.

"It was 100 percent better than the first game," he said. "My hat is off to the students for taking responsibility and doing the right thing. I think that trickled down to other people who were coming out to the game."

Dangerous levels of alcohol consumption and reported incidents of poor sportsmanship during the first home game of the season led President Eric R. Gilbertson to call a meeting with student leaders Sept. 14 to brainstorm ideas to deal with the issues.

As a result of the meeting, pizza and water were available to students during tailgating free of charge and alternative activities were offered as a way to possibly slow alcohol consumption and its effects. In addition, the northwest corner of E-lot was sectioned off for student tailgating only, in hopes of cutting down on the number of families having to walk through tailgating areas.

After tailgating had been completed, Gilbertson received good reports and said he owes thanks to the student leaders who stepped up and dealt with the incidents.

"I really appreciate the leadership our student leaders gave to this thing," Gilbertson said. "I think everyone had a great time. The Cardinals won, and nobody is worse for it. I don't think it cut down on anybody's good time."

The recent examination of tailgating is the second such concern in the last year. Last October, worries over binge drinking led the University to ban drinking games during tailgating. Other universities around the country have also taken similar actions.