A spread of freshly grilled bratwurst and hot dogs welcomed students to the tailgating party before the Wildcats’ football home opener on Saturday.
The tailgating party was organized by sponsor Kansas State Bank, Dean of Student Development John Frazier and Student Development Coordinator Myra Glover. Roughly 280 hot dogs and bratwurst made their way into the mouths of hungry attendants.
Jay Randels, vice president of Kansas State Bank, created the idea for the tailgate and was the person grilling. He said he was happy to support the football team.
“Any way we can support the university, we’re happy to do that,” Randels said. “The idea was to keep students in town. Free food will always draw students.”
Sophomore Trevor Racine said he enjoyed the tailgate party.
“The tailgating created a sense of community and spirit that I have never experienced at a football game,” he said. “It’s something that needed to happen, and they came together to make it a reality. I hope everyone keeps coming.”
Randels said he estimated 250 people took part in the pregame celebration.
“I think the tailgate party really helped the attendance of the football game,” he said. “If you haven’t been to a football game, you need to get out and watch one.”
Baker University President Pat Long had a hot dog and said she thought the community support was fabulous.
“That’s what we’re all about here at Baker,” Long said.
Long also said she hoped to see tailgating parties before each game. Randels said the idea was not out of the question.
“We would love to entertain the idea of future tailgates,” he said.
Racine said he hopes to get more people involved with the football games.
“I’d like to see it get to the point to see Baldwin residents come out, tailgate and support the team,” he said.
The football team will compete at 1 p.m. Saturday in Liberty, Mo against William Jewell College.