September 02, 2009 Mary-Kate Roan

mkroan@connectstatesboro.com

    The eagles have a tough season cut out for them. While our favorite college football team is going out on the battlefield, it's our job as fans to show our support and bless the battlefield of Paulson Stadium with our tailgates. It's a ritual worthy of honor, filled with traditions. Now, here's a refresher course for you to go by.
    Equipment: You'll need a tent of some sort. Some people are more extravagant than others with their tents. Just be prepared in case there's wind. The University Store has tons, as does Wal-Mart. Don't forget cups, plates, grill, flatware and your favorite tailgating games (like Beer Pong, Washers and Cornhole).
    Nutrition: Whether you have the money or not, there's no such thing as a tailgate without some form of food. Burgers, hot dogs, sausage, pork and some dessert are always a great treat. But don't forget about those who would rather focus on a liquid diet, if you get the drift. Beer, wine, liquor - they're all good for tailgates. Just keep it well-rounded and make sure the food goes with the beverages. Keep some water on hand, too. You will almost certainly need it.
    Attire: If it isn't Georgia Southern or blue and white, it doesn't belong at a tailgate or in the stadium. Don't wear University of Georgia or University of Florida colors. Don't even wear a hat if it's from another school. The University Store has plenty of stuff you can choose from.
    Attitude: Don't think for a second that Georgia Southern's fans are the ones that are just there to have a good time. If you see anyone walking around with something other than Georgia Southern on, feel free to give them a hard time. Don't go overboard, though. We're not like Appalachian State (we just like to beat them during regular season). Georgia Southern fans have established a reputation for being the loudest, rowdiest bunch of hooligans ever to enter the world of sports. When you're inside the stadium, you can do just about anything so long as it's not throwing stuff onto the field or at the other team. Throw your worst insults and that incriminating accusation you've had up your sleeve waiting for the right opportunity.
    After the game: Be sure to clean up your tailgate after the game. When it's all said and done, we'd like to keep Paulson as "the prettiest little stadium in America."
    A couple of traditions you'll see: Before the game, you'll encounter the "GSU Scramble" from the band. Watch and learn. Listen for the breaks in music and say the letters G-S-U in order. Then repeat them with the band. It's a fan favorite. Also, don't be frightened by all the honking in the middle of your tailgate. Fans do this from as a welcome for the Eagles. Head up to those yellow school buses and be there tod greet the team as they walk into battle.
    What are they cheering: At each kickoff, the fans will chant one of the many Erk Russell sayings: "One more time." There are many different connotations to this saying. Looking up at the staggering six championship flags makes some think they'd like to see the Eagles win one of those just "one more time." And if the kick is coming just after the Eagles have scored, well, the significance is self-explanatory. Another favorite cheer is one that puts the student section against the other side of the stadium (alumni and parents) where the alums ask, "Whose house?" and the students return, "Our house."

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