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“I look forward to tailgating each and every home game,” Glazar said this past Saturday. “It is pretty much like a fraternity out here as we all just come, hang out here as good friends, everybody here likes to have a good time, nobody gets out of control and everyone has fun.
Glazar, a wildlife major, likes a good party but acknowledges the need for guidelines.
“The age group we want out here are 21 and up, period and end of story,” he said. “We do not want any minors out here because they cause problems and it is illegal for them to drink alcohol and alcohol is a part of tailgating, plain and simple.”
Since 2001, tailgaters have conducted the pregame festival - right in front of Javelina Stadium - as a way of promoting team spirit.
“It is very important for the school to support the football team in each and every way,” Glazar who has participated since 2005, said. “The football team has always been the heart of the school through and through and no matter what school you are at, the football team is always highly regarded and respected.”
New rules imposed by the university this year, however, have Glazar questioning. Neither kegs nor drinking games are allowed. Tailgaters need to have cleared the premises by 7 p.m. and be inside Javelina Stadium by 7:15 p.m.
“The administration is cracking down where they do not need to be,” Glazar said. “They are so concerned with how things get out here but we have never had any fights, no need for cops to intervene and no one has ever been busted for driving under the influence.”
Hinojosa said tailgaters instead show their true support even when the team’s record is not stellar.
“When the team may not be playing well is the best time for everyone to come out and show support. When it comes to bandwagoners, who come out only when the team goes undefeated or deep into the playoffs, where are they going to be at when the team is rebuilding,” Hinojosa said. “Now is the time when everyone needs to be here as the team may not be playing to their full potential. This is the best time to see who the real fans are and those walking around until seven o’clock right now are the true fans.”
Years after receiving his degree in business management, Hinojosa still prides himself as a Javelina.
“Being an alumni from this college is very important and when it comes down to it is all about tradition. Once a Hoggie, always a Hoggie and I have always believed that,” he said. “It is tough to break away from these guys, even back when I graduated in ‘03, because I still feel united with them and some of these guys I have known for many years so I just cannot leave it especially if you are a true Hoggie.”