To kick off Homecoming weekend, the Homecoming Tailgate was held in the Rally Court after school on Sept. 18. The tailgate celebrated the Homecoming football game and Homecoming. ASB and Link Crew leaders hosted several games and food stands in preparation for the Hoco football game later that evening. 

Freshmen were offered free Shirley Temples as part of joining the tailgate. The drinks came in a pink color, made with sprite and cherry syrup and decorated with tropical paper parasols. Additionally, the first 100 freshmen were given free tickets to the football game later that evening. Classics were played from the speakers to create a more 2010’s and nostalgic vibe. 

In the grassy area next to the S-Building, a spikeball net was set up for students to play. Beside it, a giant connect four and a pickleball net was placed on the cement area. Several Link Crew leaders and other students played in the pickleball court. 

When asked about what he enjoyed the most about the tailgate, Link Crew leader junior Tyler Kim said, “My favorite part of tailgate? Pickleball, because I’m running it.”

Link Crew set up the numerous games and supervised and played them. The days leading up to the tailgate, they prepared by buying the necessary supplies and asked around to get the proper sports equipment. 

For the game Cup-Pong, they used three large cups and a ping-pong ball to play. ASB was offering free ice cream to freshmen who could beat Link Crew leaders in cup pong. Over 15 students got free ice cream. 

“My favorite part? Definitely the games,” said freshman Jaiden Fregoso. “I’m really enjoying pickleball because I’m getting to go against the Link leaders!”

To show team spirit, students were able to get eye black in gold, red, and black colors and glitter. Not only that, they could request different shapes and multiple colors on their cheeks. To accessorize hair, students were able to get different colors and sizes of gems. 

“My favorite parts of [the] tailgate [were] the face paint, hair stuff, and the Shirley Temples,” said freshman Cassandra Peniche.

Over next to the lunch tables, a food stand served students freshly made Mexican food. Among the many choices for food were tacos and quesadillas. Different choices of meat such as pork, chicken, beef were available. They also had a small bar full of toppings for the tacos. The toppings included onions, salsa, and limes. For dessert, there was a $1 ice cream stand. 

The Homecoming Tailgate kicked off the Homecoming weekend with games, food, and spirit-filled activities.