This year, homecoming was even bigger and better than the last.  

Of course, the game is the main focus of the day. There’s always a huge crowd in the stands. You could hear the cow bells ringing and cheers from a mile away.  

However, this year, there was as much activity off the field as there was on the field.  

Families arrived at Hoff Hall lot early in the morning to set up tents, tables, and games for an early start to a day of tailgating.  

“The craziest year was my first year here and coming up to this tailgating and the comradery of people and the friendships and the people up here has been so nice. So nice. I love it,” said Chalice Gunther, number 64 Mitchell Gunther’s dad.  

Homecoming and tailgating are guaranteed to bring a sense of community to the school.  

Although VTSU Castleton has experienced a lot of change in the last few years, the comradery and welcomeness is a constant.  

For Gunther, the day isn’t only about football but spending time with other respectful people. 

“Where we come from, you don’t run into a whole lot of people like that. It’s a different kind of people up here,” he said. 

For others, this was their first year tailgating.  

“It’s exactly what I was hoping for. Just hang out, everybody has fun, meet a lot of people, talk to a lot of people,” said Jerry Adams.  

Plus, you can’t forget about the food.  

Walking through the rows of tailgaters, there’s grilled meat, pasta salad galore, and you’ll probably find a beer or two. All the tailgate goers are eager to invite people into their space, eager to share food and a good story.  

Students also get a chance to showcase their Spartan Pride.  

One student, Laconia LeBrake, has been tailgating for two years with her boyfriend and both of their parents.  

She’s had a chance to watch the tailgating scene evolve.  

“I think it’s gotten better. I think it’s gotten bigger because like more people come to the school and more people see how the tailgating is and it makes more people want to tailgate,”  LeBrake said.  

“Like, I know last year we got tickets last minute and there were tickets still available and the tickets sold out very fast this year,” she said. 

People also get more and more creative with their set up as the years go on, inviting more people into the tailgating scene.  

“It’s also really nice for them to have these random people to just come set up their own little table area. Like, the pillowcase thing was cool, the make your own ring, like that was great,” LeBrake said. 

“I got to do both of those. It was a really great turnout. Those lines, there was constantly people there. I never saw those tables empty.” 

Parents and players come out, as well as alumni. Which can be a great opportunity for them to reconnect with their old school.  

“I definitely feel like the homecoming game and tailgating is what brings the school together because that’s where you see everybody. That day, you see everybody,” LeBrake said.