DALLAS -- It’s football season again and one university in Luzerne County is especially pumped.
Misercordia University played its first home game Saturday afternoon which drew out hundreds of enthusiastic students.
It had all the key ingredients necessary for the proper tailgate party: drinks, smoking grills, and pumped-up fans.
But at Misercordia University, this wasn’t just any rally before their college football game. This was the first-ever tailgate party in the school’s history.
“This is amazing,” said junior Jimmy Fisher. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at Misercordia. This is a great day for Miscordia Cougars right here.”
This was a historic day for the university as it played its first home football game.
This new school year comes with a football program and as the Misericordia Cougars took the field against Widener University from Chester, Pennsylvania, the enthusiasm was clear.
“This is awesome, this is the very first ever home football game for Misericordia University and you see this right here, it’s only going to get bigger, only going get bigger,” said senior John Belcher.
Having a brand new team just starting out, these fans know there will be some growing pains, but with all this school spirit, they know their team will tackle the challenge.
The tailgate party drew students, fans and of course, proud parents like Dave Ciocchi whose freshman son is playing wide receiver for the Cougars.
“It’s great, the kids are having a great time and they all know what the deal is here, looks like their getting a ton of support as you’ll see walking around here, it’s an exciting time,” said Ciocchi.
Many student say having a football team will make their college experience that much better.
“This is absolutely spectacular. I’m loving it right now, to be honest with you. This entire tailgate is a great thing for everybody,” said senior Mike Kiak.
“We’ve never had a sport as big as football so it’s really cool that everyone came out to support, alumni, undergrad, faculty and staff too, it’s awesome,” said junior Brittani Brown.
School officials say forming the football program began about five years ago and many of the players are in their freshman year.