Cougars Fans Challenge Rivals in Unique Tailgating Tradition
An open bed truck, brats on a grill, and a game of cornhole – the scene is familiar on college campuses across the US. However, for a growing group of Cougars fans and their rivals, the tailgating ritual has evolved to include donations of used books, canned food, toys, socks, gloves, and other goods for local communities in need.
“Each away game, a service initiative titled “Cougs Care” has become a regular part of BYU’s away game routine,” a BYU Alumni organizer explained. This small expression of appreciation for the rival host’s hospitality has begun to attract widespread attention, garnering a growing list of local headlines and catching on with other teams.
Fans gathering at BYU’s tailgate this Saturday in northeastern Oklahoma will be partnering with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma to collect athletic balls to benefit local youth and refugees in need. Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, believes that this initiative is an excellent way for the two faith communities to join forces to serve and care for the needy in the midst of an away game.
The Cougars’ charitable activities had their origins in 2019 when Brigham Young University teamed up with Knox Area Rescue Ministries on a coat and food drive before their game against Tennessee. The effort’s success sparked similar events during the 2021 season and has grown to become a mainstay at away football games.
Between tailgates, fans have contributed a wealth of donations, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sent semi-trailer truck-sized deliveries of food staples to food shelters in rival cities. These events have drawn between 300 and 5,000 Cougars fans, who are uniquely dedicated to making a difference.
Similar service efforts have expanded across the country during the 2023 season, allowing BYU alumni, fans, and friends to serve their game hosts through donations that positively impact their local communities. Along with physical donations, BYU’s national TV and radio/podcast networks air good news stories about the opposing team on “Sports Nation Game Day” as part of the greater goodwill campaign.
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