The Baldwin Wallace football program creates an opportunity for students and alumni alike to come together in school spirit and strengthen the relationship between alumni and students.
Saturday games provide one of the backdrops to continue the traditions but some exist off the field as well. For example, associate director of athletics John Snell said that the current players begin a relationship with alumni prior to the start of the season.
“Coaches ask alumni before each season to write a letter to the player who now wears their old number” Snell said.
The idea behind the letters is to further build that connection between students and alumni Snell said, it reminds them about what it means to be a part of the team and the support they have from their predecessors.
Further, before the Saturday home football games, tailgating often brings in alumnus. Senior quarterback of the Yellow Jackets football team, Joey Maurousek, said that these events kindle a community in the area.
“Football brings together all walks of life,” Maurousek said.
During the tailgating events, the members of the community unite under their common interest, the Yellow Jackets football team.
“Tailgating is one of the biggest draws for alumni to comeback and it shows off a sense of togetherness amongst fans,” Snell said.
Although alumni are brought out through the football team, Snell said that students also build community through the games, especially with the homecoming events.
“Homecoming in my eyes brings the most alumni back to campus for homecoming events and recognition at the game on the weekend,” Snell said.
Student fans of the team have a section behind the north endzone where any students can stand or sit and cheer on the BW football team.
“Playing other schools and seeing the crowds some schools bring in shows me that our student section is above average and seeing that every week drives us to play with a purpose,” Maurousek said.
There are parts to the football team that would make games seem off without them there said Snell.
“Cheerleaders, Marching Band, training staff, faculty and students make up the community of the team and without each one it wouldn’t work,” Snell said.