Parents hold tailgate at St. Joseph IGA

Parents of the St. Joseph-Ogden Football team wanted to rally the community.

So, Shawna Waller, Billie Hayes, Adrienne Umbarger and Brittany Elliott  organized a community tailgate at the St. Joseph IGA that started at 10:30 a.m. this morning.

“We wanted to organize something that brought the whole community together around these boys,” Elliott said. “They’ve put in so much work all year, and this run has everyone energized. They battled through a lot of injuries during the regular season, so coming into the postseason healthy has them feeling whole again, and you can see it in the way they’re playing.”

Elliott said a tailgate felt like the perfect way to celebrate and support the team while building on the playoff atmosphere.

“It’s something simple that makes a big impact and we hope they feel it when they walk onto the field,” she said.

Elliott said that all the parents have appreciated the playoff experience.

“It’s been incredible,” she said. “It’s been incredible. We see the commitment every day: the long practices, the bumps and bruises. To watch that pay off on this stage, and to see them growing not just as athletes but as young men, has been really special.”

A lot of the players have been playing together since kindergarten and first grade, making this playoff experience even more special.

“Seeing them carry that bond and that same level of success into high school has been amazing,” Elliott said.

The Spartans had two road games to kickoff their playoff run but instead of being disappointed the team chose to use those as motivation to win.

And the fans showed up for the team.

“Our fans showed up in force both weeks, which just reinforced that no matter where they play, they’re supported,” Elliott said. “If anything, the road atmosphere motivated them even more.”

Elliott said the team and their parents know how special this day is for the program and the communities.

“Bringing a playoff game like this back home is special for the boys and for the whole community,” she said. “They’ve earned being here, and getting to do it at home just makes it that much more meaningful.”

The tailgate featured free hamburgers, brats and hot dogs, donated by Todd Woods, owner of the St. Joseph IGA.

“It’s really just about taking in the day, enjoying every moment, and coming together as a community to support our boys and their football success thus far,” Elliott said. “The goal is to pack the lot at the tailgate and then pack the stands at game time to show our SJO pride.”