The Last Game

I wasn't prepared for this last game.  I was prepared for this last tailgate, because even if "we" had won - I knew this was the last tailgate that I would prep for my friends, my family and my 8-10 football "sons" that we fed after the games... win or lose.   

4 years ago - The Dad and I entered Woodward Field, now Roos Field as parents of #14, an incoming freshman quarterback.  We met a few of Jeff's teammates that year, but he had his own room in the dorms that year and we were new to this whole college thing... football and all.

3 years ago - #14, a backup quarterback was earning his reputation as a phenomenal student and an equally competitive athlete.  He studied on the road, got in for a few plays and we got to know Grant, Nick, Chase and Evan a bit that year.  We didn't really tailgate, didn't really know many people still.  At this point, it was EASY to come by paying for a spot to park at the "upper lot".  

2 years ago - #14 finally got his number and became the #7 we all know and love.  He made a difficult, uninvited move from quarterback to the defensive side of the ball.  We paid for our usual parking spots up in the upper lot, borrowed a friends RV a few times and took several of the Mini Minns friends out and started "our" tailgating traditions.  We made food, brought enough to feed the kids and #7 after the game.  A few games into the season we were initiated into a group of parents whose sons were seniors on the team.  We became a trio of families that coordinated tables, meals, tents, heat, set up, tear down... you name it - The Martins, Sherritts and Minnerlys got it down by the end of the Championship season at "Roos Field".  We finished that season's home tailgates with tri-tip steaks (Minnerly donation), baked potatoes and fixins (Martin donation) and most all other items (steak knives, desserts, hot kettle, fire pit, salad, bread) by Deb Sherritt.  A few weeks later, we all met, hugged, laughed, congratulated our kids down in Frisco, Texas.

Last year - The Sherritts and Martins now gone... and most of Jeff's teammates families from the other side of the state it was time to build "our" tailgate.  But, in our minds, a "tailgate precedent" had been set.  And we were going to abide by it.  So I made food for before the game and for halftime and then usually something different for the boys for after the games.  I would spend Friday nights shopping and cooking and staying up late to get it all pre-prepped and then often, on Saturday mornings, finishing up while The Dad loaded up the trailer we borrowed.  He loaded two different BBQ's, 2-4 coolers, games, a tent, chairs, music, equipment, tables, fire pit... He spent as much time loading, unloading, creating, breaking down, loading, unloading each week as I did cooking.  The season didn't turn out like the one before, but each week we welcomed the other boys parents to our site (by this time, now a yearly renewal), brought the youngest Minn and friends, family, whoever wanted to come to our spot.  We fed, arranged tickets for those who needed them and cheered on #7 who had another pretty dang good year, personally.

This year.  This year.  Wow.  Well with The Dad not working he had time to perfect a few tailgate games... AND the tailgate.  Each week that I showed up to a home game it seemed we had more equipment, more "necessities" and I'm certain there are things I still don't know about that were purchased as the season progressed.  Instead of one tent there were two.  With walls.  There were speakers purchased off of craigslist to go with the receiver (and then when it died, new stereo) to play music that got louder up in Lot 12 as the weeks went on.  A generator rented each week to help run the lights in the tent, the music, keep the car going... and I don't know what else.  We fed 8-12 boys after the games each week.  In addition to those boys, we fed the 10 or so guests we invited to the games and often times, we'd end up with a few more.  As the boys at EWU continued to win - the tailgates and people wanting to take in a fun game on the red turf continued to grow.  I spent more money on food and tickets and while we need to be watching our pennies (still) until The Dad finds a permanent job (not contractual stuff) we also knew this was our final year.  The Last Hurrah.  So we just did it.  If people offered $$, we accepted.  Sometimes.  Other times, we'd find it shoved in the steering column of the Tahoe, unknown who it came from.  We threw some great "parties" up at Tailgate Spot 41 this year.  This last game... we had 40+ EWU friends and family.  We were treated to the best second half of football I have EVER watched and my voice is still not back.  And after a loss - we usually see some attrition in the number of boys that come up to eat after the game.  After all - they are fed something after the games.  But one by one, all of my boys came up to Tailgate Spot 41.  One by one, each of these boys hugged me, The Dad... and thanked us for everything over the years.  The hugs lasted longer and with each one I felt a huge lump in my throat.  All I could say to them was "Good job kid.   Come eat."

We prepared tri-tip steaks and baked potatoes and my usual, weekly batch of cupcakes.  I bought rolls but ditched the salad because after all... I am only one person AND looking back, my body knew more than my mind - that this was it.  The last tailgate.  Maybe the last game.  I was tired.  

The boys stayed longer than they usually do.  As if it was harder to leave knowing they wouldn't be back up next year.  As always, we handed over left over food and spirits, told them to be smart and gave them all one more hug.  I refuse to say "last" hug as I expect to see them at graduation or weddings, Hoopfest, or perhaps future EWU tailgates.  I suppose one day we will see them all at one time when the 2010 team is inducted into the Hall of Fame... but until then - this hug was going to have to do.  <gulp>

With all of that being said - I need to thank a few people.

I need to thank Troy for being such a fantastic ticket manager and helper to us over the years and for taking care of us before he left for greener pastures.  I need to thank Katherine for stepping up this year and making sure we got all of the tickets we needed during this post season.

Judy Crabb - for all questions football related or banquet related, or hotel related for road trips, specifically Frisco, Texas.

Dave Cook - for writing wonderful pieces about #7 and heads up texts to tell me what to be watching for or to ask #7 about.  Not only that, for getting Blue Eyes "in" down at WSU where he thrives in the sports information department.  Wow.  Just wow.

The coaches, trainers, doctors and those who worked with #7 not only through the days of the broken collarbone, but all of the time leading up to it.

To Larry Wier and Paul Sorenson for your enthusiastic play by play and Minnerly tidbits now and then.

To Dave Spencer Crimps for always announcing "Jeff Minnerly with the hold".  Especially that first year when playing QB was going to be so so so limited.  No... especially ALL year because as a parent, it really is a prideful moment to hear your sons' name boom out over the crowd.  Thank you, thank you.

To Patrick Winters - who sought us out game after game over the years to check on #7, see how he was, and just to say "hi".

To Kami & Ken.  Steve, Julie, Sherritts, Martins, Dena & John, Angie & Jim, Ewing, Rich, Wayne, Kim, Rob, Katie, Steve, Maryanne, Chris, Kathleen & Brett, Natalie, Bobby & Danielle, Russ & Diane, Laney & Dave, Laney, Carissa, Cora, Bobby, Dori, Penny & Gary, Jack, Jaqueline, Rich &  Cheri, Dave A., Eddie, Braeden, Linda, Dan, Cally, Macca, Joanne, Matt, J.C., Greg, Kim H, Kevin, Nicolai, Tyler, Jacob, Nick G, Greg, Jason, Brian & Tricia, Peter & Penny, Lynne & Jim, Kevin and Kobe, Scott, Shelby, Con & Mads, Suzanne (Bruiser) & Randy, Joe, Matt & friends...

To Gretchen, Shane, Will and Brett.  So wow.  Right?  Thanks to you both we know the effects of Fireball.  We know to stand up on EVERY single defensive 3rd down and every single offensive 1st down.  We couldn't and can't imagine anyone else sitting in Section D, Rows 26 and 25... just in front of us.  And yes, we will buy OUR tickets next year...  if we aren't sitting in them, some of our very fine, very cool family members will be and surprisingly, they all like you as much as we learned to.

To Grant, Evan, Nick, Chase, Rusty, Kenz, Scotty B, Vern, Daniel, Allen, Ashton, Ronald...  Thank you for joining us after the games.  You boys are hero's not only to the kids in the lot that would find you as you made your way to our spot, but to us.  Win or lose (and y'all won WAY more than you lost) you came (for free food n stuff) but you allowed us into your lives and in turn, you will now always be a part of ours.  We loved not only having you up to Tailgate Spot 41, but for the times you've come to the Lloyd house for tacos has been so  much fun for us.  I tried to make something you all would like each time and if I heard someone say they didn't like something (even if you thought I didn't/couldn't hear you) I tried to change it up, or not make those things again.  

Erick & Tami - for supporting #7 here and away.  The years we couldn't make it to Portland because of Zach's activities and then this year, even though he was hurt... you came.  No sooner had we won the quarterfinals did the girls tell me that your flight was booked and you were coming.  That you would miss your half marathon to support us, to support him - means... so. very. much.  Love you the most.  <tears... damn you!>

Alli & Britt (and Nicholas)- Every game but one were you there to cheer on the Eagles.  You helped me more than you know and when your injured cousin was crabby - you let him be and loved him anyway.  You came.  You cheered.  You helped "run" the tailgates and YOU are the epitome of "family".  You girls are... AMAZING.  I love you.

Zach - Gone though you were this year - you made it work so you could be back for Senior Day.  You were the first text asking how the game went, asking if Jeff was back, or reminding me to get you a ticket to the next game.  You are off enjoying your first year and all that comes with that - and show me what a great brother you are with your quick communications before I could even get a text off to you.  So very blessed am I.

Ryan - So busy you are in Pullman, but still able to make it up for games, or half games every so often - especially if The Mom put on that mom "pressure" when seeing if you would be able to make it up for your brothers first game back, or for the quarterfinal, or...  whatever it was.  You did it.  And you dropped stuff to make it happen.  You make me proud every day.

The Dad.  You know I love you more than my luggage.  None of the fantastic tailgates, games, trips, details... would have been possible without you.  Mostly, thank you for not making such a big deal out of my two trips to the garbage three weeks ago when I got the Fireball bug.  You done good.  You made this year a year to remember at Lot 12.  Wow.  Right?

And here it is.  The last one.  

#7

Thank you for being the competitor you are.  For working hard in school and on the field. For making the best of everything that came your way.  You battled, you earned, you learned more about life & people over the past 5 years -  and your reactions and actions from these lessons taught ME things.  You are smart, level headed and head strong.  You have always been  a competitor and this year, you had to compete within yourself as you went through the season injured.  You've done things many others will never do and you always, always... give credit to others even when you are so deserving.  You are an amazing young man.  I am more proud of you than you would like me to be - but one day, you'll have kids... you'll see.   The sky is the limit for you, of that I am certain.  Go get 'em kid. 

E - A - S - T - E - R - N.... Eastern Eagles, Go! Fight! Win!