From humble beginnings 28 years ago to an endowed scholarship, a ball and becoming an official, chartered alumni chapter, the Trojan Tailgaters Alumni Chapter has much to celebrate each fall.
The Trojan Tailgaters first started gathering in 1996 on the Intramural Field located next to the former Sartain Hall, the current location of the Student Recreation Center. Initiated by less than 10 former football players, their wives and other TROY alums, the group would meet around a picnic table, a card table, a fish cooker and a small grill to cheer on the Trojan football team on Saturdays.
Now, the group of 86 members meets each home game front and center by the entrance to Veterans Memorial Stadium—and welcomes more to join in on the fun.
“Our tent is open to everyone, and we have one of the best tailgates on the yard. At least among the old folks,” said Kyna McCall-Paster, secretary of the Trojan Tailgaters Alumni Chapter. McCall-Paster is an Air Force veteran after 30 years of service, a 1989 TROY graduate and a member of the Nu Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Since 2013, the chapter has hosted the Trojan Tailgater’s Alumni Ball in the Trojan Center Ballrooms after the homecoming game. Along with selling raffle tickets, a silent auction and sponsorship opportunities, the ball is one of the organization’s main fundraisers.
“The reason why we are here is because of friendship, fellowship and scholarship,” McCall-Paster said Saturday night. “We want to help bring more amazing students to our beloved University. Since our first ball in 2013, we’ve been ‘Balling for a Purpose’—raising money for TROY scholarships.”
In Feb. 2015, the Trojan Tailgaters Alumni Chapter became an official chapter under the University’s system.
To date, the chapter has given away more than $60,000 in scholarships and has a current endowed scholarship of $50,000.
“I’ve been doing this for 28 years, and when I say the Trojan Tailgaters caught on fire, they caught on fire!” said Director of Alumni Affairs Faith Byrd to the ball attendees. “I want that fire to continue because you’re coming up on a big anniversary next year. Challenge yourself to get that $100,000 endowed scholarship mark for your 10-year anniversary. Thank you all for what you do for Troy University.”
Chapter President Freddie Thomas, a member of the 1984 and 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship football teams, said he would not be who he is without Troy University.
“I have a saying that Troy University doesn’t owe Freddie Thomas anything,” he said. “TROY gave me the opportunity to come here, to play football, gave me a scholarship. Who I am today is because of the opportunity that TROY gave me, and all of us in this room. Thank you to everyone that has shown your support for Trojan Tailgaters over the years. We would not be who we are today without your support.”
In recognition of his service to TROY, Thomas was appointed earlier this year as the Troy University Board of Trustee for Area 6.
“I had the privilege of being appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor Kay Ivey, and I am so appreciative of that appointment,” he said. “I couldn’t have done any of the work to make that possible without you all. I am going to tackle this full speed ahead.”
Fans and friends of TROY have one last chance to tailgate with the Trojan Tailgaters during the final home game of the season on Nov. 30.
For more information about the Trojan Tailgaters or to join, click here.
To view the photo gallery from this year’s ball, click here.
