Several events took over Hornet Stadium and the surrounding area on Saturday for the 2010 edition of Hornet homecoming against the University of Northern Colorado.

Each spectator at this year’s game had his or her own reasons for attending and participating in the day’s events. Beyond the traditional tailgating before the 42-7 victory over the Northern Colorado Bears, there were other opportunities for interacting with Sac State community.

Such activities included an obstacle course set up and sponsored by the National Guard. Also sponsored by the National Guard was the Forrest L. Wood Collegiate Bass Fishing Western Regional Collegiate Championships.

Bass fishing sports clubs from several collegiate institutions, including Sac State, participated in the tournament. The tournament saw the final weigh-in at the conclusion of the football game, and Sac State’s Robert Matsurra and Peter Lee walked away with a $50,000 check from their total catch of 29 pounds, 2 ounces.

For Sac State alumnus Peter Kitowski, the tailgating before the football game is a way of catching up with his fellow fraternity brothers from the past.

“Everyone here in our tailgate area I went to school with. We just started getting back together three years ago,” Kitowski said. “We are members of Pi Kappa Phi and we used to be one of the few organizations on campus that would tailgate before a game. It is great to be able to come back 30 years later and have a great time.”

For the new generation of tailgaters, senior Louie Montenegro said when students get involved in homecoming activities, they will be better linked to the student body.

“It is nice that students participate in these kinds of things, because it really connects you to the school and you feel a sense of belonging,” Montenegro said. “You’re going to root for your team and then they are going to win. Then hang out with friends, fraternity brothers and have a great time. It is an experience you won’t ever feel again after graduation.”

The tailgate experience is not limited to former students who come back to reunite with old friends or even the younger generation. This whole experience allows the family members of the players and coaching staff to get involved and be heard in their own way.

Parents like Debbi Doverspike, mother of offensive lineman Nate Doverspike, want to experience the college’s community atmosphere while cheering on a member of her family, and a member of the Hornet family.

“It is absolutely an honor to be here and our player is so proud to be playing for Sac State. We have met amazing groups of families and we party with them every week,” Debbi Doverspike said. “We love that this family atmosphere is going on out here. We honor and relish it every week.”

Quarterback Jeff Fleming said his first homecoming experience at Sac State was encouraging and rewarding.

“It is a really positive feeling for me. I am new to everything, so I don’t really know what everything is about around here yet,” Fleming said. “Gosh, I am still struggling to learn the fight song. I am just really happy being here and being a Hornet.”

As a three-year starter at running back for Sac State, Bryan Hilliard said being able to compete for the fans gives the players energy on the field.

“It makes you feel good. We get to show everyone how the team is doing,” Hilliard said. “The more fans that are at the game, the harder it makes you want to play.”

As a member of the planning committee for this year’s homecoming events, Rich Clakeley, coordinator of Sport Clubs, said homecoming is a time that Sac State welcomes those who work closely with the university.

“It is not just an opportunity for students to come together but also alumni and community members that are connected to the university in one fashion or another,” Clakeley said.

He said there is also a strong desire to expand on the current model as it is being presented by the university. The ultimate goal, Clakeley said, was to get the entire university in the homecoming experience.

“I think as years go on, this event will grow and be a lot more than just a football game and tailgating,” Clakeley said. “Hopefully it will become a week’s worth of activities that will embrace the academic side as well as athletic side of the university. We want to show off all that we have going on here at Sac State.”

Matt Harrington can be reached at [email protected]