Ohio State 10.02.10

Apparently this was the weekend all the good dads, husbands, boyfriends and employees spent meeting those obligations. Thus, Scott and I were the only ones in attendance at a VERY small shortbus tailgate for what should have been the most raucous of the year. I haven't had time to post of late and now, after watching the fun in Madison last weekend, recognize that having a rabid fan base completely behind your team - playing a top 5 team in the country - sure makes for a fun atmosphere. That was not in Champaign this day. However, the team did show up and I'll go on record agreeing with Zook on the field goal late in the game. I don't have any pictures from this day, but there really wasn't much to take a picture of, so you all will just have to be satisfied with my witty, insightful prose.

Northern Illinois 09.18.10

Aside from the thieving little girl at the tailgate next to us, we had a nice, leisurely day in the sun with friends.  Game was pretty good too.

Got there early enough for the boy to play in the dirt.

Baby had fun too.

 

Kids playing before the little clepto next to us stole their stuff.

Boys talking 'bout work.  or superheroes.

Gotta love the band.  

 Gotta love the Reeser.

Yukni Rock.

We shanghai'd some good seats

His vast knowledge of the inter workings of the college football game comes from his refusal to conform to the masses and watch the action on the field.  Nay, his attention is focused elsewhere while he simply "absorbs" the game.  Simply amazing!

Next up.  Ohio State.  It was fun while it lasted.

Southern Illinois University 09.11.10

GREAT TIME!  Largest shortbus crowd to date thanks to huge turnout from the house.  Don't say these guys don't have any manners.  They did help drink all the beer, but at least they went and got more.  ..............ribbit.

Big thanks to Jim and Mike who organized a huge turnout of guys from their respective pledge classes.  It was great to see everybody.  Weather was fantastic and we won the damn game.  Also, thanks to the guys at the house, it looked great and we appreciate the hospitality.

Few folks over at the house for lunch.  Nice job, fellas.

Started out sorta small. 

But it picked up.

And actually got sorta crowded.    

 Plenty of mystery Phi's

As well as the regulars. 

Great to see these guys!



Where the hell did all these people come from?

I'd considered a lot of wise and contemplative thoughts to share here.  Eloquent essays on how the bonds of friendship, fraternity, and loyalty to our school can stand the test of time and bind us together to celebrate our past.  But, in retrospect, it was probably just the cheap food and booze. 

Regardless, I hope everyone had as much fun as I did and gets a chance to make it down for a game every once in a while.  You know where to find us.  We'll be in the shortbus - with the broke-ass tent.  ........never employ drunk helpers ;)

2010 TAILGATE KICKOFF SATURDAY 9/11

Don't make this man any angrier.  Join us this Saturday as we kick off the 2010 tailgating season.  Looks like we'll have a good crowd with some pledge classes trying to get back together (see previous post).

Festivities at the house start at 10:30 and the beer will be flowing at the shortbus at 1:30.  Lot 31 - just walk down the west side of First Street - you'll find us before you hit Kirby.  Hope to see you there.

FALL FOOTBALL TAILGATE / PLEDGE CLASS REUNION

The Fall ’88 and Fall ’90 Pledge Classes are planning a combined Pledge Class Reunion on September 11, 2010. Brothers Jim Courtad x’92 and Mike Mahorney x’94 invite everybody to join their respective pledge classes, the active chapter, and other returning Phi’s for a day in Champaign with an Open House, a Football Tailgate, a football game under the Memorial Stadium lights and an afterhours event with the Actives. The tentative schedule is as follows:

10:30am - 1:30 pm     Open House/BBQ at Chapter House.
2:00pm - 6:30pm        Football tailgate at Illini Shortbus
6:30pm - 9:30pm        Fighting Illini vs. Southern Illinois Salukis.
10:00pm - close          Party with Active Chapter at Kam's.

Families are encouraged to attend the open house, tailgate, and football game. Blocks of rooms have been reserved until August 6th at three local hotels under Phi Delta Theta at discounted weekend rates. Contact information is:

Hawthorne Suites (near Memorial Stadium)     217-398-3400
King room / 2 Queens room - $109 / night

Comfort Suites (I-74 and Lincoln Ave)            217-328-3500
King room / 2 Queens room - $139 / night

Holiday Inn Express (I-74 and Lincoln Ave)     217-328-0328
King room / 2 Queens room - $150 / night

We are also looking to secure a block of tickets to the football game. If interested, please email me at blott@f-w.com by August 6, 2010 and let me know how many you’d be interested in.  Check back in periodically as we'll have additional information as the event approaches.  Hope to see you there

NIT

Personally, I think we deserve it. It does sting that others that made it in probably deserve it more. I suppose that's what you get when you lose to the teams we did back in December.

A One seed in the NIT.

Feels like:

Fresno State 12/5/09

Sorry for the delay. That Fresno State Game was a forgettable game to end a forgettable season. Cold, meaningless game at Memorial Stadium in December. The fans stayed home and so did the defense. Attended with some fellas I grew up with and we got a little rowdy. Thanks to Dad for driving us back. Taken right before kickoff. I've seen more people in a Jewel parking lot. Note that the Shortbus Tailgaters are holding their own.

Now, that's just stupid.

Frozen.

I can't feel my toes.

Hey, another picture of a bunch of guys drinking. This one has fire.

I'm not sure Loyalty Circle is the best name.