President's Suite at Emporia State University and Cheering on Washburn University in Football

President's Suite at Emporia

Carrie and I made a trip to Emporia, KS for the Emporia State University vs. Washburn University game. Doug, CIO for Emporia, had contacted me a week ago while I was in Arkansas to see if I would be interested in attending the game. I told Doug Carrie and I would love to attend. We started off the day at tailgate by the tennis courts where they had a live band and food provided by a local brewery. It was a good start and then I was glad that we were headed to the suites as it was a little cold and I had not worn enough layers.

Selfie at Emporia State 

Carrie and I had a great time in Emporia for the game. Washburn did not win although we did score some points and had a chance to tie it late in the game, we lost the game 38 - 23 and moved to 1 - 6 on the season. I was able to clap and holler while in the President's Suite at Emporia, so that was fun. The bartenders gave me grief each time I went to get a drink saying they could not server someone wearing Washburn gear. It was a fun atmosphere from the tailgate outside to being inside the suite. 

We met the President for Emporia State University, Ken Hush, and spoke to him a few times throughout the game. At one point, he offered to clear our plates and get us something to drink. A Kansas Board of Regent, Cynthia Lane, stopped by to say she heard there were Washburn fans in the suite. We did see some other Washburn fans in the suite as the president (Antonio Martinez) and vice-president (Tevin Asamoah) of WSGA in the suite which was fun. Antonio told us he felt like he was the only Washburn fan in the suite and we agreed that we had felt the same. It is always good to connect with fellow Ichabods.

Doug and John

Carrie took a picture of Doug and I both wearing our respective university gear. Thank you, Doug, for the invite and hospitality of Emporia State University. It was not the outcome we were wanting for the game, but Carrie and I had a great time. It was great to be able to spend time with Doug to get to know him better. He gave us a tour of his department and it was impressive with recently redesigned office space. He told me that the IT department used to be in three different buildings, but recently combined all into one area. It was really nice!

Doug and John Game in Progress

I told Doug that next year when we play in Topeka, I would invite him to our tailgate. Although we have seats, we rarely go into the game as we can watch the game from our tailgate spot. He liked that idea and so I will need to make sure to invite him next year. I told him I wanted to get a picture of us in front of the field to share with the other CIO's when we meet for our monthly meeting this week. Doug laughed and we took the picture.

We have three more home games and I am hopeful we can get another win. We were close yesterday but came up short. Carrie and I had a great time in Emporia and we remembering when we were there years ago for another game. Something Carrie and I have discussed a few times is that it would be fun to go to different away location for games. Whether it is for football, basketball, or volleyball, it is on our list to do and this was our first step in that direction.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday and a fantastic week!

First Game of Season for Washburn was Thursday, September 1 and We Had a Blast!

Flyover at Washburn

Washburn football started their season Thursday and we had a flyover. Low and slow the planes flew which was very cool! I believe they did this last year too. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Erin, she snapped some pictures before they flew away.

A beautiful night opened up the season with tailgating and football at Yager Stadium. Bright and sunny where it was actually very warm when in the sun, but a perfect night for football. Washburn was set to play Lincoln and won the game 45 - 3. In case you were wondering, Washburn won last year against Lincoln 76 - 12. 

Washburn at Sunset

I neglected to take any pictures Thursday night, but thankfully Erin got some pictures and then Carrie took this one of the sun setting on the clouds over the field. Beautiful! 

We picked up Subway for dinner along with some chips we picked up from the store. Tried to be healthy and not eat like a typical tailgate. I did have some beers, but kept it to Michelob Ultra and only a few of them, so I did pretty well overall with eating.

It was great to see so many friends and people out at the stadium. Carrie and I bought a parking spot this year, so we were able to try it out for the first time Thursday night. Worked out great and it means I do not have to run off to get the car as the game is winding down to pack up. Nice a close and worked out great! We have requested if another spot opens up in front of where we tailgate that we be moved, so I am on a list to be moved once a spot opens up for us.

Erin, Greg, Joan, and Eddie all came out to watch the first game of the season. What a great night! As the fourth quarter was coming to an end, I see my friend Matt walking up to join us. I had wondered if I would see him out at the game, so it was good to see him and chat with him for a while. 

Our next door “neighbor” for tailgating, Jonny, did not make it to this game. I did not figure he would as he lives outside of Topeka, but I chatted with him via text. Hopefully we will see him at the next home game.

Washburn plays next on Thursday, September 8 at Warrensburg, MO. I will be watching that game on-line and cheering on the Bods. We play our next home game on Saturday, September 17 which happens to also be Family Day.

Be sure to catch some of the other sports that are happening for Washburn. We are planning to go to the volleyball game on Friday, September 9. Always a good time!

Go Bods!