Written by Erin Booher
Women’s social club Delta Nu hosted a tailgate before the Lady Bisons’ soccer game on Sept. 11. The event was called “Delta Nu Presents: A Milk and Cookies Tailgate” for which women were instructed to bring Oreos and men to bring milk. All were welcome.
Tailgates are a common event before Harding University football games each fall for students and social clubs like Delta Nu, but the cause for this tailgate was more than about having a fun activity.
“Delta Nu has been taking time this semester to reevaluate how we are trying to make a difference in our community, so we made a list of all of the things we’re passionate about and then thought of concrete ways to address each of those issues,” senior Maddy Hall, Delta Nu president, said. “One of those things was gender equality, and someone suggested that we tailgate women’s sports.”
The event was considered a success by members of the social club. Because Delta Nu did not have a set number of people expected to attend, Hall said she considered the turnout to be positive and that most participants enjoyed the event. The participants were a mix of Delta Nu members and friends outside of the club.
Sophomore Malachi Brown, a Delta Nu beau, said the tailgate was a good time for all who came.
“A decent amount of people who weren’t in Delta Nu showed up, including Alpha Tau who pitched their own tent and participated,” Brown said.
While there is not a set schedule in place, Delta Nu members plan to host more tailgates for women’s sporting games and other sports, male or female, that are not often preceded by a tailgate or similar event.
“I think we may not get around to every game, but we definitely would like to be more active in supporting athletes, particularly female athletes,” Brown said.
Members said the event had an attitude of excitement, encouragement and support, which is motivating for them to continue hosting similar events. For this reason, Hall said Delta Nu also hopes that the concept of tailgating women’s sporting events and lesser-attended sporting events will be picked up by other clubs and the rest of the Harding community.
“I had a great time, and everyone there seemed really excited to be there in support of women’s sports,” junior Delta Nu member Victoria Clark said.
Hall said she was encouraged not only by the outcome of the tailgate, but the possibility for change represented by it.
“The most beautiful possibility, in my opinion, would be for people to expect their tailgate directors to support women’s teams just like they expect them to support the football team,” Hall said. “I believe women deserve what men get all of the time.”
This sentiment was shared by other Delta Nu members and friends.
“The idea began as a way for us as a club to bring support and kindness to our community,” Clark said. “I do hope that this becomes something that is a part of this campus, as it is important to lift people up and celebrate them.”
