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UAPB FANS SHOW STEADFAST SUPPORT

By Amy Riggin/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, September 5, 2009 8:59 PM CDT

From the most elaborate recreational vehicle owners to the literal tailgaters, fans turned out early Saturday to show their support for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s football season opener.

UAPB cheerleader Clinton Watkins shows his school spirit during the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff versus University of Monticello football game Saturday afternoon. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

The home game against the University of Arkansas at Monticello drew young and old. Some were alumni, others just wanted to display their loyalty. All of them were steadfast in their dedication to the home team.

And while that support was one reason for turning out, there were plenty of others, with good food, good friends and an all-around good time among them.

“I pretty much go for the camaraderie and the food,” said Vivian Evans of Tucker, who gathered with her family and friends under a tent.

While she had just arrived around 1 p.m., others in her party were there earlier to set up at “camp 14, home base.”

“And with it being the opening game, I’m just excited about it and I hope they have a good season,” Evans said.

“Anytime it’s a home game, I’m here. We’re just die-hard fans.”

And so are Kenneth Langel and Robert Adams, who pay their fee, claim a spot and set up their tent every year. They were busy smoking turkey legs, ribs and chicken. “We do it all,” Adams said.

“We got out here about 10 a.m. and set up,” said Bernie Sandifer. “We do this thing every home game.”

Sandifer said this year’s team has potential.

“We’re going to support them whether they’re up or down,” he said. “We’re not one of those fair-weather fans. We’re an every game fan.”

Sandifer and his crew were cooking fish, bratwurst and chicken wings.

Willie Hildreth described the relationship between UAPB and UAM fans as cordial.

“We have friends from Monticello who come and support both schools,” Hildreth said. “It’s not a rival thing where we all hate each other.”

Kris Wilkins and Earl Fuller were sitting on the tailgate after their tent blew down. They had arrived at 9 a.m. to support the Golden Lions. Both are former students and were very optimistic about this year’s team.

“We’re going to the championship,” Fuller predicted.

Levarn Jenkins and his family and friends were feasting on ribs, chicken, greens, cornbread and an assortment of other traditional Southern food.

“We get up early in the morning and get all sweaty and smelling like smoke,” he said.

Bobby and Edie Boudreaux drove from New Iberia, La., to watch their son, quarterback Josh Boudreaux, play.

“We’re here to set it off in Pine Bluff,” Bobby Boudreaux said, adding, “And we support them no matter who the starting quarterback is.”

Rontrell Bailey was chosen to start over Boudreaux.

“Everyone has been very friendly,” Edie Boudreaux said. “We’re just excited to have made our first trip up here.”

Over on the other side of the parking lot were the recreational vehicles belonging to the Rollin Lions RV Club.

Sitting out front of one of the RVs were Jamie and Mildred Blunt.

“She’s one of the older supporters,” Jamie Blunt said of her mother Mildred, who is 84.

Bailey had a supporter among the RV crowd as well, his uncle, Theo Dickerson.

“He’s gonna chunk that ball all the way down that field,” Dickerson said, adding, “We look for the fan support to be really nice this year.”

Another club member, Clayron Rasberry, said the 36-member Rollin Lions follow the team “all over the country.”

Rasberry parked his RV Thursday in anticipation of the game.

“I am hoping that they do well,” he said. “I’m gonna support them through good times and bad times anyway for sure.”

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