Welcome to this week’s edition of The Examiner’s “Tailgater of the Year” contest, where The Examiner selects the best tailgaters from college and professional football games in the Baltimore area.
This week, we were very impressed by Dave McDonnell and Matt Schatzle, who help run the tailgate for the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 1985 prior to home games.
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Their Thanksgiving-themed tailgate this past Saturday featured about 85 fried turkeys, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese and plenty of desserts.
THE TAILGATE
» This week’s winners: McDonnell and Schatzle and the Naval Academy’s Class of 1985
» Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium’s Lot A next to Taylor Avenue
» Setup: It featured a huge awning with tables full of side dishes, multiple deep fryers, a carving station, a complete bar with flat-screen televisions, a stage for the local band Wild Rovers perform and a Class of 1985 flag that was flown in orbit around the earth by classmate and former astronaut Lisa Nowark.
» On the grill: Each week is slightly different. On Nov. 1 against Temple, the kitchen area was buzzing as the group fried 85 turkeys in addition to teriyaki-soaked pork tenderloins stuffed with kielbasa. Sides included sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, chips, homemade dips, meat and cheese trays and plenty of cookies.
» Best side dish: Fresh rock oysters.
» Attendance: More than 200 alumnae, midshipmen, family and friends.
» Experience: McDonnell and Schatzle took control of the tailgate about eight years ago and grew it into one of the state’s largest tailgating parties. “Every week,” McDonnell said, “I’ll meet a classmate I have never seen before.”
Think you can top McDonnell and Schatzle? Let us know where to find you when we attend McDaniel’s game against Gettysburg at Blair Stadium on Saturday.
We’re not looking for a small grill with hot dogs and hamburgers on it. We’re looking for extravagant, like a portable sports bar with menu items you can’t get for a dollar at a fast food joint.
We have high expectations for you, football fans. Please, don’t let us down. Think you have what it takes? At the end of the season, each of the weekly winners will be posted on baltimoreexaminer.com and the one with the most votes gets bragging rights and a prize.
If you think you can tailgate with the best of them, please e-mail: [email protected].
