Freshman Gavin Galas knows how to tailgate at the North vs. East football game on Sept. 1.

Despite the summer time heat, football season is here and the Olathe North Link Crew, in partnership with Flight Crew, are ready to show the Freshman how to football on Friday nights with the first ever tail gate party.

Link Crew sponsor, Nicole Etherton said the event was born from a brain storming session with the executive board of Link Crew.

“We were brain storming ways that we could get freshman more involved earlier out of the school year and we just came up with the idea of doing the tailgate for them. We asked Flight Crew if they wanted to join us so that when they all go in the stadium they can teach them the cheers and chants and the football game etiquette.”

Etherton said it’s important to get the freshman involved in North activities.

“We’re trying to find ways as a Link Crew to get freshman more involved and become part of the North family.  We thought if we offered a free tailgate for the first game it would get more of them to come out and realize how fun it is to be part of a crowd and how to get involved in team events.”

Freshman Dempsey Wales agrees.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to meet some new people, make some new friends and watch some football,” Dempsey said.

Link Crew member, senior Jeremy Steffens said the freshman tail gate event is worth the effort.

“I think it really gets you involved in the school and the sports and athletics. I think it is a fun experience for you to start and kinda see what football games are like while embracing that culture,” Steffens said.

While Etherton carries hotdogs from the grill to the table, she said hopes to make this a tradition.

“I think it’s going well. So, if we’ve got good turnout and the Link Crew kids think it’s something we should continue, then we’ll definitely do it again.”