Tailgate Heavyweights TERP SUPERFANS and self-described semi-professional tailgaters (below, from left) Steve Wecker ’79, Kevin Jones ’03, Charlie Wecker, Nate Hynson ’02 and Rob Wecker have held their pre- and postgame parties at Maryland football games as far away as California and in the snow before basketball games. Their No. 1 rule— don’t run out of food or drinks—is no surprise, consid-
ering they operate the Iron Bridge Wine Co. in Columbia, Md. and Mutiny Pirate Bar and Island Grille in Glen Burnie, Md. So don’t be shy if you pass their setup in the Stadium Drive parking deck, where everything is black, red and emblazoned with Testudo and the food goes way beyond burgers and bags of chips. It’s all about having a good time—but in style.—LF
STUFFED TURTLE
GLASS= CLASS “You don’t drink it out of a plastic cup,” Steve says. “That’s sacrilege.”
FAN FARE
It’s not a college football game without a (well-fed) mascot, and this adds ambiance by playing and dancing along to the fight song.
Regular tailgate fare doesn’t cut it for these foodies, who once had a hot dog tailgate featuring bison sausage, alligator sausage and 37 toppings. Lobster corn dogs and seared foie gras were other pregame hits.
SUPER (OLD) BOWL The Old Bay potato chips inside come with a little retro flavor—the helmet design predates the Terps' recent shifts in uniforms.
PRIMO VINO This is personal for them. One selection, 3 Rags, is named in honor of Charlie and the samenamed dogs he had while growing up.
TERP GEAR, WITH LOVE
CRABBY ATTITUDE
Scarves are homemade symbols of Maryland pride, care of Kevin’s mother.
Nothing says Maryland like crabs, and these guys catch the seafood themselves. PHOTO BY JOHN T. CONSOLI
FALL 2013 TERP 9