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Leah Dusterhoft I The Volante
A tale of two tailgates
The Heights, Coyote Crazies seek to change tailgate culture Volante Staff
volante@coyotes.usd.edu
A rainy Saturday morning hindered the first tailgate of the football season, which saw roughly 50 attendees congregating outside the DakotaDome prior to USD’s showdown with Montana. Tailgate returns as an option this year and cosmetically remains the same, but the Coyote Crazies are aiming to change the experience for attendees. Across the street, The Heights and The Quarters could see an increase in tailgating activities in their inaugural year in Vermillion. Cameron Wilson, director of events, said increased demand for game tickets due to a lack of seating inside the Dome during renovations has led the university to expand gameday options
and better the fan experience. “What we want to do is create a new experience and shift the culture of what tailgating sounds like and looks like,” junior Marcus Destin, Coyote Crazies president said.
Re-vamping classic tailgate
From the outside, tailgate will look similar to years past. The same area outside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center will continue to be reserved and will remain the same size. Food will also be provided by Student Services. Tailgate’s most notable change is the southeast corner, where the Crazies reserved space for games such as a giant Connect Four, pong and bags, along with a station for facepainting. In addition, the Crazies have five tents for student
organizations to reserve. This leaves 15 spots on the north side of the space for general students to reserve. Additionally, Doug Wagner, director of student programming, has allowed the Crazies to sponsor music for tailgating events. While students are still welcome to play their own music, equipment will be provided for the Crazies who will be playing music from a 50-hour long playlist that Destin created. “Largely it will look and feel a smidge different,” Wagner said. “If anything, we hope the atmosphere is more fun and reminiscent of an actual tailgate experience.” Alcohol is allowed for those over 21 wearing a wristband, although Wagner indicated the rules and policies students must follow at tailgate are un-
Jake Lindenberg I The Volante
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It’s all about being safe and making sure everybody’s having a good time. Marcus Destin, Coyote Crazies president
changed, such as no glass and the removal of vehicles by noon of the following day. Although UPD reported no alcohol-related incidents on Saturday, safe drinking for students is a focus for both Wagner and the Crazies, as well as providing a fun environment for students who don’t drink. “I understand that drinking is part of some student’s experience,” Wagner said. “But I think that there are some students who choose not to par-
ticipate in that aspect of college life who maybe are avoiding an athletic event because they don’t want to be affiliated with that kind of activity.” Destin said he hopes the Crazies can provide an event for students that balances between safety and inclusiveness for everyone. “It’s all about being safe and making sure everybody’s having a good time,” Destin said. “And creating an inclusive area See TAILGATE, Page A6
Austin Lammers I The Volante
Left: The Coyote Crazies came prepared for the rain during Saturday’s tailgate south of the Dakota Dome. Right: The Heights has ample space to host a tailgate experience for their residents and USD students alike.
A talk with Vermillion’s Micci Abbott: Coyote Village’s new assistant housing director
Verve
Chloe Fullenkamp
Chloe.Fullenkamp@coyotes.usd.edu
Sitting with graduate student Micci Abbott for 20 minutes is like sitting next to your own personal cheerleader. She greets those in her company with a smile and “hello, beautiful,” no matter who you are. A lifelong native of Vermillion, Abbott was hired as assistant housing director at Coyote Village last week. It’s now her job to ensure those new to Vermillion feel at home in the place she grew up. During her undergraduate years, Abbott lived off-campus to care for her family, meaning, by technicality, her office in Coyote Village is her first dorm room. Abbott graduated last December with a degree in sport marketing and media and a minor in psychology. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health studies.
She enjoys having an office, she said, but her favorite part is the USD community. “The people are the biggest draw to USD. The students and the community [that] exist around USD are amazing,” she said. “I love that more than anything.” In her new position, Abbott will oversee desk operations, assist desk workers and plan events in Coyote Village. Nathan Steussy, Resident Hall Director at Coyote Village, said Abbott brings excitement and knowledge of USD to her position. “(Abbott) is quick to dish out compliments and bring a smile to the people around her, and I believe her attitude will positively impact the students that work with Micci,” he said. Armed with a people-oriented persona, Abbott said she strives to learn the highs and lows in a person’s life to support them the best she can.
This goes not only for students, but her new coworkers as well. “Anytime where I can be a spectator in someone’s life and support them no matter what, I take advantage of that,” Abbott said. “Encouraging people to be who they are and checking in on them is something every person deserves.” Music is also a big part of Abbott’s life. From singing competitions with her sisters to tattoos based on her favorite songs, music roots her, she said. Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, F.U.N. and Peter, Paul and Mary top Abbott’s list, emulating the variety and diversity present in her life. The way to Abbott’s heart includes Crocs, sweet tea, her niece, Vermillion and authenticity, she said. Embarking on her new career at Coyote Village, Abbott lives her life by a simple saying: “nothing is easy for everyone.”
Austin Lammers I The Volante
Micci Abbott, assistant housing director at Coyote Village, is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health studies.