MACOMB, Illinois — Game day at Western Illinois University (WIU) brings a unique blend of excitement and tradition, from the tailgates to the stadium. But what is it really like from the perspectives of those directly involved — the athletes on the field and the students in attendance? WIU defensive end Peyton Bradford and senior Cassidy Davis, a game-day worker, share their insights on the evolving atmosphere.
Athlete’s Perspective: Peyton Bradford
For Peyton Bradford, a graduate student and defensive end for WIU’s football team, game day is more than just a day on the calendar — it’s a chance to reconnect with fans and community supporters, both on and off the field.
“The mentality going into the game is to get the team and the program on the right track,” Bradford said.
He emphasized that fan expectations are clear: “They want us to be where they know we can be.” Bradford noted that while tailgating draws a crowd, he hopes to see more fans staying to cheer throughout the game.
“The parking lot is packed for the tailgate, but once the tailgate is over, they start fading out. If we can get them to stick around and continue to have more students involved, it would make it that much better,” he said.
Bradford highlighted a touching moment when a teammate, Alex Williams, gave a ticket to a young fan. The fan’s response, “This is gonna be the best Saturday of my life,” underscored the motivation driving the players.
“We want them to know that we genuinely want to put this team back on the map,” Bradford said.
The defensive end also spoke about the pre-game atmosphere, describing the line of kids giving high-fives to players as they entered the stadium. “It’s very encouraging to see them, and even when we go into the stadium, there are fans from the tailgate or family members there to support us,” he said. Bradford also expressed appreciation for the ROTC’s tradition of firing the cannon, calling it a symbol of support.
After a series of wins for the first time in multiple seasons, Bradford senses a shift. “I think that we are in the progress of a shift,” he said. “Even at away games, we still have people traveling from Macomb to support us. The guest side is relatively full wherever we go.”
Student’s Perspective: Cassidy Davis
Cassidy Davis, a senior who works game days through the Athletic Department, has observed the atmosphere from a different angle. “The amount of support the football team gets from tailgating is a big part of what makes game day at WIU unique,” she said. “A lot of people come early for the game, and then there’s a lot of people that come in once the gates open.”
Davis noted that themed game days add an extra layer of excitement, but she also acknowledged the importance of tailgating. “I think there’s an underrated aspect of tailgating, especially on days without themes,” she said. Leading up to each game, the talk on campus grows, particularly surrounding the opponent.
Davis’s favorite part of game day is the halftime show. “It consists of the band performing, along with the majorette Golden Motion Dance Line and the dance team. I like seeing that mix of music and motion from people with and without instruments,” she said.
Like Bradford, Davis has noticed an increase in student support following recent team wins. “In previous seasons, there was more of a focus on parental and community support, but now that Western is doing better, more students want to be part of that atmosphere,” she said. She observed a shift in attendance, saying, “Last season, there were barely any people sitting on the east side stands. Now, more of the west side stands are filled, so people have to go to the east side.”
Despite the positive changes, Davis noted there’s room for improvement. “I would say a student section. I noticed there’s a student section in Western Hall, but there’s no student section out on the football field,” she said, adding that students have reached out to her to ask where a designated student section might be.
A Growing Sense of Unity
As the football team gains momentum, both Bradford and Davis agree that the atmosphere is evolving. Whether it’s the team singing the fight song with the band after a win — something Davis had never seen before — or the increasing presence of students filling the stands, there is a renewed sense of unity.
For Bradford and his teammates, every game is an opportunity to give back to the fans who’ve stuck with them. “They just want us to win,” he said.
Both the athlete and the student recognize the importance of building a strong, supportive environment. As WIU football continues its season, it seems the community is more than ready to rally behind them with improvements still on the horizon.
