KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN - Western Michigan's CommUniverCity

RESPITE FROM RUSSIA

CommUniverCity Day is an annual event hosted by Western Michigan University. Various businesses around town host a tent for their friends and patrons.

It takes place on Western's baseball field, which is right next to Waldo Stadium, home of the Bronco footballers. The baseball field was packed with 40 or so tents representing Realtors, financial advisers, restaurants, car dealers, Stryker, and other businesses.

This year we were invited by our fabulous financial adviser Eric Tiller of Raymond-James Financial Group. At their tent we enjoyed a tasty taco dinner catered by local Mexican restaurant Taco Bob's. I'm not a beer drinker, but Mike grabbed a Bell's Two-Hearted from the selection (his fave). We made some doozy tacos,

The weather could not have been any better. I brought a jacket because I'm usually on the cold side, but really did not need it. Here we are enjoying the day.

Western played the Georgia State Panthers (Mid-American Conference) and complimentary tickets were included in the activities. So after eating and visiting with folks, we headed over to the stadium. Here's a shot from the end zone.

Our seats were on the 20-yard line up on row 45, a nice view of the field. See the red circle next to the goal post? That is where we sat.

Eric and wife (center) sat nearby...such a cute, fun couple.

The Broncos were lined up here, waiting for their turn to make a practice play. Their bold gold and brown uniforms were snazzy.

After that there was a pre-game show. The percussion band marched out first.

Then the cheering squad, baton twirlers, and flag gals.

And last the rest of the band. They made some precision moves, including converting from a square to a big dub-ya (W).

The flag was raised as we sang the national anthem.

At the same time, a "ribbon" flag was formed on the field.

Then the team came rushing out in a cloud of smoke led by our bronco mascot.

At that point the baseball field was shutting down and the stands were filling up.

The Bronco band includes many tubas. They sat along the top row on the other side of the stadium. It was fun to watch them as they performed a few antics during the game--swaying during lulls, popping up and down like a whack-a-mole game, etc.

The game was finally ready to start and it started with a bang...a long run touchdown by the Broncs within the first few plays.

View of the scoreboard with a lovely sunset behind.

After each touchdown, the cheer team did push-ups to match the score.

The WMU Army ROTC crew did a cannon blast, as well.

At the end of the first quarter, this was the score.

At that point we had to leave as we were squeezing in an evening event. Here is the view when we left. The final score was Broncs 57 - Panthers 10. Go Broncos!

It was a wonderful afternoon. Big thanks to Ray-Jay and Eric!