While Bakersfield College lost to Mount San Antonio College in the California Community College National Bowl, its fans were there to show their support through the ups and downs of the game while the rain poured.
With 834 in attendance at halftime, those in the stands huddled together for warmth in the rain. They shouted, rang cowbells and threw confetti while cheering the visiting Renegades on.
Penny Roberts said she has been attending games for 51 years. “We used to go when they had like 20,000 [in attendance]. . . I don’t think they cheer like they used to. There are a couple of guys who will start the ‘Go Gades’ cheer but it’s kind of retro now.”
The Mt. SAC and BC sides appeared to be balanced as far as numbers were concerned, although several Mountee supporters such as Malinda Tupe were surprised by the amount of supporters from BC.
She said that would make Mt. SAC fans show even more support. “We’re crazy,” she said. “We love the Mountees. We’re like a big family.”
Not everyone who attended the game were alumni or students from BC or Mt. SAC, though with a few BC supporters popping in from other colleges and cities to cheer on friends and family.
Michael Page, from Cal State San Marcos, came with friends to watch the game. Page said, “I came here with a friend, we’re representing number four.”
It was Page’s first BC game and said he enjoyed the “intensity” of the game and liked the support BC fans showed.
Ciara Negron, from Cypress College, came to support her brother Lyle Negron.
“I go to all of them. The crowd’s amazing, they always come in support. We always have more than the other side,” said Negron.
While the game ended 36-26 in Mt. SAC’s favor, Renegade supporters weren’t too saddened by the loss.
John Hallum, who said he’s been coming to BC games for about 35 years, said, “The outcome could have been better, but they played a great game. A lot of heart out there – they played a good team.”
As a longtime supporter, Hallum saw the Renegades season as a successful one. “I’ve been through good years and bad years, and this was a good year as far as I’m concerned.”