The Alumni Association of Bakersfield College held its 47th annual barbecue at Memorial Stadium last week, its main fund-raiser of the year.
Friends and family were welcomed and for entertainment, the new and improved BC Renegade Pep Band performed.
The program also consisted of introducing the 2001 football team and cheerleaders as well as the seasonal sports of this year.
“This was always our main event, something we look forward to every year,” said Dallas Grider, the head football coach at BC, “and we certainly appreciate the effort of the Alumni Association.”
Former Bakersfield Mayor Clarence Medders said, “The alumni gathering is to support the football team.”
But Sally Hill, a psychology professor and association secretary, explained that the association gives scholarships to academic students as well as athletic students.
Hill enjoyed the Pep Band, she said.
“They did a great job, considering they are all just volunteers from the community who just want to play their instruments,” she said.
Sumeet Batth, ASBC president, also attended the event. She was unaware that the Pep Band was “not just students,” she said.
Luke Peet, promotions assistant at KERN Radio, also enjoyed the music.
“The Pep Band is good, I think it is good to evoke this type of spirit (referring to the volunteers of the band) in the community because it seems like Bakersfield doesn’t have the college culture community.”
Robert Martinez, director of instrumental music, who directed the band, was pleased with the performance.
“They excited the crowd and that was our job.”
Some people picked up their meal and went home, which consisted of chicken or steak, salad, beans and bread.
“Some people buy tickets, they come and get their food and take it home with them,” said Moriah Miller, who works in food service at BC.
“We even have some people buy tickets, and never even show up for the food. They just buy the tickets because the money goes to the college,” she said.