Blue Raider, Ragin' Cajun fans just want to have fun
By BRANDON PUTTBRESE
bputtbrese@dnj.com
When Cajun music is booming from the Hillbilly Hilton tailgating bus, you can count on finding Blue Raider and Ragin' Cajun fans having a good time.
As owners of the converted school bus, Dan and Dawn Farrer of Murfreesboro will be there, leading the party. You'll also meet Chris and Tiffany Dumatrait of Breaux Bridge, La., a suburb of Lafayette, which is home to the Ragin' Cajuns.
"It's something you don't expect," Chris said, "meeting someone who lives 600 miles away and becoming this good of friends."
The Dumatraits and the Farrers, along with Eddie LeBlanc, have been partying together for five, er, six, maybe seven years (the details don't seem to be important when this group is together), said Chris Groce of Murfreesboro, another of the revelers who met Chris Dumatrait on an Internet message board, dedicated to MTSU athletics.
"We'd been to games in Lafayette in the past, and we just really admired the way they tailgate for football," Groce said.
After speaking over the Internet, the tailgaters decided to meet in person for their teams' next gridiron bout.
"We were just amazed," Dumatrait said. "The Hillbilly Hilton is like nothing we've ever seen before."
The similarities drawn between their respective hometowns, schools and a passion for a good time drew the families together — forging a friendship that transcends football.
The Farrers married in Church Point, La., and the Dumatraits served as best man and matron of honor. Chris arranged for the newlyweds to ride on a Mardi Gras float to kick off their honeymoon.
"It's become like a big family," Dan said, standing underneath red flags and blue flags representing both universities.
Chris Dumatrait agreed, saying the "family" get-togethers have extended far beyond tailgating.
"They treat us like family, and we try to do the same," Dumatrait said. "We go out of our way to show each other a good time."
This Sun Belt Conference rivalry has almost become secondary to the tailgating when these unlikely friends get together. But a football game is just as good an excuse is any to throw a party, Dan said, adding that he's learning a lot about tailgate bashes from these Ragin' Cajun faithful, who traveled 10 hours for the game.
Cajun cuisine may be the most prolific addition to the Blue Raider party. The families enjoy sharing recipes and cooking techniques from both their cultures.
Without batting an eye, Dan quickly rattled off today's menu. "We're having trashcan turkey — best turkey you'll ever eat, imported Cajun gumbo, 'Lucky' Dan's Louisiana Stew and chili for the sissies."
Food is central to any Cajun tailgate, and the people there are always willing to share, Dan said. "You'll be walking to the game with your Blue Raider gear on, and someone will grab you, saying, 'We're going to beat your butts, but we're going to feed you first.'"
But Dan might be influencing the Ragin' Cajuns as well. Dumatrait says he and LeBlanc are trying to find an old school bus they could turn into a tailgate party zone. They already a have name picked out: "The Cajun Condo."
Groce said he loves visiting Lafayette for sports and he is happy to play host in Murfreesboro for his Louisiana friends. "Football is more than winning and losing, I consider these guys my best friends."