Parents, fans take part in Beach Bash festivities before bowl game


MIAMI — Central Michigan faithful had the chance to showcase their school pride Saturday afternoon as the football team and fans took part in the Miami Beach Bowl Bash.

Hundreds of Chippewa and Tulsa fans lined the sands of South Beach to enjoy the warm weather while preparing for the game on Monday.

Fans could take part in games, listen to music performances and dance off against one another.

The event started at 1 p.m. and went until 5:30 p.m. between the Loews Miami Beach and Royal Palm South Beach hotels. Pep rallies for each school were held to pump up the fans with CMU going at 3 p.m. and Tulsa following at 4 p.m.

Among those in attendance for the CMU side were parents of players, band members and cheerleaders.

Dianna and Mark Conklin, parents of tight end Tyler Conklin, said the weather was too much to pass up.

“We are loving it here. (Ty Conklin) is very excited," Dianna Conklin said. "It’s an excellent place for a bowl game. We’ve had fun playing volleyball and just being down here. We’re just enjoying the beaches and the restaurants and all of that.”

Sandy and Kevin Doan, parents of centers Austin and Matthew Doan, made the trip from Romeo and said it is special having both of their sons follow the same path.

“Extremely proud of them. We can’t believe it they’re both here,” Sandy Doan said of her sons. “We are true maroon and gold.”

Janice and Kevin McNamara, parents of Madison McNamara of the color guard team, said they came to Miami on Saturday and were instantly "blown away" by the atmosphere.

“The pep rally was awesome and we are ready for the game,” Kevin McNamara said. “The weather is much better than in Michigan too,”

Janice McNamara said she sees a lot of points being scored between the Chippewas and Golden Hurricane come Monday.

“I like to see a lot of scoring going on, so 35-26 sounds good,” she said.

The Doans added they expect a “wild” finish in the game — similar to the 2014 Bahama’s Bowl and the matchup at Oklahoma State on Sept. 10.

“We’re going to pull off a miracle play at the very end,” Sandy Doan said. “Central always pulls it off. We like to make those nice plays and get all over the news.”

The Chippewas face off against Tulsa at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Marlins Park. The game will be aired on ESPN.

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