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The weather was perfect for football, sunny and warm. Perfect for True Blue Football, that is.
After getting postponed a week for bad weather, students still turned out to get covered head to toe in blue foam Wednesday evening.
“Homecoming is all about the blue, and everyone loves being a part of something with BYU,” said Ashley Alexander, a BYUSA volunteer. “You feel unified with all of your fellow students.”
Alexander estimates nearly 2,000 students come out each year to play in the blue foam.
[/media-credit]“It’s the highlight of homecoming, a giant slip n’ slide with blue foam that stains you and your clothes,” said Katie Tracy, a sophomore studying special education. “It doesn’t get better than that.”
There were hoses constantly pumping out foam for students to go crazy in.
Students were jumping head first, sliding down into a heap of foam. They brought blow-up dolphin toys to slide down the hill. Many were walking around blinded, literally, by blue foam, and crying blue tears.
There were tug-of-war competitions and casual football games going on.
Many students came to the acitivity to escape from the pressures of school.
“It’s so much fun,” said Kjersten Ness, 19, studying biology. “You can meet new people and can de-stress from midterms.”
True Blue is not just a mental reprieve, but a physical one too.
“I like how active it is,” said Nathan Anderson, 22. “I’m into doing things, not just watching.”
Even though their skin, teeth and hair were stained blue, many students did not worry about it.
“We have a few days until Sunday, so we can be smurfs,” said Kylie Butler, 19, studying accounting.
Others tried to prepare for the event.
Ness and her friends bought cheap clothes from DI so they did not ruin their own.
There was a makeshift shower for students to rinse off before leaving.
Dennis Mitchell, who works for the grounds department, said he brings 4,000 gallons of water just for that purpose.
Joining in the fun for the first time were Rebekah and Rod Tamanaha. They are seniors graduating in April so this was their last chance to get covered in blue.
“It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime fun experiences,” Rebekah said.
Rod agreed, saying, “You can’t do this anywhere else.”
Butler was glad she didn’t miss the event this year. Last year she was at a friend’s mission call opening.
“It wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I should have come here.”
