By VALERIE METREJEAN

Staff Writer

No matter how many generations gather for the Sabathier-Juneau Family reunion, they all have one thing in common: Tech Pride.

With 15 graduates from Tech, their family gatherings commonly incorporate lots of spirit for their former school. This year 13 of the graduates, as well as many of their children, returned to celebrate as a family Tech's Homecoming on Oct 23.

"We get serious about coming back for Tech's Homecoming," Colleen Sabathier Lockwood, a '96 Tech graduate, said.

This point was made clear by the family's tailgating area. A realistically sized doghouse was set up at the front of the tent. Food included party snacks in a Tech dog bowl and a paw print cake.

The Special Events Committee under the Athletics Department awarded the Sabathier-Juneau family a plaque for best tailgating decorations.

"Coming back is so great because I still feel like I'm a part of the Tech family," Michelle Sabathier Daniel, a '96 Tech graduate, said.

Colleen displayed a letter from Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau that congratulated the family on keeping the traditions and bulldog spirit alive.

"Going to the games, you don't see different groups of sororities or clubs," Michelle said. "You just see Tech spirit and were glad to be a part of it any chance we get."

Beverly Juneau Sabathier, a '70 Tech graduate, said the family made a point to enjoy the whole weekend and attended the Bark Practice late Friday night.

While tailgating, Colleen wore a white, red and blue corsage reminiscent of Homecoming court mums.

"It's tradition that every year the husbands give the wives corsages," Colleen said.

They also celebrated someone's birthday who they hope will join them as a Tech alumnus.

"It's Travis' first birthday on game day," said his grandmother, Beverly. "He's destined to be a Tech Bulldog."

Travis received a stuffed bulldog from the Alumni Center as a birthday present.

Travis' mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, two aunts and uncles and several other family members all graduated from Tech. Coming back for the Homecoming game is something Beverly and her husband have been doing since they graduated in 1970.

Along with Travis, four other children under the age of three ran around the tent. The boys were dressed in Tech football jerseys, and the girls wore Tech cheerleading uniforms.

The rainy weather did not seem to have an effect on this family's spirit.

Michelle said, "We are enjoying lots of fun, food and friends."