The "PIT" - A Legend in the Making
THE CHRONICLES OF THE LETTEMEN TAILGATE
In the years of 1991-92, a few graduating Lettermen found their common bond in food, fun and football. Among the friendships, bar-be-que was the specialty and hence the birth of what is known today as the Lettermen’s Tailgate was created. The forefathers, so to speak, who embarked on this conquest included “Parents” John and Haley Marsh, Mike Sullivan, Cliff Bronson, John Moon, Mike McKelvain, Phil Lang, David Bentancourt, Mike Bulla and Bret Alexander.
In its early years, the tailgate was run by a small group of Horned Frogs who worked on a gas grill in the back of a pick up truck. As the tailgate fever caught on, the grill was upgraded to a 4-foot-square, tow behind, wood burning grill.
However, the legend of the bar-be-que spread throughout the Horned Frog nation and in 1998 the small grill grew into what is today known as “the Pit.” It was souped up, complete with a propane tank carried on a 12-foot trailer. It flew the TCU Lettermen’s Flag high above the grill and people from all generations started to flock to its game day headquarters in Lot 3.
Currently, the Pit is just shy of 40-feet in length, complete with an upper deck for observation, sleeping quarters in the front for the overnight preparation, an 8 ‘ x 25’ pull out awning, lights and stereo. In 2004, the front part of the smoker was built and named The Thoma, in honor of Scott Thoma’89-baseball letterman (1967-2004).
It is towed to every TCU home football game by Pit Parents, John and Haley Marsh. However, the Pit has also traveled to the Gallery Furniture Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Fort Worth Bowl and EV1 Bowl. The pit cooks for all Floatin’ Frog Fandango events in it’s hometown of New Braunfels, TX. It has been involved in charity events for the San Antonio alumni group and various other charity events. It also makes appearances at TCU baseball events, Lettermen picnics, golf tournaments, and has won multiple barbeque cook offs.
The Pit and all the festivities are located in Lot 3, just north of the stadium. The original crew is still very much involved in all home, and sometimes away, game tailgates. Swing by the tailgate this fall…good times had by all!