By Morgan Newton, Maryland Athletics Communications

With the Maryland football program defeating Texas in its season-opener and recently picking up a resounding win over Minnesota, there is a palpable anticipation for the potential success that lies ahead for the team's student-athletes this season.
 
But for Ben Page, this season is about much more than football. 
 
A 2001 graduate of the University of Maryland and a season ticket holder for 17 years, Page has been a relentless fan of the program since he set foot on Maryland's campus.
 
"I've always had a passion for sports, even as a student," said Page. "The connection to the game, even after you graduate, is a great opportunity."
 
This past August, Page established Old Line Tailgating Club, a nonprofit organization created with the mission of exposing more youth in the surrounding communities to the University of Maryland, while creating networking opportunities between alumni who are fans of the program.
 
Page's love for the game and its family-orientated atmosphere is what has driven him to continue to support his alma mater through his club. Part of his motivation behind this project has been ensuring that young fans have the same opportunity to support Maryland as he does. Though Page may not be able to control the outcome of each game, he believes that he can help to not only change the atmosphere but also introduce kids to campus. 
 
"Let's send local kids to games and we will do our part as alumni to facilitate positive change for the attendance and also to give these kids the opportunity to see our great university," said Page. "What we'd like to do is promote some sort of community between local Boys and Girls Clubs with our university. We want our local community to root for the Terps too."


 
Within the last two months, Old Line Tailgating Club has gained over 20 full members and has received numerous donations from non-club members. These efforts helped to place about 400 kids from the Boys and Girls Club and other community organizations in seats at the game last Saturday. For many of these children, it marks their first time stepping foot on the University of Maryland campus.
 
"I was proud that our club was able to facilitate about 400 kids to see, for some of them, their first Maryland game," said Page. "My first Maryland game wasn't until I was a student at Maryland. I didn't have that kind of opportunity."
 
Page's commitment to creating the next generation of Maryland fans is evident, as he and the Old Line Tailgating Club look to provide opportunities and experiences that last a lifetime.
 
"We care. We care about Maryland," said Page. "These are people that are loyal fans to Maryland, that are season ticket holders, that have sat through the rain, the snow…We've done it all."
 
The next step for Page is to grow the club further and spread the good word through creative outlets to fellow passionate alumni.

Maryland Director of Athletics Damon Evans is among the many people who have noticed the Old Line Tailgating Club's efforts, and he echoed Page's sentiments. 
 
"We are always looking for new ways to reach our alumni and bring them back to College Park, while also expanding our base," Evans said. "The Old Line Tailgating Club's passion for fulfilling the same cause is fantastic and I look forward to working with them in the future."
 
As for the longevity of Old Line Tailgating Club, Page believes they have a bright future. With the club almost set to bring 500 young fans to the Illinois game on Oct. 27, Page hopes to continue to expand upon the youth he can impact.
 
"The long-term goal would to be to have 100-plus members, to be able to create bus trips for away games, and to send thousands of kids to Maryland games a year," said Page. "I think each year we'll look to increase how many kids we bring to games and overall strengthening the relationship between the alumni who care about the program and the university."
 
As a diehard Maryland fan, Page wants to see only the best for his school's football program. He hopes to leave an impact on the football program for generations to come.
 
"Being a legacy to the university is allowing other people to see what we already know," Page said. "We already know about the diversity and the beautiful campus. It's about cultivating today's youth and showing them Maryland is a viable option for you to go to."