BOONE—Appalachian State University graduates Weston Short and Adam Rhyne may be the consummate tailgaters. How many other football fans do you know who purchased a  2.5-ton 1964 Studebaker, known as a deuce and a half, and converted it for tailgating?

The truck, with its hammock chairs on the front bumper and a trailer with stainless steel tables with barstools, drew an instant crowed when it premiered at the first football game of 2008. Young children gathered to climb and play, and military veterans stopped by to comment on the days when they drove similar trucks during their service.

Weston Short, left, and Adam Rhyne enjoyed a trip to the Rose Bowl in California New Year’s Day after their tailgating truck received the ESPN Tailgate Traditions contest. (photo submitted)

Short and Rhyne dubbed their creation the A-Team War Machine.

As the Mountaineers compiled victories during the 2008 season, the truck and its creators gained notoriety.  After the truck won the Appalachian tailgate of the year, Short and Rhyne, both 2008 graduates, entered the ESPN Tailgate Traditions contest.

This contest started with the best 16 submissions and then was compiled into a March  Madness-like bracket. Advancement in each bracket required individuals to vote online.

“We quickly e-mailed family, friends, fans and Dean  Susie Greene at Appalachian State,” said Rhyne. “Each level of the bracket lasted one week and every week we would dominate the competition. Before we knew it, we had won the contest.”

The grand prize was a trip for two to the 2009 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.  Even though they were dressed in black and gold athletic-logoed apparel, they received a warm welcome from University of Southern California and Penn State fans.

“We would like to thank all who voted for us and supported us through the year,” Rhyne said. “We look forward to seeing everyone in the 2009 football season. Go APPS!”

Rhyne and Short also thank those who helped create the A-Team War Machine.

Norman Pitts from Hampton’s Wrecker Service towed the vehicle to Highland Landscape Supplies where the process to create the A-team War Machine began. Clark Truck Parts in West Virginia and Charlie’s Napa Auto Parts in Boone helped get the truck in running condition. Sign Systems of Boone prepared the graphics for the truck. Steve Ward and Warren Vanallen from Caldwell Community College’s welding class helped fabricate the platform that towers over the top of the truck cab.

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