Georgia Southern coach Tyson Summers is buckling up for a grueling season on the football field, but some other members of his household were thinking more in the present Saturday afternoon.
    “For my three kids, this is probably the most important day of the year,” Summers said.
    If looking through the eyes of children, it was easy to see why Summers thought that way. Following the Eagles’ preseason scrimmage Saturday morning, Paulson Stadium was turned into a giant playground as part of the fall sports fan fest.
    Giant inflatable toys, a mini soccer field and a dunk tank dotted the grounds while players and coaches from the Eagles’ football, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer teams — and also team mascot GUS and the cheerleaders — were on hand to greet fans and sign autographs.
    “It’s really amazing. This is a great family-oriented event that welcomes everyone. You don’t always see that environment with schools at this level,” said Georgia Southern alum and Hinesville resident Michael Poloney, who attended the event with his 5-year old son. “(My son) is having a blast. It’s great to see Georgia Southern sticking with its roots and welcoming everyone in as family.”
    One of the newest Eagles is quickly becoming a very recognizable face at the school and in the community.
    After serving his time in the dunk tank, new school president Dr. Jaimie Hebert talked about Saturday’s impressive turnout.
    “This is a great community and a great university,” Hebert said. “You can just tell that fans are chomping at the bit for September 3. To have a couple thousand people here to support the team in the preseason is amazing. Even Southern Pride’s practice last night had a few hundred people there. That kind of support is a very special thing.”
    Saturday’s event was for the fans, but was kicked off with some big news from the football team.
    After scrimmaging for about two hours, the Eagles ventured up into the stands where head coach Tyson Summers addressed the crowd to talk about preseason camp before handing the mic to players. With teammates ready to pounce with congratulations, three fifth-year seniors — Jake Abraham, Sean Gaddy and Rayquan Sam — were awarded scholarships for their final season after joining the team as walk-ons.
    “These are guys who have worked hard every day with no guarantee of playing time,” Summers said. “They have also already graduated. They could go out and get jobs and start making money in their careers, but they chose to work on a second degree and also made the choice to stay here and keep competing with this team. It’s great to be able to award them with the scholarships they’ve earned.”

    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9408.