ROME, GA (KTIV) -- -
Morningside College is playing for the school's first National Championship in football on Thursday night. The Mustangs are playing Marian University of Indiana in the NAIA title game.
These two teams are both in the title game for the first time, but they have very different histories. Morningside has been playing football for 114 years, while Marian's program is just six years old.
Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia, is the sight of the 2012 NAIA National Championship game. Morningside and Marian University are meeting for the first time in hopes of coming away the programs first national championship.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Mustangs and a lot of watch parties going on, but there are also many fans who made the trip to Rome.
"I'm here to cheer on my cousin Andrew Brooks," said Solomon Carey of Sibley, Iowa.
"This is awesome to be down here in Rome and raise up the Morningside flag in Rome, Georgia," said Kerry Kierscht of Denison, Iowa. "This is an unbelievable experience."
"I think probably the parents are more nervous than the kids," said Gary Hammer, father of Cody Hammer. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
"Well, it's 10 o'clock in the morning, I'm about ready to throw up," said Mike Rickord, father of Ben Rickord. "I'm nervous. I didn't sleep well last night."
"It would mean a lot to us as parents," said Julie and Barry Sitzmann, parents of Jordan Sitzmann. "But, to the city it's going to mean a ton. Get some recognition and maybe some of these guys can move onto the next level."
"I think we'll win," said Hannah Schaue, sister of Luke Schaue. "I hope we will. We're undefeated so far so hopefully we can get this game."
Barron Stadium holds approximately 6500 fans, but the NAIA says that with two new programs in the championship game for the first time, they're not sure how many fans are actually going to show up to the game.
Morningside fans blow horns before the NAIA championship game in Rome, Georgia.
