ISU freshman Chad Becker was issued a citation for underage possession of alcohol in the S lots. His reason for drinking: Everyone else was doing it.

“It’s something you do when you tailgate,” said Becker, 19, who was caught before last week’s ISU-Texas A & M football game.

Every home football game, several students are cited for underage possession of alcohol in the S lots, which are popular tailgating lots near Jack Trice Stadium.

First-time tailgater Becker, freshman in exercise and sports science, said he was “being stupid and drinking on the bus” an hour before the game started. He said he wasn’t mad at the Department of Public Safety for citing him.

“They were doing their job and I had a beer,” he said. “I’d like it if I could drink there; I’d like it if I could drink everywhere.”

He said the ticket was very expensive, but he would drink again if he were to return to the S lots on game day.

Gene Deisinger, special operations captain for DPS, patrolled the S lots before the Iowa State-Texas A & M game. DPS officers wrote 32 citations to minors for underage possession of alcohol at the game, he said. Deisinger and his partner wrote 14.

“I continue to be surprised by people’s reactions when I cite them for possession of alcohol under the legal age,” he said. “People think because they are not causing a problem, they’re not subject to be cited.”

Deisinger said he looks for individuals who look underage and for those who draw attention to themselves. He said an underage-possession ticket costs $145.

“I’d encourage people to consider whether that’s worthwhile,” he said.

Jerry Stewart, assistant director of DPS, said people should place less emphasis on alcohol during game days.

“The focus on game day for a fan should really be on supporting the team and being present in the stands,” he said. “Anything that distracts from that is a disappointment for the institution and athletic department.”

Stewart said DPS assigns three tailgate teams to the S lots to monitor activity, detect concerns and take action before the concerns develop into problems, which usually stem from excessive alcohol consumption.

“It’s far better to cite somebody for underage possession of alcohol at 11 a.m. than to be dealing with an overdose, an assault or public intoxication at 2 p.m.,” he said.

If citing individuals early serves as a deterrent to larger problems, then the law enforcement philosophy is successful, Stewart said.

“I’m sure there are a number of people who view that as being unfriendly or heavy handed,” he said.

“But when you look at six officers staffing the entire S-lot area where there are thousands of people, that’s certainly not an overabundance of staffing.”

Stewart said his department tries to find the balance between being too rule-oriented and allowing fans to enjoy the game. He said his officers have continually stated throughout the year that the crowds in the S lots have been “friendly and festive.”