American Culture Club

Described by its co-heads as “the mustache on the face of Exeter,” the American Culture Club is not only the largest club on campus, but is also the record-holder for biggest attendance to a single club event.Led by co-heads seniors Pat Quinn and Griffin Py and upper Sterling Weatherbie, the club aims to bring the Exeter community closer together by exposing its members to authentic American traditions and celebrating the everyday life of an American.The club was formed two years ago by Mitchell Mengden ‘13 and AJ Richichi ‘13. “The reason they started it was to introduce international students to the United States and the American way of life,” Weatherbie said of the club’s origins.Py agreed. “The main goal of the club was to show international students about real life American culture. Not like the tourist stuff, not like the going to like New York City and climbing the Eiffel Tower. Real, American culture, like tailgates, baseball games, stuff like that. Simple, everyday American things,” he said.Quinn added, “Exeter students are well known for their hard work, and they don’t have that much time for fun since they’re over-consumed with homework and studying for tests, so we try to make a weekend where people can just relax, escape the harsh reality of Exeter for a little bit and just bond over some fun.”This year, the club’s main event has been a tailgate that took place before the fall term E/A pep rally. Remarkably, this get-together made Exeter history as the most attended club event ever. “There were a ton of people,” Py said of the tailgate’s attendance. “We ordered two hundred burgers, a hundred and seventy-five hot dogs, and we sold them all out.”The event has generally received positive feedback. “I liked the food, it really helped get everyone pumped for the game,” prep Jon Lee said.Unfortunately, the club has not been able to host any gatherings this term. “At the beginning of the year, we sat down with Mr. Trafton, our great advisor, who we love so much, and we talked about our events for the year,” Weatherbie said. “We play hockey in the winter so we know there wasn’t going to be anything we could really do then. So that’s why there hasn’t been anything so far this term.”However, there is more in store for the club’s future. “In the spring, we hope to have a big field day type of thing,” Py said. “We want to try to go out on the quad, get some big speakers, and get some good food going. Have a kickball tournament, maybe a wiffleball tournament. That type of thing, just a classic American Saturday.”The club, contrary to some public belief, prides itself on being an all-inclusive, welcoming club. “You definitely don’t have to be American. In fact, we encourage everyone and anyone to join,” Quinn said.The co-heads hope that their club serves as a brief respite from the hectic lives that many Exeter students inhabit.“I think that sometimes people can forget that while yes, we are here to work hard, get good grades and get into a good college, and all that, we’re also here to form bonds with the people around us,” Py said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do with our club.”