PORT NECHES — Port Neches-Groves Indian fans have a chance to support their team as they practice on Thanksgiving morning.

“We would love for our fans to come out and watch us practice on Thanksgiving and have a great time before everyone goes to eat with family,” PNG Coach Brandon Faircloth said.

Fans can watch the practice at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the stadium. Members of the Athletic Booster Club will bring donuts, milk and juice. Patrons are welcome to bring their own coffee or hot chocolate and their lawn chairs, sit back on the track and watch the practice, Mitch Murdock, a booster club member and past president, said.

Faircloth said PNG has the best fan support in the state of Texas and the players enjoy the support.

“This is a chance to interact with the fans as they sit on the field,” he said.

The last time fans came out for a Thanksgiving Day practice was around 2010.

“It was a great turnout. We had lots of people watching the practice,” Murdock said.

PNG Superintendent Rodney Cavness said the Thanksgiving Day practice with fans is an extension of the Indian tradition.

“This is a real positive experience for the young kids to see it and the seniors love it,” Cavness said. “I couldn’t be prouder as a superintendent to see that.”

But for Indian fans, this isn’t just about watching the team practice for the Friday night regional semi-final game against College Station – it’s about community and family.

“You only have to show up to one Friday night game to see our support,” Murdock said. “This practice on Thanksgiving Day reinforces family and community. That’s what we are to each other, one big family. We are all wanting this team to excel and do the best they possibly can and have the backing of the community.”

Reporter: Mary Meaux — 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews