The post-game Whataburger tradition has been around for years. Either bonding over a win or grieving over a loss, students always have Whataburger to look forward to after any game. However, when traditions become a threat to students and other citizen’s safety, management is required to take precautions.

Previously the Whataburger  on Slaughter Lane had a part-time security detail and 24/7 live video running both in and around the premises. After a fight broke out between a customer and a student after the LBJ game, Whataburger decided to make some changes.

“We decided to basically use security to prevent that from happening again. It’s mostly for safety, the reason being even though it’s a high school football game, high schoolers aren’t the only customers we have,” Whataburger manager Marcus Casillas said. “And as we saw during the first game, there was an altercation that occurred and could’ve been prevented if we did have security detail.”

Every game night there will now be a security guard present the entire night after sporting events to ensure that laws are being followed and no more fights break out. Although it’s a high school related festivity, the reality of getting arrested or prosecuted is still possible.

“Fewer people want to provoke altercation with a presence of a police officer, so not only do the customers feel safer, but the employees feel safer as well,” Casillas said.

Due to the fact that Whataburger is off school grounds, Bowie High School has no liability in possible future violence; however, the overall actions of students, in or outside of school, still reflect Bowie High School as a whole.

“I feel like it reflects poorly on us as a student body because they feel that we need an officer there,” junior Rylee Holder said. “But I don’t think we need one there; we are all adults.”

However, some students do not see a need for the extra security,   and that the security officer’s presence is a little stifling on the original post-game atmosphere.

“I do not feel as if it’s necessary,   maybe the staff at Whataburger does, but I don’t really think that we’re that disruptive or anything, just trying to have fun,” Holder said. “I don’t feel anymore safe, because there was nothing scary happening in the first place. But it’s a little annoying having him there because he just stares at you and it’s kind of weird.”

Nevertheless, the security officer has already aided some students trying to enjoy the post-game tradition.

“He helped me jump my friends car after a game at like 12:30 in the morning, so that was helpful because her car was completely dead and it wouldn’t start and I needed help,” Holder said.

Many students like the security officer.

“That guy is super chill, he’s awesome,” junior Levi Ander said.

Transitioning from total freedom to restrictions like a security officer has either had a negative or positive impact on students; moreover, the Whataburger tradition will have a different atmosphere from here on out.

“My experience really hasn’t changed. It’s still just normal Whataburger,” Ander said. “He’s just really there to protect students from getting hurt, but it’s a little different because people are scared and it’s not as fun when people are nervous and scared to be around that environment.”

Due to the positive results the security officer’s presence has made, Whataburger management also wants to keep the officer there for basketball season if possible.

“One altercation is one too many. We want to make sure that we feel safe, the customers feel safe, and that everyone gets their food and is happy,” Casillas said.