Turlock Goes Coo Coo for Kaepernick

February 1, 2013 Updated Feb 1, 2013 at 7:32 PM PDT

Green Bay Packer fans like to point out that "Kaep" is Wisconsin's own...

Fine... He was born there.

But he grew up in Turlock...

And that's where the legend of Colin Kaepernick was born.

"Oh he's definitely a Turlock and valley guy. Definitely by far."

Anthony Harding has been pals with 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick since they were 8.

They played basketball and football together at Pitman High School. Harding coaches there.

He won back to back league titles with Kaepernick, even sharing an MVP award one year.

But after that, harding went to Fresno State, and Kaep to Nevada.

Harding knew his buddy's hard work ethic would lead him to where he'll be Sunday: the Super Bowl.

"He just always knew he was ready. He prepared like was he was starting from like 2 years ago. He knew the day would come and he always worked hard for it."

Pitman High is celebrating their alum's accomplishments, taking a yearbook photo in a pose that's become a cultural phenomenom.

Harding says his buddy is single...

Hey, Kaep! I think we found your girl...

"Colin, will you go to prom with me?"

Ijara Rogers has launched an Instagram campaign to get CK7 to go to Pitman High's prom with her this year, which just happens to be in San Francisco April 13th...

"It's pretty cool, amazing that all this can happen from a guy that grew up here in Turlock."

But the alma mater isn't the only place going coo-coo for Kaepernick...

The whole city's abuzz with the Colin Kaepernick craze.

Westside Ministries is running out of gear on the side of the road...

And the line is out the door at Main Street Footers for the Colin Kaepernick hot dog special...

Even Alex Smith fans like Phay Tran are sinking their teeth into this one!

"It's got all this dressing. Spicy, tasty. Everyone should try it!"

Tomorrow, Colin Kaepernick fans across the north valley will gather at Pitman High School.

That's where the Turlock Education Foundation will host a community tailgate party to honor the 49ers quarterback...

It runs from 11 am to 2 pm...

And it's BYOB!

Bring your own barbeque!

For more information on the community tailgate, just click on Newslinks.