“I’ve got to say, we were upset for a while,” Schuckit said. “We couldn’t believe we’re having a debate on this campus at a time when we’re not supporting the candidate. But now we’re excited again. It’s really quite a big deal.”

‘Not shy’ about Trump

Thomas Hildebrand, 20, can’t say how many Trump supporters there are on campus, but he’s hoping to bring as many as possible out of the woodwork for the “Meet the Deplorables” rally before the debate Sunday.

“I got this idea because a lot of Trump supporters are really sort of shy about who they support,” said Hildebrand, co-founder of Missouri Youth for Trump.

The rally is bringing in college-age students from Washington University and statewide. It’s the chance to meet with Trump supporters and show that “there’s no need to be shy any more,” Hildebrand said. The group will meet at the protest zone outside of campus at Big Bend and Forsyth boulevards Sunday afternoon. The campaign is still working out details, including the meeting time.