Homecoming Week 2017: Bring on the Madness!

Written by Paige Stanley. Media by Allyson Mitchell.

The best week of the year is finally here. It is Homecoming Week! October 16 through the 21 is filled with laughter and fun. There are so many different events going on for all people. Whether its sporting events or an Improv Show, there is something to everyone’s liking. Homecoming is put on by the creative GSGA staff. They never fail to keep us entertained and wanting more.

The week started off with a day-long Scavenger Hunt. GSGA members went around campus and hid letters that spelled out the word “homecoming”. If you were to find one of these letters, you would post a picture of yourself and the letter on the GSGA Facebook page to win a prize. Some of the hidden places included Burritt Hall and Whitlock Music Center. After a long day of classes, practices, and homework, everyone got together on Scott Field for a game of Glow Kickball. What is Glow Kickball? Basically, it is glow-in-the-dark kickball. So, you get a glowing ball and maybe a glow stick or two to put around your neck and you are good to go. The event started at 7:30 p.m and the first 20 people got a free t-shirt.

Wednesday evening includes one of the more popular events which is Midnight Madness. It starts at 10:00 p.m. in H.J. Long Gymnasium and will include games and prizes. It is a start off to the 2017-2018 basketball season with three “Minute To Win It” games. There will also be free giveaways and the first fifty people receive a t-shirt. The basketball team will put on a scrimmage, 3 point contest, dunk contest, and a game of knockout that will include volunteers from the audience. This event is a fan favorite and expects to generate a lot of attendance.

No better way to start the weekend than with fun events throughout the day! First, we have the annual parade on Friday. It takes place on College Ave at 4 p.m. and follows all the way down. Sports teams and clubs get involved in the parade. Many people from the faculty and the community come to watch and get some candy. Even the alumni still come watch because they love the parade. GSGA member Sam Barnhardt, says, “I enjoy the parade because we get to see the college interact with the community.” Right after the parade, head to Scott Field for the Homecoming Bash for some more fun! Women’s Volleyball also plays at home at 7 p.m. for their Senior Night. Swing by and show some Panther spirit. End your long day with a laugh at the Improv Show at 9 p.m. in Ladue Auditorium.

Saturday is the final day but that is not to say it is not jam-packed with events. Football is the start of the day with a home game beginning at 11 a.m. Chill out and eat some lunch while enjoying a good game. After that, swing over to the Men’s Soccer Game at 1 p.m. and then the Women’s at 3 p.m. It is Senior Night and a huge conference match you will not want to miss! Finally at 8:30 p.m. on the football field is the dance. Come in your casual wear and make sure to bring your ID. You will hear DJ DiaBeatz put on some great music. When asked what she looks forward to the most, Ellie Cummins says, “I look forward to the soccer game because it’s Senior Night. Or the dance because I haven’t gone before and getting dressed up with friends will be nice.” This lasts until 11 p.m. There will be drinks and more, but you should come and see for yourself. This is a great week to get out of your comfort zone and have some fun. Hope to see you there!