Texas State’s Annual Homecoming week kicked off Oct. 20 and provided students with a reason to get excited and take part in the festivities.
The Student Association for Campus Activities, or SACA, hosts the events. With a 90s-decade theme, here’s a look at events that have happened and are set for the rest of the week.
Saturday, Oct. 20
The first event to start the week off was the co-ed 4×4 volleyball game held in the Student Recreation Center. Student organizations and independent groups participated in teams of four to win best in their category. The different categories included representation from residence halls, Greek organizations, chartered student organizations, registered student organizations or independent. They then moved on and competed to win best overall.
Destiny McCalla, pride and traditions coordinator for the Student Association for Campus Activities, shared the exciting award presentations for winners of each homecoming event.
“Overall winners of the categories will receive a trophy or certificate,” McCalla said. “This year we are creating a living plaque on the homecoming wall of the LBJ Student Center with overall winners from each event to be able to see for years to come.”
Monday, Oct. 22
Despite the construction surrounding the LBJ Student Center Mall and cold weather, the Carnival and Spirit Rally was a huge success. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., students got a chance to take a quick break on their way to class to enjoy some carnival games and treats.
Students from the Texas State Marching Band played a quick set at the Spirit Rally to get everyone pumped with school spirit and ready for the homecoming game.
A few classic games of ring toss, football toss and balloon darts paired with funnel cakes was a fun way to help students relax from stressful midterms. A digital graffiti wall allowed students to create their own graffiti art and have it displayed.
Tuesday, Oct. 23
Fitting with Taco Tuesday is the Taco Throwdown event. From 5 – 7 p.m., student organizations and independent groups will compete in a taco eating contest at Bobcat Trail. Students are timed to see who can eat ten Fuego tacos the fastest. First through third place winners for each category will be awarded, as well as an overall winner.
Wednesday, Oct. 24
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the annual Homecoming Talent Show in Evans Auditorium at 7 p.m. 11 acts are set to perform, ranging from singing and dancing to comedy and poetry. The winner of the talent show is set to have a spot on the homecoming plaque wall.
Winners from the talent show and spirit flag competition will be announced the same evening. Student organizations decorate flags showcasing their pride for being a Bobcat with the homecoming theme and will be displayed in the LBJ Student Center.
Doors open at 6 p.m., so make sure to get there early to grab a seat.
Friday, Oct. 26
Texas State’s longest running homecoming tradition, the Soap Box Derby, will take place at 3 p.m. on Read Street, located next to the Student Recreation Center. Participants will race down the street to the finish line to win a spot on the homecoming wall and of course, bragging rights.
Saturday, Oct. 27
Homecoming week comes to a close with a tailgate and a home football game against New Mexico State University at 6 p.m. There will be special tailgating for royalty, hosted by SACA, free for anyone to join.
The Halftime Show will feature a special performance from the Texas State Marching Band and Texas State Strutters. The King and Queen, Dukes and Duchesses and Gaillardians, who represent Texas State as exemplary students with pride and leadership, will be announced and crowned.
Amaris Cedillo, psychology freshman, is a band member and said she is excited to see her hard work pay off.
“What makes the game performances special is knowing how much work you’ve put into the show standing alongside your friends,” Cedillo said.
Myranda De La O, elementary education sophomore, is a strutter. She said she is excited about this particular show because of the homage to the Southwest Texas State era and getting to represent the Strutters founder with their performance.
“I’m excited for halftime because we get to wear the very first uniform we wore back in 1960 and honor our founder,” De La O said. “We have a lot of alum that come back to watch and enjoy seeing us perform in the uniforms and being on pom squad. It’s fun to be on the sidelines getting to cheer in front of the student section.”
Homecoming provides an exciting backdrop to the Texas State community. It allows for the unity of students, staff, faculty and alumni to celebrate Bobcat spirit through a week packed with activities.