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By: Olivia Wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu
Twitter: @o_wile
Another University of Findlay Homecoming has come and gone, but not without plenty of family-oriented activities, a classic homecoming football game, and lots of black and orange ribbons.
Colleges and universities join UF in keeping the classic homecoming celebration alive. According to thebestschools.org, a couple universities take credit for starting the tradition. In 1903, the first alumni football game was played at Northern Illinois University. Six years later, the first official homecoming event was held at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.
As for what exactly “homecoming” is, magazine editor David A. Tomar defines it as such:
“The idea behind homecoming is pretty simple. Invite all the students and alumni connected to your college back to campus for a weekend of football, food and festivities.”
I like this definition because it almost perfectly aligns with how we celebrate homecoming at UF. However, when all is said and done, is “homecoming” still relevant to the current student population, or is it a blast from the past?
Senior Maggie Jones sees both sides.
“I feel like it depends on the school and upbringing because, personally, my at my high school homecoming wasn’t a really big deal,” said Jones. “I feel like at Findlay they try to make it a big deal and it doesn’t really happen.”
From inflatables in the Koehler Fitness Center and fireworks on Friday, to a brunch that attendees had to register for and the homecoming football game on Saturday, there were events planned. Jones believes it’s a matter of whether students take advantage of them or not.
“I’m sure it’s a fun weekend for people that actually try to go to the events and do all the festivities,” said Jones. “I feel like the only homecoming thing I’ve gone to in four years is the fireworks.”
The same goes for me. I think I caught the homecoming fireworks maybe once by accident walking home from studying my freshman year. The other years, I was away for athletics.
As a result, I’m wondering – is UF homecoming weekend for the University or the students? Is a glorified football game and homecoming court a means for school spirit or separation?
Sophomore Heather Mitchell brings up the point that if students want to rekindle after their years in college, they can do so without waiting for homecoming
“Most of us can stay connected through social media and the internet,” said Mitchell. “We can plan stuff not revolved around the school with the people we want to stay connected with.”
All in all, if you love homecoming, great, if you don’t, you’re not alone, but one thing is for sure, the tradition doesn’t look like it’s dying out anytime soon
