ESU Homecoming Festivities Instill Warrior Spirit

By Ayana Jones
SC Staff Writer

Fun sums up the theme for East Stroudsburg University’s Homecoming this past weekend.

Homecoming started off on Friday night at the bonfire located in the Rugby House Field behind Dansbury.

Hundreds gathered to show their Warrior spirit.

Raffle tickets were given to those in attendance at the gate. Tables were filled with free t-shirts, pumpkins for decoration, and caramel apples.

There was also a table advertising “free hugs” and “free kisses.”

Dionna Jones, a senior at ESU said, “I was excited to participate in the homecoming events this year because it was my last one.”

Burgy the mascot was there moving throughout the crowd keeping spirits high.

Although the weather was cold, everyone seemed to have positive attitudes.

The cheerleaders and marching band showed their stuff as the football team was introduced.

A large “Krush Kutztown” sign was held while the team of football players ran through it.

After watching the team destroy the sign, the main event took place.

Firemen gathered to ignite the flame for the bonfire. The “Krush Kutztown” sign was placed in the flame as the bellowing plumes of smoke escaped from the wood.

The smell of charcoal filled the air as hundreds of students gathered around the flame with smiling faces.

At the bonfire event, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced: Chris Smith and Elizabeth Smith Porter.

Raffle winners were announced and prizes were distributed.

The bonfire was just the beginning of the Homecoming Weekend.

On Saturday, October 25, the Warrior Block Party was held behind Rosenkrans Hall.

The 90.3 WESS Radio station orchestrated the music, and games were played with the opportunity to win prizes.

Food and drinks were available for everyone in attendance.

The marching band’s presence was much felt as they paraded near the stadium.

Some families even chose to stake and cook out with their grills filling the air with crisp barbeque smell.

Additionally, many alumni came back to support their school spirit as they returned to campus.

The highlight of the Block Party was the brief step performance put on by the ESU Step Team.

The crowd gathered to watch the well-choreographed number.

The bonfire and Block Party were two events that helped usher the Warrior spirit in just before the football game and other Homecoming festivities that would complete the weekend.

Email Ayana at:
ayana@live.esu.edu