By Erin McGuire
SC Contributing Writer
Homecoming is a time when alumni can come back to their past home, reunite with old friends and celebrate their school pride along with current students.
This year, ESU is celebrating homecoming week from Oct. 13-18 with the theme “Wild, Wild, Warriors.”
“ESU is so much more than what you do inside the classroom…It’s a time for everyone to come together,” said ESU alumna and public relations manager Valentina Caval.
On Oct. 5, before homecoming week even began, the Paint the Town competition was under way.
Local businesses joined forces with ESU and allowed student designers and organizations to hand-paint homecoming-themed images on their windows downtown.
The entries will be judged by a panel, and a winner will be announced some time this week.
Homecoming week festivities were off to a soggy start on Tuesday when the kick-off Chuck Wagon Picnic was moved indoors to Dansbury Commons due to inclement weather, but the Warriors wouldn’t let a little rain spoil their fun.
The Hall Olympics have returned and include Wild Wild Kickball, Warrior Trail Map Hunt, the Football Showdown, and a Lip-sync Rodeo. This year, though, the Commuter Council has formed a team to get the off-campus students involved and to give them a chance to participate.
On Wednesday, students attended Midnight Madness at Koehler Fieldhouse, and a Western-themed casino night in the homecoming headquarters tent was set up on the main quad.
This evening from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., head out to the main quad for some line dancing, pumpkin painting and music at the Fall Festival.
Tomorrow brings the annual bonfire and pep rally at Old Rugby Field. In addition to the s’mores and giveaways, the homecoming King and Queen will be announced at the bonfire.
This year’s nominees for King are Marcus Narcisse, Phuong Le, Joe Robey, Mackenzie Tasetano, Martin Soltan, Jared Simister and Luis Feliciano. Queen candidates include Kate Rzucidlo, Ashley Sudol, Natalie Shirley, Katie Nork, Katie Reardon, Desiree Brown and Gerdwine Bourdeau.
If you have not yet voted for your favorite candidates, it’s not too late! Voting is open until tomorrow at noon!
To vote, simply text “homecoming2015” to 22333, wait for the automatic response, and then reply with the code for whoever you wish to cast your vote.
Although homecoming usually focuses on one sport (football), a plethora of other sports teams will play to show their Warrior pride as well.
On Tuesday, field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer all had games.
Tomorrow, the volleyball and swim teams will compete. The volleyball team plays again on Saturday morning followed by the big football game on Saturday afternoon against Millersville.
In addition to the other homecoming events, the theatre department will debut their latest production “Jackie & Me,” this evening and will continue through Sunday.
For the full list of events scheduled for the remainder of homecoming week, go to www.esu.edu/homecoming.
Email Erin at:
emcguire1@live.esu.edu