Homecoming: More Than Just a Tradition Set in Stone

With the spirit of the previous week here at Mizzou, I feel it is necessary to write my blog post on a very unique tradition. A tradition that brought over 71,000 people, along with their hoodies, raincoats, blankets, face paint, probably a couple of coolers, yada yada yada, to one phenomenal place. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I am talking about our own University of Missouri’s Homecoming that happens every year at Faurot Field. It is said, and I do believe, that the University of Missouri was the creator of the event called “homecoming” – 99 years ago! Now I’d say that’s quite a tradition. Whenever that time of the year rolls around you can just feel the intensity and joyfulness of this very important tradition. People start gathering and planning ideas of decoration, entertainment, and ways for students to get involved. Why is it important? It is not only important to the students that enjoy the game, or for the athletes that prepare themselves everyday for their finest performance, or for the media throughout the United States; it is important to the majority of the University of Missouri alumni and their families; reinforcing their compassion in Mizzou, letting them know that there is still spirit within the university and that it’s supported by thousands upon thousands of fans – Mizzou’s still got it.
Along with the game come many more, what I like to call, “sub-traditions”. One is the presentation of the student body’s choice for Homecoming Royalty. Many candidates are chosen, male and female. From those choices two, one from each sex, are chosen as King and Queen. The Homecoming Royalty from the previous season is also there to present the crowns to the new royalty. Another sub-tradition within homecoming is simply the gathering of friends and family to watch one of the most anticipated football games of the season, first starting out with some tailgating before the game. Once in the game your true colors are shown. By the end of the night you’ll have six simple letters carved into your brain cells: M-I-Z - Z-O-U! And of course I can’t forget the awesome food and after parties but I think you all know where that’s headed. After the win, hypothetically speaking, the Gold Post (field goal) is taken down and divided up so people can get a souvenir of that gracious night.
As a student this tradition is very important to me because of the enlightening feeling that brings to campus. Seeing the fans storm through the gates into the stands made me feel like I was a part of something huge. It gives everyone something to look forward to, besides the trash-man. I feel that it is also a tradition that reminds the football team that they are still an important aspect of this university; seeing their fans sporting their true colors of black and gold shows them that we’re here to see them “do work.”