Big hair, letter jackets highlight homecoming

And the winner of the University’s spirit competition is ....

The task of tabulating results was put on hold Saturday as the judges celebrated the end of a sometimes-wacky retro 1980s homecoming week, filled with big hair and neon leggings. Participants in the spirit competition apparently were too “Footloose” but eventually turned in their spirit scoring cards.

As part of the festivities, student organizations competed in five events to earn points for top honors in the spirit competition. Alpha Chi Omega took first place honors, followed by Gamma Phi Beta in second and Phi Kappa Phi in third.

Katie Eager, a freshman member of the Patriot Dancers, decorates the bumper of a golf cart during competition at Saturday’s contest. Photo by Ryan Pinkham.

Student Development Specialist Jennifer Skinner — sporting a side ponytail, polka dotted dress and tiny jean jacket — she said she was pleased with the level of participation. “Spirit Week has been a tradition for a couple of years now, and I think that at any school you need to keep tradition going,” she said. “Last year, we only had six teams competing, while this year we have eight or nine.”

Some might believe a candle light vigil, a human banner, a singing contest and a paddle boat race have few similarities, but all had one thing in common during the University’s week-long homecoming celebration: spirit. The spirit competition is a way for campus organizations, academic departments, and residence life floors/buildings to have fun, get involved and win prizes.

A total of 28 groups are part of this year’s Spirit Week.  From fashion events to dining to fitness, there was plenty to do. The events began Monday with a Pep Rally and ended Saturday with a more traditional homecoming dance, complete with 1980s theme, and  a king and queen.

Participants in the spirit competition vied for points in five events and categories, including paddle boat races, human banner, golf cart parade, chili cook-off and attendance. The human banner T-shirt making contest happened Tuesday at the Sports Café, followed by boat racing Wednesday at Harvey Lake. The parade and chili cook-off kicked off Saturday at the soccer fields.

Participants were judged in areas such as performance, creativity and incorporation of the retro  theme. Winners received $250 worth of food, decorations, T-shirt and related items, which can be used for a future organization event.