The Parade
As the festivities for this year’s homecoming at Western Colorado University began, Western students and the community came together to celebrate.
Students and the community lined the streets late Friday afternoon to come together to celebrate another Western homecoming.
The parade included homecoming royalty, NCAA sports, club sports, clubs and organizations. Jim Gelwicks, Mayor of Gunnison, led the parade as the marshall.
As floats went by, participants gave out candy and necklaces to those watching from the sidewalks.
This year the theme for homecoming was “What a Year to be a Mountaineer.” All floats were judged based off the theme and had the chance of winning the best float.
Spectators of all ages were able to enjoy the parade and the rest of the homecoming weekend.
The Bonfire
Western students, families, faculty and staff were all invited to roast marshmallows, converse, dance and play under the dazzling Gunnison night sky by the roaring bonfire behind the Mountaineer Bowl on Oct. 5.
Among such events as the tailgate parade and the lighting of the famous W, this less than humble bonfire brought together over 100 people. There were marshmallows to toast if you found a stick long enough along with chocolate and graham crackers, alongside music to dance to and plenty of potential friends. The Gunnison Fire Department, who oversaw the whole event, was also there to protect and chat with everyone, which many claimed tied the community closer together. This small and sweet event lasted from 9-10 p.m. and ended with the GFD demonstrating their ability to extinguish fires safely.
The Games
Western’s athletic teams competed throughout the weekend.
Football squared off against Colorado School of Mines, where the Mountaineers fought hard but lost to the Orediggers 44-16 at Mountaineer Bowl on Saturday Oct. 6.
Women’s rugby competed against Fort Lewis in a scrimmage game.
Women’s club soccer played Wyoming at Gateway field but lost 4-2 on Saturday Oct. 6.
The Men’s rugby team played in their annual alumni game on Sunday Oct. 7 at the WHIPP field.
