Spirit Week
During the week of Oct. 1, students, faculty and staff were invited to participate in numerous Homecoming events such as Spirit Week. Each day had a special theme attached to it. Monday was Pajama Day, Tuesday was Tie Dye, Wednesday was Woodstock, Thursday was Flower Power and Friday was school colors crimson and slate. Everywhere you went on campus, those serving in the Rare Air Café, professors in their classes and students all showed their school spirit. There were even decorations scattered throughout campus, such as the University Center’s various posters, flowers, peace symbols, masks and streamers set up by Svea Whiting, director of the University Center.
Max Merrick, student and president of the Student Government Association (SGA), stated each of the theme days had inspiration. Monday was chosen to be pajama day by the SGA simply because pajamas are comfortable, meanwhile Tuesday-Thursday were all based on alliterations. Woodstock Wednesday, however, was chosen by alumni and Friday is traditionally school colors day.
The event was intended to show support for the football team and the university as a whole and succeeded in doing both. The Mountaineer football team won the homecoming game 32-33 against the Chadron State Eagles in a comeback carried out in the final minutes of the game featuring three game changing sacks and a 47-yard touchdown pass.
Sara Phillips, Director of LEAD and Orientation, stated, “This was one of the most involved homecoming weeks I’ve seen on campus.”
Class of 1969 Reunion
Friday night, Western welcomed alumni back to campus for the annual gathering hosted outside the Borick Business Building. This year was the 50th reunion for the Class of 1969. Attendees enjoyed light beverages and mingled while everyone watched the lighting of the “W” on Tenderfoot Mountain and celebrated the kickoff to another Homecoming weekend.
Homecoming Tailgate
Before the football game against Chadron State College, there was a tailgate hosted in the Dolores parking lot, across the street from the Mountaineer Bowl. The Western Leadership, Engagement and Development (LEAD) office provided free food and beverages at the tailgate. Students from Western’s radio station, KWSB, played music to get the crowd excited for the game. There were games like cornhole and a photo booth. The brand-new NCAA cheerleading team performed stunts and cheers to show their Western spirit.
Homecoming Football Game
Western’s football team had a close call with Chadron State College. The crowd was filled with current students, parents and family and alumni cheering on the team to victory. The Mountaineers battled it out and came out on top with a final score of 33-32. At halftime, Mikaela Parker and Connell Maxwell were crowned homecoming royalty and there was a pizza-eating contest sponsored by Mario’s.
