Homecoming week, at first, is a normal school week in which students are allowed to dress up in silly clothes. But once the last bell rings on Thursday afternoon, the fun can begin. Students, after completing their short week of schoolwork are amped to jump into a long weekend spent with friends and family. The first, and for some the most exciting homecoming celebration is the pre-game tailgate on Thursday. At the tailgate, students predominantly exchange mums and garters, participate in a giant pep-rally, and eat burgers.

This year, a new tradition was established: the senior guys/varsity volleyball showdown. The game took place just after school was released, players eagerly rushed down to the SLC for warm-up. The senior guys plus juniors Peter Clark and Jacob Finke were challenged to master a few basic volleyball skills in order to stand a chance against the Lady Mustangs volleyball team. Clark said “My view on volleyball is definitely different. After playing the volleyball team, it really showed how much you have to work with your team and also how tough volleyball is in general.” Clark also said “Going into the game I felt we were going to have a tight match, possibly winning a set or two, but at the end that definitely didn’t show. Although we came out with a loss, I know the seniors and I had so much fun and hope to have a rematch in the future.”

After the game, the crowd strolled down to the football field where tailgate was already underway. Students, faculty, and parents showed up and filled the bleachers and then some. Campus pastor Trey Postelle announced and organized each part of the pep rally, from Lil Stangs Cheer all the way up to Varsity Football. Each of the fall sports teams had the opportunity to introduce themselves and brag about their already-successful seasons. The Varsity Football Team included a call to action to attend the homecoming game the following Friday night. At the tail-end of the pep rally, the 2019 Homecoming court members were announced: Georgia Haggard and Andrew Hager represented the freshmen, Abigail Cooper and Stanley Wen walked out for the sophomores, Memorie Treigle and Patriot Butler represented the junior class. The seniors to be selected for homecoming king and queen the following night were Jasmine Holmes, Ford Dossey, Seth Pugh, Jolie Clow, Will Boese, Lauren Rose, Dylan Doerner, and Caitlin Cooper.

Once the crowd cleared out and made their way home, the football field was left covered in gold and blue feathers shed from numerous mums and garters. Legend has it, those feathers won’t blow away until next year’s homecoming…