DOWN. SET. HOCO!
by Nyla K. Wright
Tons of family and friends flood from tailgates donning their alma mater’s colors. The band is pumping rhythm, soul, and school pride through the stands. The whole stadium is shaking with the cheerleaders as they hype up the fans. The scene is set. It’s homecoming, the most anticipated time of the year! From the dedicated alumni returning to the togetherness of everyone, and all the school spirit… HOMECOMING is where YOU want to be.
Let’s discuss the main event, the star of the moment; THEE homecoming football game. Over a hundred years ago, the one of HBCU homecoming’s biggest traditions was created. I must say, the week full of fun cannot be completed without a win at the end. The homecoming games kick off in October and touch down in November.
Image via VIBE.com
No matter the campus, homecoming football games are often the climax of the weekend. Die-hard alumni and students with a growing sense of school spirit are on the scene from the tailgates to the final touchdown. Alexander Wiggs, a freshman graphic design scholar from Orlando, Florida is most looking forward to experiencing the vibes and culture that surround the homecoming game each year.
“As a freshman, it’s hard to grasp and feel the excitement of being a Rattler sometimes,” Wiggs stated. “But those football games truly make you feel like you belong here. Go Rattlers!”
The annual HBCU homecoming football games are quite monumental and have a deeper meaning than just a football game. The way the community forms together as one while the football players are giving it their absolute all is truly an unforgettable experience that everyone should take part in at least once in their lifetime… or maybe even twice.
Image via thedig.howard.edu
This historical event can be traced back to the 1900’s. Howard University had its first homecoming football game against Lincoln University of Pennsylvania on November 27, 1924. The score was noted to have been 31-0. The last documented matchup between the two teams took place on October 2nd in 2010 with the Lincoln Lions dominating the field, resulting in a final score of 31-0. The rest was indeed history.
If you, a friend, or a family member plan on attending a homecoming game this year, make sure to stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and be ready to have a great time! Here are some notable homecoming games to look out for:
Morgan State vs. Lincoln (PA) - October 5th
Alabama A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman - October 12th
North Carolina A&T vs. Hampton - October 19th
Morehouse vs. Fort Valley State - October 26
Florida A&M vs. Texas Southern - November 2nd
Edward Waters vs. Allen - November 9th
