From putting on ties and sundresses before a football game to taking it all off to streak the Lawn, the University has its fair share of traditions. And after the success of this weekend's U.Va. Homecomings 2003, a once abandoned homecoming tradition may be reestablished.
Homecomings 2003 was a series of events sponsored by University Programs Council, Student Council and other University organizations. The events included a student competition, pep rally and Sister Hazel concert in the Mad Bowl Friday night. Free food and family activities, such as interactive games and a chance to meet the Virginia cheerleading squad at Nameless Field Saturday, rounded out the weekend. These events drummed up excitement for the focal point of the weekend, Saturday's game against Troy State.
Friday night's festivities kicked off at 6 p.m., with various performances on two stages at opposite ends of the Mad Bowl. The Glee Club, Pep Band, African Drumming and Dance Ensemble, Virginia Dance Company, Weathermen and Silent Diner, a student band, all took the stage.
Additionally, football coach Al Groh, members of the U.Va. football team and cheerleading squad made an appearance, with Al Groh and several players speaking.
The night also featured a competition involving a bubble gum/dizzy bat relay, a Krispy Kreme eat-off, a three-legged race and as the final round, a lip sync contest. The winning group, consisting of several Academical Village People members, took home a cash prize of $500.
By far, the hit of the night was a performance by Sister Hazel. Second-year College student Ellen D'Angelo said she enjoyed the band.
"I was impressed that UPC was able to get Sister Hazel, because they are so widely known," she said.
First-year Engineering student Amanda Ramstead also attended the concert, and gave a good review. Although she admitted she didn't know much about Sister Hazel before hearing them Friday, she thought "they were really good."
The free snacks like popcorn and caramel apples served at the event were another positive for attending students. "My favorite aspect was the free food," D'Angelo said.
Third-year Engineering student Brigitte Hoyer, co-chair of the Homecomings committee and chair of athletic affairs for Student Council, said she was happy with the weekend's turnout. "We weren't sure what to expect, because it was the first year for the event," she said. "But we were really happy with it."
Friday and Saturday's events were part of an effort by Council to bring back the tradition of having activities throughout homecoming weekend that bring students and alumni together.
"We're trying to reestablish homecoming as an overall tradition at the University," Hoyer said. "We plan to do it again."
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