Homecoming week wraps up
St. Edward’s University wrapped up its annual Homecoming Week with some changes this year.
The Homecoming festivities included traditional events like the pep rally, Casino Night and the Topper Cup Classic.
The pep rally kicked off the weekend Feb. 19. Students filled the stands of the darkened Recreation and Convocation Center equipped with glow sticks. Once the event started, the men’s and women’s basketball teams were introduced by their respective coaches before entertaining the crowd and asking for their support in Saturday’s games.
Many students, family and alumni attended Casino Night, held this year in the Alumni Gymnasium rather than the Homecoming tent, on Feb. 19. This year’s theme focused on sweets, like free cupcakes provided by the Cupcake Bar, and candy.
For the second year, the university did not charge admission for Casino Night. Prizes included a ticket to a John Mayer concert, a Coach purse, iTunes gift cards, a netbook computer and a 26-inch Vizio flat-screen HDTV.
The Homecoming tailgate, which was canceled last year due to heavy winds, was Feb. 20 in front of Basil Moreau and Dujarié Halls and featured a live band, Pok-E-Jo’s barbeque, Chick-Fil-A, Amy’s Ice Cream, kettle corn popcorn and the first appearance of University Police Lt. Dan Beck’s goat, Pax.
During the tailgate, Hilltop Leadership Development was announced as the winner of the Topper Cup Classic, followed by Fellowship of Christian Athletes in second and Teresa Hall in third. The Topper Cup Classic took place over the course of a week, from Feb. 14-20, with events including kickball, spirit skits, an ice cream eating contest, window painting and dodgeball.
Following the tailgate was the men’s basketball game. At halftime, senior Jeremy Ortiz was crowned Homecoming King and senior Ashley Ortega was named Homecoming Queen. Also on the Homecoming Court were seniors Derrick Heslip, Jorge Almeida, Laura Sandoval and junior Lauren May.
Ortiz, who was a member of the Homecoming Court in 2009, said it was an honor to win the title of Homecoming King.
“You don’t realize how much of an impact or an influence you have on your peers,” Ortiz said. “It’s kind of overwhelming to know that people care and you gained the respect of your colleagues.”
After the men’s basketball game, fireworks capped off the week on the Main Building lawn.
Student Life will not announce the cost of Homecoming until a later date when all of the invoices have been collected.
