Events of Note

                Begun in the early 1900s, Mizzou was the first college to start the institute of homecoming. Now, it is commonplace for colleges and high schools across the country. Why is it such a big deal for Mizzou? Well, I wish I could tell you exactly why outside of it being tradition and a sense of pride for Mizzouians [new word] everywhere, but I don’t have much evidence being a freshman. Honestly, I’ve been involved with alumni that have come back every week for football.  So to me, homecoming isn’t as much a cool experience to see old Tigers coming back to their old stomping grounds as it is an opportunity for the students to show their immense pride for their school. Being involved with some of the activities that makes homecoming what it is, I got to see for the first time the side of homecoming that makes it great by being able to show off my own involvement by helping decorate the downtown district and go to the football game that caps the weekend.

                So, instead of explaining something like homecoming, I’d like to spend a paragraph or so to explain what is a bigger deal for me and that is the senior day football game. Effectively, this game is to commemorate the last game that the senior players will participate in. Going into the game last Saturday, it was against a conference rival Kansas State. Known for their success in the 90s, the program has hit on hard times with a few bright spots centering around their dual threat quarterback. The opening ceremonies were very touching, with an homage to Aaron O’Neal, a Mizzou linebacker who died and would have graduated this year.  Along with this salute, it was also great to see the other seniors who walked onto Faurot Field for their last game as Tigers. Among them were players I’ve watched since they were freshman, including Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman, and Tommy Saunders to name a few. This senior class has done more for MU’s football program in not merely individual achievement but also in the success of the team as a whole than any other class in recent memory. While they will be sorely missed on the field on future chilly Saturdays, I will always remember the great teams of the 2009 graduating class.