October 11 kicked-off the University of Tampa’s 2010 Homecoming weekend.
“The most anticipated part about this year’s homecoming is the competitive ‘Spartan nature’ of the events,” said Gabrielle O’Leary, the Student Productions Special Events Chair.
“When first deciding on a theme, my committee and I immediately thought ‘Greek’ and created a week’s worth of events centered on UT’s mascot,” said O’Leary.
During each event, organizations may receive points based on how many people from their organizations participate in the events.
Members of organizations checked-in at the tables during the events to count their attendance.
“Throughout the week, organizational members will have numerous chances through our events to rally points for their organizations,” said O’Leary.
Monday was the official kickoff party to UT’s Homecoming week.
There was a toga contest in which a representative from each organization modeled a toga made by their organization.
The winners of this contest were GLTSBA, UT Cheer, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Honors Council.
Tuesday brought around the Battle of the Bands.
UT bands competed in the Vaughn courtyard for the opening act for UT’s Spring Concert. For the second year in a row, 20/20 Boulevard was the winner.
Throughout the day on Tuesday, students also participated in Chalk the Walk in front of Sykes.
On Wednesday, students gathered in the Vaughn lobby for Casino night. There were tables with black jack, poker, craps and even a few rounds with slot machines during. There was a raffle for those who participated in the games.
Thursday brought us Spartan games in the Vaughn courtyard from 4-7 p.m., including the Gladiator Joust, an obstacle course and a three-legged race.
Spartan week participation points will be given for members of organizations who attend the Falk theater’s play Die! Mommie! Die! and midnight madness, which starts at 11 p.m. at the Martinez Center.
On Friday, the final night of Homecoming week, there will be a tailgate in the McNiff parking lot, followed by a UT women’s soccer game against Palm Beach Atlantic at 8 p.m. at Pepin Rood Stadium.
The organization with the most points will be announced at this event and will be rewarded with an organizational SP co-sponsored event.
The Homecoming king and queen will also be announced at half time.
Homecoming week concludes on Saturday with the fourth annual Spartan Challenge 5K, which begins at 8 a.m. at Pepin Road Track/Soccer Stadium.
O’Leary comments that this year’s Homecoming week differs from last year’s in that it “requires much more organizational involvement, because the grand incentive prize is an SP co-sponsored event, we are requiring much more team work than in the past.”
Alumni have a chance to take part in Homecoming 2010 as well. They are able to attend the events throughout the week and there are many special events for them during the weekend including a social, an ELITE reunion and the minaret climb, as well as other events.
According to O’Leary, “Homecoming is all about uniting the school,” so why not join in the festivities and have a good time?
For more information about the alumni events, visit http://alumni.ut.edu/?HC.
Shivani Kanji can be reached at shivi88@gmail.com.