Missouri Western’s homecoming events kicked off on Sunday, Oct 9. The theme centered on the Olympics, which the homecoming committee chose last spring.

“Last spring semester, the Homecoming Committee held a retreat where they brainstormed ideas for themes,” said Jessica Frogge, homecoming advisor. “They ultimately decided on Olympics, focused on summer Olympics, since it’s an Olympic year. Events are based around summer Olympics.”

The official theme, titled “Griffons Bring Home the Gold” set the tone for the week’s events. The festivities imitated the summer games, including the opening ceremony (Western’s annual bonfire) behind Baker Fitness Center. A fireworks show followed the bonfire on the football field.

Other main events for the week included the pep rally on Friday, Oct. 14 and the Griffons’ volleyball game against Emporia State. Throughout the game, the committee introduced the Homecoming Court and student groups performed short dance numbers. Going with the Olympic theme, the gold, silver and bronze Olympic court members were awarded in lieu of a king and queen. This was the first year the traditional king and queen roles were replaced with a more non-gendered, inclusive system.

The crazy Homecoming week finished with the football game against Pittsburg State on Saturday following the homecoming parade and various tailgating festivities. The parade traveled through the downtown area. Students and community members tailgated in Lot H prior to the game at noon that day.

Throughout the week there were smaller events for students to attend, including a 5K, a dance party and relay race. These events gave students the opportunity to take part during any day of the weeklong celebration.

“We wanted students to attend all events,” said Taylor Dowell, assistant director of homecoming. “Even if they’re not participating we like them to be there for support and to cheer everyone on.”

In February the new Homecoming committee will be back to the drawing board to deliver another fun Western tradition.