Homecoming hype heralded among students

While a high school homecoming is typically a fun-filled week complete with bonfires, pep rallies and dress-up days, homecoming at Ohio State celebrates community, tradition and of course, football.

"In high school, it was all about finding a cute dress and going to the dance," said Ciara Alexander, an undecided freshman. "I think it's probably more about tradition here."

The difference at OSU is that it can be more difficult for students to find out about Homecoming Week events and get involved in such a large setting.

As a freshman, Alexander said she is ignorant about most of the activities taking place. She said she will probably just go to the homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 20 against Michigan State.

Nikki Boyer, a senior in psychology and spirit chair of the homecoming committee, said she understands why it might be difficult to know about the different events taking place during Homecoming Week than it would be in high school.

"I think homecoming is more popular in high school because it is a smaller setting," she said. "Everyone is in the same building with a set of class periods and it is easier to inform people of what is going on every day. In college, everyone is in different buildings with different schedules so it's harder to spread the word."

Emily Sankey, a senior in English who is also on the homecoming court, said that high school homecomings are mostly based on the dance, crowning the homecoming king and queen and the football game.

"OSU's homecoming is based on alumni coming back, the week of events that students can participate in, recognizing student leaders on campus and of course, the football game," she said.

Homecoming Week at OSU starts Sunday, Oct. 14 with the Stefanie Spielman Homecoming 5K at Fred Beekman Park. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.

Allison Dassani, a senior in finance and accounting and the student chair of the homecoming committee, said the week's biggest event is the Homecoming Parade Friday, Oct. 19. She said there will be about 100 floats and about 2,500 students will gather to watch.

She said more students should participate in events such as the Spielman 5K and the parade to show their OSU spirit in a different way than they may be used to.

"It's a good time to show OSU celebrating the community and culture of our school in a way that isn't just partying," she said.