BY JADEN MOUNT
The day before the big game. Mild weather paired with a cool breeze in preparation for one of the biggest celebrations on the Fort Hays State University main campus in Hays, Kansas – the Homecoming Bonfire!
However, at 3:08 pm Central Standard Time, an announcement email was sent out to FHSU Students via provided email accounts. (See Below)
Instead of the annual bonfire, the event was replaced by a Pep Rally in Gross Memorial Coliseum. The march to the coliseum began at Stadium Place Apartments, near Lewis Field Stadium, and passed specific locations across the campus, where students from each residential buildings joined the growing crowd.
Once arriving at Gross Memorial, students were greeted outside by three food trucks and the sound of the FHSU Marching Band from inside. Students in attendance easily filled up the lower sections, sprawling a bit into the upper areas.
The night began with the recognition of FHSU Alumni Awards, followed by the 2017 Homecoming Candidates and the Fall Athletic Teams. Arguably, the craziest moment of the night was the recognition of the No. 11 Ranked FHSU Tiger Football Team.
This collection of gentlemen were brought across the court and given a simple present – a poster of their next opponent, Pittsburg State University. The team proceeded to tear the poster to pieces to symbolize their predicted victory at Saturday’s game.
Though the energy was high with a good student turnout, many rumors and whispered spread from when the announcement first hit those email boxes. Those rumors spoke how there were not going to be as many students attending as if there would be with the original plan. Regardless of what could have been, students left the coliseum with pride in their team and in a victory.
The Homecoming Football Game will be held on Saturday at 6 pm against Gorillas of Pittsburg State University, with the 2017 Homecoming King & Queen announced during halftime. Students, if you have not yet voted, this is the last day to do on Tiger Link!