Middle Tennessee State University - Midlander Yearbook (Murfreesboro, TN)

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Features 23

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TAKE ME TO HOMECOMING Amid the current emphasis on nostalgia and Southern lifestyle, MTSU celebrated its 48th annual Homecoming October 10-15, with something for everyone activities centered on a Take Me Home to Middle Tennessee theme. The eruption of the campus into fall colors and the steeping of MTSU ' s southern tradition made this year ' s celebration one of the most successful in the university ' s history. Students and alumni alike participated in record numbers in events ranging from fight-song competitions to activities day, from a poster contest to a rather warm Fri- day-night bonfire and pep rally Kicking off the week ' s activities was a spirit-boosting fight-song competition, at which homecoming revelers competed for top honors by singing the official MTSU fight song. Considering the rainy conditions, perhaps Singin ' in the Rain would have seemed more appropriate, but con- quering the weather and taking top honors were Chi Ome- ga sorority taking first place in the women ' s division; and Felder Hall in the open division. The spirit competition continued on Tuesday with the transformation of the Murphy Center track into a gallery filled with artistic masterpieces. Participants covered the walls with constructed posters, murals, etc., all of which incorporated this year ' s theme. Rainy conditions forced the relocation of the Wednes- day afternoon pep rally from the Keathley University Cen- ter courtyard into Murphy Center Not to have their spirit rained upon, participants nearly raised the roof with the enthusiasm they generated. Thursday was packed full of Go Big Blue! activities day events on the Cope Administration Building lawn. Competing in three categories — fraternity, sorority and open — participants showed their skills in the keg run- around, amoeba race and the jelly-bean search. It may sound like simple fun and games, but when it comes time to compete for the homecoming spirit trophy, men become boys and everyone ' s out for blood. Imagine kneeling at a dish filled with whipped cream in search of a lone white jellybean. That ' s exactly what was required of participants in the jellybean search. 22 Features :

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If there was anyone left who still had not caught the ' ' Big Blue ' ' spirit, he was surely warmed by the bonfire pep rally on Friday evening. The remainder of the night and early morning Saturday hours were devoted to last-minute float building. Saturday dawned with excitement and expectancy lin- gering in the air The warm autumnal shades of the s eason provided a breathtaking backdrop for Take Me Home to Middle Tennessee on parade morning. Featuring more than 50 units, the parade made its way down MTSU ' s traditional Tennessee Boulevard and East Main Street route. At the helm of the parade was Grand Marshal Bill Boner, 5th Congressional District representative and for- mer ASB president. By the timepre-game ceremonies began Saturday after- noon, more than 10,000 MTSU alumni, students, faculty and friends had packed the stands in hopes of seeing the Blue Raiders continue their winning season. The Raiders opened their guns against the Racers from Murray State and blasted them with a 17-14 victory. Crowned by Congressman Bill Boner and assisted by 1982 Queen Nise Levy, this year ' s homecoming queen was Stephanie Fitzpatrick, a Nashville senior Winners in the overall spirit competion were announced after the third quarter of gridiron action. In the fraternity category, Kappa Alpha took home the huge spirit award. Mitch Petross 24 features