Georgia Institute of Technology - Blueprint Yearbook (Atlanta, GA)

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22 l Looking Back

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. tudents Retain ech Traditions Despite the important research, ex- ellent educational opportunities. and in- reasing adaptability of Tech. traditions re what Tech is all about. Student life practically revolves around traditions. nd without them memories would be bscured or even lost. Of course, the biggest time for reliving raditions is during the fall, and the big- est single event is Homecoming. Even ithout the pageantry and festivities, just he mention of the word Homecoming nd the feeling in the air at this time of ear bring back memories and encourage ctivity. To an outsider, the antics of Tech tudents, faculty, and alumni would pro- .3ny seem fruitless at best - putting in twenty-four hour days for a solid week just to prepare for one weekend. But to a Ramblin' Wreck, the hard work and en- thusiasm come naturally and are merely an extension of a year-round love of Georgia Tech. Although the traditions of Homecoming have gone practically unaltered through the years, the theme that is incorporated into the festivities each year provides new opportunities for ideas and activities. The 1983 theme, HTech Tropics, was no ex- ception with Tech students outdoing themselves and their forerunners in originality and versatility. Whether they were competing, showing off, or partying, Tech students used this year's theme to the fullest. Another vital tradition is the intense rivalry of the Tech-Georgia game, The biggest preparations for HThe Game are internal as the players and fans get ex- cited and keyed up for the big event. This year the game was at Grant Field, so Tech students were able to continue their mediations, vibrations, and Iibations non-stop throughout the weekend. The more subtle and timeless traditions at Tech are equally important. One relatively unnoticed tradition at Tech is the students' use of free-time. The Stu- dent Center steps are becoming a tradi- tional gathering place, especially on Fridays when students use the arrival of Techniques as a basis for conversation. In a changing society, it is important to keep in touch with our roots. Traditions at Tech enable us to do just that and are an integral part of campus life. LEFT TO RIGHT: Upholding traditions sometime in- volves extreme effort as welders prepare for the reck paraded The Mini 500 is a very old tradition at Tech, Homecoming captures memories of the past while giving us new ones to cherish throughout the year. Looking Back I 21

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Each year, the flavor of Homecoming is determined by the selection of the theme. This fall, the entire Tech campus was transported to the South Pacific for a week of HTech Tropics. Central to this year's theme was the competition sponsored by the Student Center Homecoming Committee. Points were awarded to each organization bas- ed not only on their finish but also on their simply having participated in the event. This provided a spirit of good-natured fun amidst the cut-throat competition. For a group to prove its tropical pro- wess, it first had to rule the beach. Show- ing off for the native women meant sand volleyball at its best. Some groups, no doubt, found more comfort among the spotlights within the safe confines of the local Student Center outpost. The t'Head Hunt for Talent talent show brightened the night with song and dance, bringing culture to this savage adventure. The Sur- vival Olympics competition included punch chugging, limbo dancing, and a formidable obstacle course. Rounding out the competition and proving that all true natives must be adept at island hop- ping, the boat building contest rewarded proficiency on the high seas. ' All who ventured into the HTropics made it back safely, each with a few more stories to tell, all of them eagerly awaiting next year's journey into the depths of whatever theme is used. TOP. LEFT TO RIGHT: Richard Murray, Mike Leon. and Hosea Lopez work on their prototype. Scott Partin. and Mike Whitney act tacky. A real classic. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: A limbo dancer gets down. A talented student does likewise. Looking Back I 23