Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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Homecoming is an important part of the university ' s continuing legend. Bring- ing fans and alumni from all over, this celebration gives people a chance to re- member the old and take a look at the new. Many have worried that with the growth of the university, enthusiasm for the return of exes would wane. That is not happening, said Peggy Pearce, special events director for the Tech Ex-Students Association. People who came back felt that this was a very good homecoming. The excite- ment hasn ' t changed. People still come for the same reasons and still do the same things when they get here. They get to- gether, reminisce and catch up with peo- ple they haven ' t seen in years, Pearce said. Homecoming is an all-week event that begins with presentation of the queen nominees and then the election. The Sad- dle Tramps built the bonfire and did their pre-game decorating of the campus and automobiles. There was a pep-rally and bonfire Friday, followed by a reception and dance for Century Club members. In its ninth year, the Red Raider Road Race kicked off activities Saturday with 500 runners competing on either a 5K or lOK course through campus. There was a good turn-out for the annual parade even with the cold and rainy weather. On Saturday many organizations spon- sored parties for active members and alumni. The announcement of homecoming queen and Top Techsan awards by the Ex-Student Association preceded the main event. Though Tech lost to Baylor, 21 — 15, the spirit of the day was not lost. —Bv Audra Allaire Designed by Amy Kiimatz Homecoming — 19

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Blame It On The Rain 18 — Homecoming

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UP IN FLAMES Bonfire Reaches New Heights Members of the Saddle Tramps organi- zation spent almost six days during homecoming week building the tradition- al bonfire, which had a 50x50 — foot base and towered to a whopping 60 feet this year. The bonfire gets bigger every year, said bonfire co-chairman Russell King, a ju- nior animal science major from San Ant- onio. He said last year ' s bonfire was only 25x25 and 50 feet tall. On Friday afternoon members of the Goin ' Band from Raiderland drummed their way up and down the halls of vari- ous buildings on campus encouraging people to attend the 8 p.m. lighting of the bonfire behind the Rec Center. Students, fans and alumni gathered with the cheerleaders and the band for an old-fashioned pep rally to cheer the Red Raiders on to victory. The bonfire was torched by Saddle Tramps members and Arch Lamb, the organization ' s founder. The inferno burned brightly against the smoke-filled sky and within minutes the structure came crashing to the ground, destroying Baylor ' s mascot which adorned the top of the pile. — By Laura Waldusky A cheerleader jumps high above the i flames. Below, Raider Red and new ' friend hang out before the pep rally. (Photo by Sam Magee) 20 — Homecoming Bonfire