University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

Page 27 text:

the introduction Junior Court member Amy Martin and BSA President Shawn Lawson make their way across the field during halftime. “It was an honor to be a part of such a great tradition,” Martin said, “especially during the centennial year of Razorback football.” [Diaz photo] that ball is mine Senior offensive linebacker Willie Johnson scrambles for a fumbled ball during the Hogs’ 31-7 win over Ole Miss. [Armitage photo] let’s party The pep rally in the Chi Omega Greek Theater helped create the Homecoming atmosphere just before the weekend’s festivities began. Filling the air with such spirited cheers as the Hog Call, students prepared to welcome alumni and fans for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. (McKinney photo] HOMECOMING 23

Page 26 text:

something Ignoring the occasional spell of bad weather, Homecoming fans set out for an unforgettable weekend. ... while celebrating 100 years of Razorback pride m urphy’s Law 256: Have parade, will rain. Razorbacks’ Law 345: Have the parade anyway. For the first time in four years, Homecoming Weekend featured a parade down Dickson Street, and predictably, Mother Nature decided to toy with the festivities. Alumni and students, however, persevered and were rewarded with periodic sunshine by kickoff of the Hogs’ game against Ole Miss. The return of the parade was one of several special activities to welcome back alumni and mark the centennial anniversary of the Razorback football tradition. Other events during Homecoming Week included the showing of the movie “Above the Rim” by the Black Students Association. In addition, the group sponsored numerous events including a reception for the Homecoming Court, a talent show and Spirit Day, during which students were encouraged to wear Razorback red to show their support for the Hogs. BSA was not alone in its efforts to make Homecoming ’94 fun and fulfilling.The Residents’ Interhall Congress held a Casino Night party in Brough Commons. Tamika McGill was chosen as the 1994 Homecoming Queen. Her court included Tamara Abshier, Shelli Barnette, Rebecca Holloway and Amy Martin. And, the Hogs defeated the Rebels, 31-7. L ast year there was hardly anything done and people complained that the BSA didn V do anything for Homecoming, so this year we gave them so much to do that they can ' t complain. ” SHAWN Lawson, senior, Black Students Association president I t ' s neat for me to say that I participated in the tradition, hut what got to me the most was seeing Ann McGill, the oldest living Homecoming Queen, return for the halftime ceremony. It really hit me to see so many people remember their alma mater and that traditions don ' t change that much. CHUCK Welch, senior. Associated Student Government president 22 HOMECOMING

Page 28 text:

a Homecoming Queen lamika McGill proves .that good things do come those who wait... and . wait and wait by Alyson Low lways a maid, never a queen.” Okay, so it’s not exactly word for word, but the spirit of the old adage was nonetheless true forTamika McGill, a junior from Little Rock. Throughout high school, the education major had been chosen as a maid on every homecoming court for both basketball and football, but she was never crowned a homecoming queen. On Homecoming Day 1994, that all changed. McGill represented her sorority Delta Sigma Theta in the interview process for the Homecoming Court. McGill estimated the number of women considered by the football team at around 60. They introduced them¬ selves and gave a brief speech, and then the Hogs cast their votes for the members of the Court. McGill and the others were told the results would be posted, but she discov¬ ered the good news from a friend and a football player who both congratulated her the next morning during classes. “Then I went to see for myself, just to make sure,” McGill said. Adding that she was very excited, McGill admitted she didn’t really believe her day as a queen was at hand until she was crowned by Gov. Jim Guy Tucker. McGill said she received many gifts, flowers and balloons from well-wishers at home and at school. Her younger brother, older sister, and several aunts and cousins shared the day with her and her mother, who “cried tears of joy.” The queen’s day began with the Homecoming parade down Dickson Street — the first in four years — then she and the other members of the court were treated to lunch at the Broyles Complex. Later she was introduced to alumni, including former Homecoming Queens, the oldest of whom shared the same last name. McGill rode around Razorback Stadium in the pregame parade of cars, and then she was crowned — her favorite memory of her reign as Homecoming Queen. “My day went real well,” she said.