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

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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.

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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

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a time to cheer As 1994 Homecoming Queen Tamika McGill is presented to the more than 50,000 Ians in the packed Razorback Stadium, Associated Student Government President Chuck Welch applauds. The halftime ceremony was just one of many events during McGills busy weekend. [Diaz photo] this is the moment Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker makes Tamika McGills day by officially crowning her as the 1994 Homecoming Queen. McGill said this was the moment she finally believed she was the queen. [Wichser photo] .J, HOMECOMING 25