Homecoming activities unofficially begin on Thursday, Nov. 11 when voting for king and queen begins. The week officially begins Nov. 15 with the homecoming kickoff at Brooks Gym at 7 p.m. This year’s homecoming campaign is centered around ETSU’s centennial, with the theme being “Let the Celebration Begin.” The goal this year is to tie the homecoming celebration to the Centennial.

Students can expect to see a change in the festivities this year.

“In the past, there was more of a focus on having a lot of smaller events,” said Evin Dransfield, head of the homecoming committee. “This year we are refocusing to have fewer events scheduled so more students can attend.”

Student complaints in the past have been a factor in the decision to schedule fewer events.

“Students have complained about there being so many activities, so we condensed it down to about one main event each day so that every group has an opportunity to participate,” said Chad Hall, SGA president.

The homecoming kickoff is also something that has changed. This year, students can get into the competitive spirit during the event.

“I am most excited for the kickoff,” said Dransfield. “This year we’ve restructured it to be more exciting. We’re going for more of a ‘pep rally’ feel. I really feel like this will draw more students to come out and participate.”

Some students said they feel more inclined to attend homecoming events this year due to the changes.

“I feel like I have more of an opportunity to contribute to the festivities this year,” said Luke Roark, a senior at ETSU.

Homecoming at ETSU also places a huge emphasis on charity. There are several events this year that encourage students to give back.

On Nov. 16, the Toys for Tots drive (taking place at the Common Grounds) and the blood drive (taking place at Culp Ballroom, left) will be occurring simultaneously beginning at 10 a.m. The day’s events close with the Hunger Banquet, which begins at 6:30 p.m. (for a full list of all homecoming activities, visit www.etsu.edu/homecoming).

The week’s events lead up to Saturday, Nov. 20. On Saturday, students can participate in ETSU’s Homecoming Festival/Charity Carnival which begins at noon.

At 4 p.m. the ETSU men’s basketball team will compete against Tennessee Tech in the Mountain States Health Alliance Athletics Center (formerly the Mini Dome). The crowning of the homecoming king and queen will take place at halftime.

SGA encourages all students to participate in homecoming this year.

“I would hope that any student would feel welcome, and I invite them to participate,” said Hall. “I like homecoming for two reasons: It encourages students to work both with and against each other in friendly competition and there is a philanthropic emphasis that encourages charitable donations.”

“I’m really looking forward to homecoming,” said Dransfield. “I think it will be really amazing this year.”

Students are also looking forward to the events, Ashley Suave, a sophomore, said “I think it’s going to be awesome. I can’t wait until homecoming week.

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