Carrying on tradition and seeing old friends are two things that play significant roles in homecoming activities. With many activities happening across campus this week, the athletic department is taking part in a number of them.
“It’s about coming together and celebrating MSUM,” Asst. Athletics Director for External Relations Gloria Riopelle said.
The week kicked off with the first Dragon Dog Fest and pep rally. Other highlights include the chili competition and the Color Me Rad 5K.
On Friday the athletic department will hold it’s annual Dragons Hall of Fame Banquet. The banquet will start at 5:30 p.m. with the social followed by dinner and the program starting at 6:30 p.m.
Nine individuals will be honored along with four former Dragon teams at the banquet.
The all football reunion is a part of homecoming this year and is bringing more than 100 former football players for a weekend of festivities.
Football isn’t the only reunion, the MSUM swimming and diving team is hosting a reunion meet as well.
“We have about 15 to 20 former swimmers and divers coming back for the reunion,” 2007 MSUM graduate and assistant coach Katie Diiro said. “We are really excited about it.”
The meet will feature relays, individual races and diving. The meet starts at 3 p.m. in the Alex Nemzek swimming pool.
“It’s fun getting together with old teammates,” Diiro said.
Saturday events will start early at 9 a.m. with the Color Me Rad run and then at 11 a.m. the parade. Tailgating will start at 11:30 a.m. and following tailgating at noon the soccer team will take on Minnesota State University-Mankato. The football game kicks off at 2 p.m. with the Dragons taking on Concordia University, St. Paul. Both the soccer and football are Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference games.
Riopelle said that a baseball reunion will also take place during homecoming.
“Tailgating is going to be huge, and we are going to have food vendors as well,” Riopelle said.
At the football game there will be a silent auction, and throughout homecoming there is an online auction with all proceeds going to athletic scholarships.
The week will wrap up on Sunday when the soccer team finishes its homestand. Game time is 1 p.m. when they play Concordia University, St. Paul.
“It’s about coming together as a community and honoring our past, present and future.”
BY BREANN LENZMEIER
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