The construction of the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center has caused many changes in this weekend’s homecoming festivities, but many Tommie traditions still will be included.
STAR intern Wendy Lor said planning activities for homecoming week with construction on campus was difficult.
“It seems really sad that a tradition like the dance had to go away because of the construction but I think we just need to move forward with the Anderson athletic building,” Lor said. “It will be good. I think this is a good change.”
Pep fest
Organized each year by the Student Athlete Advisory Council, the homecoming pep fest excites Tommie fans about the athletic teams and events on campus.
In the past, students crowded the field house for the pep fest, but this year SAAC will bring the pep fest to the Lower Quad. At 6:00 p.m. Friday, the tradition of bringing athletes and students together will continue, and free, long-sleeved homecoming shirts will be handed out.
Wellness Center 5K
The Wellness Center’s 5K will be taking a few new turns this year, as it is no longer a one-person race but a four-person relay.
Instead of running through campus and under the Morrison Hall skyway, the race has been relocated to Summit Avenue. Four relay competitors will begin at the arches and complete a lap extending to Fairview Avenue. Each runner will hand off his or her baton to the next runner in a relay style.
Jennifer Schnaible, Wellness Center peer educator, said canceling the race because of construction wasn’t an option.
“The race promotes all of our initiatives of providing activities that promote healthy lifestyles and keep people active around campus,” she said.
The announcement of a relay has some students, like the women’s track and field relay runners, eager to participate.
Senior Laura Janas said her teammates are looking forward to the opportunity.
“I think we’re more for the spirit category than the winning category, but we’ll see,” Janas said. “I’ve never done it before but I think it’s cool they’re doing it relay-style this year.”
Students, staff and alumni can still sign up as race day registration continues until 8:15 a.m. Saturday in the Koch Fireside room. The relay begins at 9 a.m. and prizes will go to first-, second- and third-place finishers, as well as the team dressed with the most school spirit.
Tommies Big Blast
In addition to organizing two fall concerts and a dance at Scooter’s to substitute for the homecoming dance, STAR has coordinated other activities for the weekend.
A new event, Tommies Big Blast, will be held from 10:00 p.m. to midnight in the cafeteria immediately afterward, the tradition of the midnight student breakfast will take place. Whether students attend on-campus events Saturday evening or not, they can still arrive at the cafeteria for pancakes, prizes and music.
Sally Schreiber can be reached at sfschreiber@stthomas.edu