Homecoming traditions are alive and well

Homecoming is this weekend, and university students and alumni celebrate many traditions. Some are in the past, but others have become perennial events.

Dave Keeney, class of 1996, said Homecoming is about reconnecting with old friends, getting back to campus to see what has changed, and seeing TCU football at its best.

“It’s a very different experience when you live in town,” Keeney said.

Keeney said he comes to the university at least once a week, but he has friends living out-of-town who make a special trip to come see the game.

“It’s a good excuse to come home,” he said.

Spending time with friends at the University Pub was a tradition Keeney had when he was a student at TCU, and still has today, Keeney said.

Railhead Smokehouse and Hoffbrau are also a must when it comes to eating a meal before or after the game, Keeney said.

Keeney did not have a favorite Homecoming moment, but he did say Homecoming is an important part of the university.

Dean of Campus Life Susan Adams, said in an email she has worked at the university for 35 years and has worked with Homecoming events. Some old Homecoming traditions are Mr. and Ms. TCU, Frog Follies, and the Homecoming parade.

Two of these, Mr. and Ms. TCU and the Homecoming parade, are still traditions today. Final voting for Mr. and Ms. TCU ended Monday, and the Homecoming parade is Friday, Adams said.

However, Frog Follies was a tradition of the past, Adams said. Frog Follies were spirit skits put on by students in Ed Landreth Hall, Adams said.

Senior marketing major Keziah Zacharia said tailgating was a classic Homecoming tradition as well as the parade. Both get you in a good mood for the game, she said.

Zacharia said her favorite Homecoming moment was this year when she found out she was one of the top five finalists for Ms. TCU. Zacharia’s favorite part of Homecoming is the crowning of Mr. and Ms. TCU because she has had many of her friends nominated, she said.

“It is exciting to see them so happy,” Zacharia said.

According to TCU’s Homecoming website, the parade will begin at 6 p.m. Friday on the main campus, and FrogFest will follow from 6-9 in the Campus Commons.

Friday, Oct. 21
SuperFrog’s Birthday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. East Campus
Homecoming Parade: 6 p.m. Main Campus
FrogFest: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Campus Commons

Saturday, Oct. 22
TCU vs. New Mexico: 1 p.m. Amon G. Carter Stadium

For more information about Homecoming weekend, visit TCU’s Homecoming website.