Homecoming reunites old friends, recruits new students and celebrates the school's progress Alumni returned to their alma mater Oct. 25-27 for a busy and event– ful Homecoming weekend. Many events were scheduled throughout the weekend for stu– dents, alumni, parents, fri ends and prosp ective students. The weekend offered activities such as the musical, "Once Upon a Mattress," the Bison Booster golf tournament at the Searcy Country Club, a Good News Singers perfor– mance, a pep rally and a bonfire. Making a return was Ha rvey Wallbanger Jr., a bison from the Buf– falo Express Western Show, and his trainer T.C. Thorstenson. Saturday, there was a social club fair in the Ganus Athletic Center. Belles and Beaux, a musical group, performed along with the children's theater group, Pied Pipers in the Administration Auditorium. Alongwith giving groups on cam– pus a chance to perform, Homecom– ing served as a recruitment weekend for prospective students. "It proved to be a successful week– end," Mike Williams, assistant vice president for admissions and stu– dent financial services, said. "We had over 200 students register for Bison Daze and they were able to get a taste of classes and weekend events, like the musical and the football game." Although the numbers were up again at the admissions office, the a lumni office reported a decrease in registered participants for Home– coming 2002. The Bison football team felt the spirit of Homecoming with their vic– tory over the University of Arkan– sas, Monticello, which improved their season record to 7-1. "Tthink the point of HomecomNewly elected Homecoming queen, Lindsey Eason, senior, accepts a con– gratulatory bouquet from President David Burks' granddaughter, Callie. Eason was crowned during half-time of the Oct. 26 football game against the University of Arkansas,Monticello. (PhotobyReneeLewis) Trainer T.e. TIlorstenson and his bison, Harvey WallbangerJr., mingle with the fans during the Homecoming football game Oct. 26. The pair also made an appearance at the pep rally Friday, where they awed the crowd with tricks, such as jumping through a ring of fire. (Photo by Renee Lewis) ing is to boost the morale of the team and get the student body involved in the game," senior Lindsey Eason, 2002 Homecoming queen, said. "I think it's a really encouraging time for the team. The stude nt body seemed really excited abou t another victory and they had so many people coming back to support them." One alumnus, Alice Ann Kellar, came back to campus for her 50-year class reunion. "We were all so happy to be to– gether again. During my time we all depended on each other so much. It was fun to talk about our best memo– ries and just to reconnect," Kellar said. "Overall it was an enjoyable weekend . We enjoyed seeing the progress and development of the school, but most of all, we enjoyed being together. " -Kerri DutiJe homecoming 21 • •
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