Dwayne Joseph, Jr.
MC 301 Contributor/Staff
The new parade route around campus and a much anticipated matchup between current Jackson State University head coach, Harold Jackson and former head coach, Rick Comegy are just two of the many things fans can look forward to at the 2014 JSU Homecoming.
Homecoming is a time when students and alumni come together and celebrate the school’s history and heritage. The themed event, “The Blueprint: One Tiger, One Roar” will begin Sunday Oct. 5 and end on Sunday, Oct. 12.
On Saturday, Oct. 4 students will paint paws at the campus entrance. Students and others are anxiously awaiting Pastor Dewayne Pickett and the New Jerusalem Church congregation, who will host the Homecoming Week worship service.
Tanika High, a freshman biology major from Atlanta, Ga., is excited about her first college homecoming experience.
“I have heard people talking about New Jerusalem Church but I never knew where it was. I can’t wait to hear what that pastor has to say and what the rest of the week holds,” she said.
Another event that will bring the JSU family closer together is laughter and that is what the Tiger family will get on Wednesday night in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.
The comedy show will feature comedians like Lil Duval, J.J. Williamson, and Ms. BPhlat.
“Lil Duval is so crazy and so funny that I have to go to the comedy show without a doubt. I really don’t care how much it costs, I’m going,” said Robert Tolds, IV, a junior engineering major from Houston, Texas.
Lacey Jones, a senior earth systems science major from Meridian, Miss., is looking forward to the party atmosphere.
“The hotspots and the parties on The Plaza is what I can’t wait for,” said Jones. “There will be so much going on everyday on the Plaza. The Street Jam will be jumping and the Hotspots will be just as fun,” said Jones.
The coronation of Miss JSU Anissa Butler is scheduled for Thurday night and promises to be a great event.
The Greek Step Show is another event students anticipate. Each fraternity and sorority adds a different twist and tries to outdo each other for the excitement of the crowd.
Last year, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Gamma Rho chapter beat out all other sororities and the members of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. Alpha Beta Chapter won in the fraternity category.
Alexander Gatewood, a junior elementary education major from Jackson, Miss. and step captain for Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., is very positive that they will win again.
“To ensure this win, we have increased from having weekly step practices to daily rehearsals,” said Gatewood.
For the first time in JSU Homecoming history, the Homecoming Parade has been rerouted to campus. The parade will circle campus starting at the end of the Lynch Street roundabout and on around the Dalton/ Lynch Street side of campus.
As Homecoming Week comes to a close, Saturday is the moment of truth. The most exciting part about that weekend for most JSU supporters is the football game. This year the Tigers will face the Mississippi Valley State University Devils.
Morris Bowman, a junior history major from Itta Bena, Miss., said he cannot wait until Jackson State “beats Valley to sleep.”
“I just left a game last weekend and they lost horribly to Alabama A&M. I know Jackson State is going to win that weekend hands down,” said Bowman.
The week’s event will culminate with a preview of the 2014 JSU Tiger Basketball team at the annual Midnight Madness celebration.
Homecoming 2k14 is where it is about to go down. See you there!
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