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Homecoming 2009 swept the UNC Charlotte campus throughout the month of February. Beginning with its Kick-off party on Feb 6, several events and annual traditions led up to the Men’s Basketball game Feb. 14 against George Washington. New this year was the Homecoming cup, a competition for student organizations to prove who has the most spirit. Events for the cup included Paint Your Spirit, the Yell Like Hell contest, and Penny Wars.
Other returning events were the popular lunch with Norm and the Green and Gold Affair – Mardi Gras Style. All of these, including the Homecoming Comedy Show, were meant to build excitement and anticipation for Homecoming Day. The day-long celebration began at 8:30 a.m. with a breakfast with Chancellor Philip Dubois, where guests participating in Family Day and homecoming could dine with UNCC officials before the festivities began. After the breakfast, students and guests could participate in the Homecoming 5K Run.
Running in the Homecoming 5K
At noon, when I got to my part-time job in retail, from the observations of my manager and coworkers, they said I was glowing. It was the glow of accomplishment from the morning Homecoming 5K.
The Recreational Services 2009 Homecoming 5K Run/Walk that benefited the American Heart Association was held Feb. 14 at UNC Charlotte.
At 7:50 a.m. rain pattered the windshield of my mother’s car as we drove to UNCC, and parked across from the Irwin Belk Track. She’s been my main support since I’ve started my recreational running addiction approximately two years ago, and accompanied me to my first 5k that I ran to completion. She smiled and took a couple of pictures or two, maybe even five – you know mothers – from the upper patio of the stadium, as I and the other runners gathered on the track ready to begin our journey.
The gunshot fired a little past 9 a.m.: 324 runners and walkers and I were off around the track once, which felt like we were horses on display to spectators, and then onto the course around campus, free range. I set my pace, and hoped the speed walkers wouldn’t pass me.
Hitting the one-mile mark, I felt like I was revving up, even if taller and older people were passing me. My consolation was that they had longer legs and more miles under their belt, but I hit the first hill strong while others stopped running and walked upward, asking when the downhill part would come.
I jogged on, knowing full well the last leg would be all downhill. I had run the course two weeks ago and then once more this past Monday backward. Though on Monday I rolled my right ankle twice consecutively running on the grass, which made me anxious all week long hoping the slight pain running from my ankle to halfway up my calf would stop. I got lucky and was able to run without any pain or being doped up on Advil!
Bringing me back, after the two-mile mark I saw a familiar face directing runners to a water station, Amanda Betsch, sophomore, whom I had volunteered with at last year’s race. Cheering and encouraging people on was exhilarating last year, but after that experience of watching the people pass I knew I wanted to take my recreational fun to a new level and be the one that passed.
After Robinson Hall, a runner from behind me said to those around her, “finally the part I’ve been waiting for.” Two others and I supported that statement as we jogged downhill.
Finally, making it back to the track, I saw finished runners lining the sidelines, and in front of me the yellow tent that I must pass under to register my time. I saw the clock ticking closer to 37 minutes, my time that I had made the past Monday. 36:54, 36:55 – I couldn’t let my time slip too far past 37, so I picked up my pace.
A long squealing beep rang in my ears as I hit the mat that transferred my time to be registered. I registered a time of 37:02, taking 238th place. I was damp from the rain, but looking around I felt wonderful, a new perspective had dawned on me.
Why be afraid? While running 3.2 miles had seemed to be my biggest challenge to overcome for the past two weeks, it felt insignificant to all the things being faced in our nation and globally. I had finished my goal to run a 5K, but unknowingly what sprang forth from this experience was the feeling of courage and hope for the future.
Homecoming Parade
Norm the Niner and the 49er Cheerleaders led the parade as it made its way around campus. The Homecoming parade consisted of 22 different organizations striving to exemplify this year’s Homecoming theme: “Nothing can be finer than being a 49er.”
Organizations varying from Greek life to alumni groups participated in the parade. Entries for the parade included floats, decorated cars, and walking units. The parade entries were judged by a panel of 5 judges: Dean of Students Michele Howard, SGA President Tim Ernst, Chancellor Dubois’ wife, Lisa Dubois, Cynthia Wolf Johnson, and a guest parent judge. These judges were looking for creativity, school spirit, and use of theme.
Many spectators arrived for the parade and the homecoming festivities. Onlookers saw a variety of 49er school spirit and individual flair from participating groups. Crowd favorites included Alpha Phi Alpha’s interpretation of Boyz II Men’s classic, “Motown Philly” and a performance by the Vance High School Marching Band.
“My favorite float was Lambda Chi,” Steve Kowalchyk, a 49er parent who attended the parade, said. Lambda Chi Alpha paired with Alpha Delta Phi to provide a float that had the crowd cheering. Their float featured Norm the Niner, Cupid, and George Washington in a stockade. The duo also participated in cheers with the crowd.
Many spectators enjoyed the parade performances. “The step team was my favorite,” said UNC Charlotte freshman, Darlene Peacock. “They were spunky.”
Several floats also handed out candy to those in the crowd, such as Chi Omega who teamed up with Delta Sigma. This group passed out decorative bags filled with Hershey’s Kisses. The Student Union float also handed out gold coins to crowd members in anticipation of its Fall 2009 opening.
The winner of the parade was announced at the Homecoming tailgate following the parade. Chi Omega and Delta Sigma were awarded a plaque for the best entry. Their float incorporated their organization’s pride and school spirit.
Pre-game Party
Students, faculty and guests gathered in the Recreational Field beside Grigg Hall for the 2009 Homecoming Tailgate party. Beginning at 1 p.m., the festivities continued until the Men’s Basketball game later in the afternoon.
Guests from Family Day and participating student organizations set up canopies across from the DJ and food booth. Attendees could make a stuffed animal, get an airbrushed tattoo, and compete in an inflatable game that combined basketball and tug-of-war.
During the tailgate, the homecoming court and King and Queen nominees were announced as well as the winners of the parade contest. Also, organizations took part in the “Yell Like Hell” competitions, where participants had to perform a cheer the team had written.
Alpha Phi Alpha gave a straightforward chant about being a Niner. Lamba Ki Alpha together with AD Pi did a costumed cheer calling George Washington, the rival team in the Men’s Basketball game, out. Both teams were named winners. The third organization, Kappa Sigma and Kappa Delta withdrew from the competition.
Guests enjoyed hot dog and hamburger lunches, then made their way up Phillip’s road to Halton Arena for the main event of the day, the Men’s Basketball game. Read the complete coverage of the game in the Sports section on page seven. During halftime, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced.
King and Queen Winners Announced
Several contenders were running for the King and Queen title. Advertisements for applicants have appeared everywhere in various buildings, residence halls, and even Facebook – applicants created groups on the popular site to gather support for their cause. Voting began on February 6 and ended on February 13 at 4 p.m.
At our homecoming game against George Washington University, the winners were announced. The contenders for King and Queen, respectively, were as follows: BJ Williams, Clarence Mayo, Quincey Brewington, Adam Shinn, Angelica McDonald, Amanda Holder, and Lindsey Moritz. Though all of the participants ran a good campaign, there could only be two people crowned.
An excited group of Niner Nation fans filled the stands in anticipation of the game. Near the top sat the King and Queen hopefuls, along with the class court winners, which had previously been announced, with their escorts. As the clock wound down toward the end of the first half, the candidates headed down to be escorted onto the gym floor. The class court winners walked out onto the floor first, greeting the shouting fans, followed by the King and Queen prospects. There was a quick pause and then the winners were announced. The 2009 King and Queen winners are Drake Mayo and Angelica McDonald. Surprised and happy are only two of the emotions that read on the faces of the King and Queen. They waved to their supporters as they were crowned. After taking one last look at their cheering peers, they walked off the court proudly.
After the crowning ceremony, the winners could barely put their happiness into words. “I still can’t believe it,” King Mayo said. “It still hasn’t set in yet.” Queen McDonald felt similar emotions. “I’m very excited,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “I didn’t expect to cry.”
The campaigns for Mayo and McDonald went according to their plans. A combination of traditional posters and word-of-mouth techniques and technology helped ensure their win. Both agreed that if they could do it again, they would change nothing about their campaigns. McDonald added a reason why she wouldn’t have changed anything if there was a do-over. She said, “We all supported each other.” Because of their support for each other and the support of the majority of the student body, they wear the King and Queen crown. Congratulations on a campaign well run and your new titles.
1 comments
- Alpha Delta Phi? Which I don't actually believe exists in general, and certainly not here at Charlotte.
- Delta Sigma. Delta Sigma what? Is it Delta Sigma Theta, is it Delta Sigma Phi? Don't expect to find the answer in this article.
- Lamba Ki Alpha. This is decidedly disappointing, as it was spelled correctly (Lambda Chi Alpha) only a few paragraphs before in this same article.
- Lastly, Kappa Delta was mentioned and, unless we were allowing organizations from different schools to participate in this year's Homecoming festivities, this is obviously a mistake.It's only unfortunate because each of these organizations put countless hours into preparing for, and participating in Homecoming 2009, and they can't even be recognized or congratulated properly. A correction would be a very considerate gesture. But that's just one guy's opinion.