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Homecoming at Mizzou (How it started and how 2009 version went)

The University of Missouri’s Homecoming for 2009 was celebrated on Saturday, October 24. Missouri is considered to be the school which started the tradition of Homecoming followed by most universities, colleges, and high schools.

The origins of the traditions trace back to 1911, when Missouri’s athletic director Chester Brewer wanted to renew excitement for the rivalry with the Kansas Jayhawks. Missouri and Kansas began a tradition in 1891, where their football teams would play a game, nicknamed the “Border War,” against each other every year. For Brewer to build excitement in the rivalry, he invited Missouri alumni to attend the game against Kansas in 1911. This event also included a parade and spirit rally. The tradition of alumni gathering for a big football game and enjoying a day of festivities was spread to schools across the nation.

The 2009 version of Missouri’s Homecoming was subtitled “New Fight, Same Bite.”
In the weeks leading up to Homecoming weekend, Mizzou hosted several events. Mizzou’s Homecoming blood drive, where over 4700 people donated blood, is the largest student-run blood drive in the nation. Along with the blood drive, Mizzou added a new service event this year called “Tiger Food Fight,” which aimed to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank.
The parade and game were on Saturday. The Tigers were set to take on the Texas Longhorns. Texas, the third ranked college football team in the nation, routed Missouri 41-7.

(My own thoughts on my first Homecoming, not meant to be part of above.)

As expected, it was fun, but I wish I could have been more involved with it. I contributed to the blood drive and attended the game, which was fun despite the team getting roughed up. Homecoming is obviously a big deal at Mizzou, and I’m looking forward to next year; hopefully, I’ll be more involved.