Homecoming games score spirit for students

Homecoming Spirit Central was at Don Dallas Field, home to Tritons Soccer, this past Friday, Sept. 26. Student organizations from B.M.O.C. to S.T.A.T were at the game to pump up the Triton spirit while UM-St. Louis women's and men's soccer teams played against Kentucky.

"I really like to see students come out to events," Britney Lange, Homecoming Queen nominee, said. "I think I've tried really hard, I nominated myself. I gave out pens with stickers and candy bars. We, S.T.A.T., thought this would be a good way for people to learn."

The games started at 5 p.m. but S.T.A.T. (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) held a small free barbecue at 4 p.m. By serving barbecued hotdogs with mustard and pickle relish, Monster energy drinks and soda, S.T.A.T. helped put extra "pep" in everyone's Triton step. Jessica Cohen, president of S.T.A.T, organized the free barbecue.

"Students and alumni are raising support for Homecoming Spirit. We have foam fingers, cozies for cold sodas, beads and santanas [for everyone]," said James Bornfleth, S.T.A.T member.

The women's volleyball, tennis and softball teams all came out to show their homecoming support. All UM - St. Louis students got into the game for free; for others coming to the game, tickets were $3. The money went to raise funds for the Triton tennis team, who showed their spirit by wearing t-shirts with the Triton and UM - St. Louis logos.

The women of the Triton softball team sold pizza, soda, chips and candy to raise money for their team.

During the women's soccer game students in the R.H.A. (Residential Hall Association) stood and cheered in the stands. Many were dressed in red and yellow costumes to show their true Triton spirit.

"I'm dressed as a cheerleader" said Nick Rooney, math and physics. "The R.H.A hosted an event prior to the game and [we] bought face paints and clothes and told people to just go at it!"

At half-time of the men's soccer game, Erin Balentine, Paige Dubman, Dinae Fobish, Brittney Lange, Brooke Tiesmeyer, Michael Carr, Tony DiFatta, Adam Richter and Chris Skowera lined up in pairs and walked the soccer field as they were announced as candidates for Homecoming King and Queen.

Preparing for being a Homecoming King or Queen can take students a lot of work. "I did 40 push-ups every night, [used] Crest White Strips, slept in a tanning bed and practiced waving in a mirror every night. There are a lot of really good candidates, but I hope it's me!" Dubman said.

For other people, preparation for Homecoming Queen is a little less strenuous.

"I've been having fun with it. I'm not expecting to win. I'm not as involved [as everyone else]," Brooke Tiesmeyer said. "I'm Delta Zeta. Someone suggested it … I would never do this in high school, so I'm glad I did. I want to represent [my school] by pushing others."

After the Homecoming Court was announced, the Pan-Hellenic Organization gave out free t-shirts and people were asked to donate money.

The candidates chosen for Homecoming King and Queen would choose which organization to donate the funds.

Pan-Hellenic also chose the winners for the B.M.O.C. (Big Man on Campus) competition earlier in the week in the Pilot House. Three winners were brought out onto the field; the first place winner won a 19-inch Magnavox television with an additional three movies, the second place winner won an iPod Touch and the third place winner won an iPod Nano.

All of the Homecoming King and Queen candidates were excited about their prospects of winning. "I'm [in] Sigma Pi. I'm going to be the face of UM - St. Louis," Homecoming King Candidate Tony DiFatta, accounting, said. "I did it because it's a good experience. I'm in S.T.A.T., the Accounting Club and Tau Sigma. I'm going to move people."

And if they win Homecoming King and Queen, what are they going to do?

"If I win, after I get over the sheer excitement, I'm going to thank everyone that helped me get through this.