Homecoming Bound to Be a Tropical Paradise

A Tropical Paradise Party is one of the many attractions scheduled during Homecoming weekend Nov. 13-15. Cheerleaders, dance team members and mascots are among those gathering for reunions with old friends.

Winthrop will hold its Homecoming celebration in November to kick off the basketball season and to help ensure better weather for scheduled events.

Since 1984, Winthrop has held its annual festivities in February, often coinciding with the end of the basketball season. Through the years, however, Homecoming has been plagued by bad weather, including a snowstorm in 2004 when 18 inches of snow fell. Temperatures hover around 40 degrees during that time of year.

Debbie Garrick, executive director of the Office of Alumni Relations, said the shift to a fall Homecoming will be a welcome change as traditions evolve over the years.

“I hope everyone will see the value in having better travel weather for many of our alumni. Also, it is beneficial to hold a Homecoming game earlier, rather than later in the season,” Garrick said. “It is incredibly difficult to build momentum for a team when your biggest push for alumni attendance is during the last game of the season.”

Early in Homecoming history, Garrick said events centered around student organizations with spirit, banner and float competitions, as well as Skit Night, a pep rally and a parade.

The first themed Homecoming, titled “Wonderful World of Winthrop” and boasting floats and posters, centered on Disney images. Over the years, campus-wide events, such as Dinkins Student Union acts, theatre productions and alumni events, were added to the calendar.

This year’s schedule from Nov. 9-15 will transport participants to a tropical paradise. Popular Homecoming traditions such as the National Pan-Hellenic Step Show, affinity group reunions and tailgating at the Winthrop Coliseum are among the activities.

Garrick said the week-long activities will enable the university to take advantage of the region’s mild late fall weather. A tropical paradise party will take place Friday night before the Eagles’ first game against Limestone on Saturday. Check out the schedule.