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Contact: Julie Navejar
julie.navejar@tamuk.edu or 361-593-2590

Javelina Homecoming Celebrates Old Traditions, Starts New Ones

KINGSVILLE (October 14, 2009) — It’s time to dust off that old blue and gold letter jacket and dig the beanie cap out of the attic because it’s time for a Javelina Homecoming at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. A week of special events begins Saturday, Oct. 17, and concludes Saturday, Oct. 24, with a football game at Javelina Stadium.

This year’s theme, Javelina Traditions, seeks to build on old traditions and add new ones as current students make Homecoming their own.

One of the most important new traditions is the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen during the Fall Carnival, Wednesday, Oct. 21, rather than at halftime of the football game. The carnival begins at 5 p.m. on University Boulevard. Music by One Pin Short starts at 7 p.m. The fun and games all culminate with the coronation ceremony at 8:30 p.m. The 2009 King and Queen will then reign over the remaining Homecoming events like the parade and bonfire.

The Fall Carnival brings dozens of student organizations together with food, games and fun for all ages. The public is invited to attend this traditional Homecoming event that serves as a fund raiser for many of the student groups.

Homecoming Week kicks off with an intramural flag football tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the intramural field.

Entertainment will be provided Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 19-20, as the Campus Activity Board brings performers to campus. Comedian Ronnie Jordan will bring his brand of laughs to ballroom A of the Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB) at 7 p.m. Monday. Norman the Magician will amaze his audience beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Jones Auditorium.

In an effort to involve the community in the university’s Homecoming, the parade is being brought back to the downtown area. Newly crowned royalty will preside at the Homecoming Parade beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown Kingsville. The parade will start near the Kleberg County Courthouse and proceed down Kleberg Street to the old high school. Parade lineup will be at 5 p.m. Online registration for the parade is available at www.javelinaalumni.com.

The Grand Marshals of the parade will be Dr. Demarious Keller Frey, Class of ’59 and named a Distinguished Alumna this year; and Harry Ketcham Jr., Class of ’39 and a member of Doc’s Boys.

Following the parade, the public is welcome to attend the volleyball game at 7 p.m. at the Kingsville Hampton Inn Court at the Steinke Physical Education Center. The Javelinas will take on Tarleton State University. Tickets are $2 for adults, $1 for public school students and free for A&M-Kingsville students with a valid identification card; however, everyone wearing blue and gold will be admitted to the volleyball game free of charge. For more information, call 361-593-4030.

Students are signing up to provide entertainment of their own as the annual Talent Show gets underway at 8:30 p.m. in ballroom A of the MSUB. Alpha Sigma Alpha coordinates this event.

Another big day in Homecoming Week is Friday, Oct. 24. The day starts at 10:30 a.m. with the EmbroidMe Homecoming Golf Classic at the L.E. Ramey Golf Course. A shotgun start begins this fundraising event, produced in association with the Javelina Alumni Association and Javelina Athletics. Net proceeds generated are used for scholarship support for deserving students and for all ten Javelina athletic programs. Online registration is available at www.javelinaalumni.com.

The Class of the 9s luncheon will be held at noon in room 219ABC of the MSUB. This year’s featured class is 1959. Tickets are $10 each.

A reception for the Century Club will be held at the President’s Home at 6:30 p.m. This function is by invitation only.

Students and alumni alike are invited to gather for the Hog Call pep rally at 8 p.m. at the intramural field. This will be immediately followed by the traditional Homecoming Bonfire. Music at the Bonfire will be provided by Southern Scarred.

The fun begins early Saturday, Oct. 24, as check in for the annual Breast Cancer Walk/Run begins at 8:30 a.m. in the MSUB courtyard.

Three graduates will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon at noon Saturday in the MSUB ballrooms. Those being honored are Randall A. Odom, Class of 1957, of San Antonio, and Dr. Demarious Keller Frey, DVM, Class of 1959, of Corpus Christi. The Rising Star Award goes to Howard A. Garig, Class of 1994, of Conroe.

Those wishing to show off their barbecuing skills may enter the 7th Annual Alumni Fajita Cook-Off beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the tailgate area on the northeast side of Javelina Stadium. Registration is from 2:30-3 p.m., preparation time is 3-5 p.m. and judging starts at 5:30 p.m. First, second and third place winners will be awarded prizes and trophies. Everyone is invited to participate in the competition. Get there early to claim your tailgating spot as space is limited. David Grace will provide the music for the Homecoming Tailgate from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Academic buildings on campus will be open from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for those who want to visit.

Following the Tailgate, the nationally-ranked Javelina football team takes the field at Javelina Stadium at 7 p.m. against the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds. The Javelinas hope to continue their winning ways and earn themselves a spot in the playoffs. General admission is $5, reserved seats in sections A and F are $10, seats in sections B and E are $12, seats in sections C and D are $15 and box seats are $18. Senior citizens in sections A and F are $7. A&M-Kingsville students are free with a valid identification card. For ticket information, call 361-593-4030.

For more information about the alumni events, call 361-593-4176. For information on all other events, call the student activities office at 361-593-2760.

 

 

This page last updated 16 October, 2009