Homecoming, those special celebrations during football season that's filled with memories and traditions. An event that links the past with the present and inspires great hopes for the future. During homecoming week, festivities unite the school and the community, forming a sense of family that keeps the traditions and spirit of the school alive throughout the generations. The first homecoming celebration dates back to the year 1911! University of Missouri Athletic Director, Chester Brewer, afraid that fans and alumnus would not attend the "big game" due to a change in location, devised a plan to add some excitement to the game. He challenged the alumnus to return home for a great celebration with parades, parties, a rally and of course the big game. Over 9000 fans returned home for the event, which is recorded as the first official homecoming game. The rest is history. Now almost every high school and college in the country continues this annual tradition.
Homecoming activities are unique from school to school and often involve the entire student body as well as the community. There are many activities associated with homecoming week, such as; dances, parades, float competitions, grade level competitions, special pep rallies, spirit days, decorating contests, tailgate parties, reunions and of course the queen's court. Many of these events are planned by the student government, cheerleaders, athletic department or alumni. Because drill team is such an important part of football season, they also play a vital role in the success of the homecoming extravaganza. Here are some ideas to involve your drill team in the spirit of homecoming:
A Special Halftime Performance - Take this opportunity to do something really awesome! Showcase your team with a new prop or dynamite new choreography. Some teams have a traditional routine or special music that is performed especially for homecoming each year. If your team is unable to perform at halftime due to other homecoming ceremonies, consider a pre-game performance instead. Be sure that parents and spectators are aware of any changes in performance times. Check with the athletic director or head coach during the summer to determine the exact date for homecoming. Select music and formulate ideas with the band director early to avoid last minute confusion. If you have drill team members in the homecoming court, determine in advance if they will be able to perform with the team or not. In some instances, they can do both. Be sure to communicate with the homecoming coordinator regarding the schedule for all festivities. Do not take for granted that things will be "like last year".
A Flash Back Pep Rally - Choreograph a special homecoming pep rally routine celebrating the past! Select a decade or era and pay tribute to them with a special dance performance. (Example; 50's, 60's or 70's.) Create costumes that reflect the styles of the times. Perhaps you can invite alumnus from that era back as surprise guest performers. Select music and a theme that is easily recognizable as part of a specific time period or is significant to the history of the school. Have fun with it! It's a blast from the past!
Senior Recognition - Homecoming can be a great time to recognize the senior members of your drill team. If time allows, announce each member's name at the beginning or conclusion of the halftime show. Include parent's names and number of years on the team. Introductions should be brief in order to meet the time limitations of halftime.
Alumni Tea or Reception - Organize a tea or reception for former members of your drill team. Let the social committee, parent club or a group of alumnus plan the event. Keep refreshments and decorations simple. Cut expenses b using the school facilities if available. Display old scrapbooks, photos, trophies, and yearbooks for viewing. Use drill team props, poms and other memorabilia for decorating. Select current members of your team to model old uniforms and costumes during the reception. This is really a fun trip down memory lane. Make sure you have hostesses to greet guest and a registration table for signing in. this is a great way to keep up with alumni for future celebrations such as reunions and anniversaries. Let each alumni write down their favorite drill team memory. Have nametags available for each guest. Be sure to indicate maiden name, year graduated, offices held, former directors and other VIP's. A come and go over a two-hour time span works best for this kind of event.
Good publicity is a must for a successful turnout. Most local newspapers and television stations have community calendars that are free to non-profit organizations. They often require at least a three-week notice for publicity. The radio stations will do a free public service announcement in most cases. Invite the school paper, yearbook staff and local paper to come make pictures for a follow up story. (Hint: start putting information in the local newspaper during the summer)
Alumni Recognition - Have a special VIP section reserved in the drill team section for former members and their families to sit during the homecoming game. Design a "welcome back" banner or sign to hang above that section. Be sure to rope off the section ahead of time. Consider dedication the halftime performance to the alumnus and ask them to stand as a group and be recognized. They will love it!
Gift Exchanges - Many teams allow members to exchange gifts for special occasions such as homecoming. This is sometimes a gesture exchanged between big sisters and little sisters, secret pals or squads. Make certain that you are familiar with policies and procedures regarding gifts in your state district and that expenses are kept at a minimum. Make sure that all members know what is expected of them and ample notice is given. It is recommended that gift exchanges be done prior to arrival at the stadium.
Third Quarter Visitation - During regular football games, most drill team members remain in their assigned seats during the game and are not allowed to have visitors. As a special homecoming treat, allow members to have guest sit with them during the third quarter of the game. This allows for family, friends and special guest to congratulate members in an organized way. Remind members that all guests must leave the stands before the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Football Mums and Corsages - Homecoming usually means lots of corsages with streamers, streamers and more streamers. If you allow your members to wear corsages during the game, keep the following tips in mind:
Do not pin corsages directly onto the uniform. Pinning can destroy fabric and special trims such as sequins.
Pin corsages onto a jacket for easy removal during halftime.
Do not allow members to wear corsages onto the field during performances.
Have members pin corsages on prior to arrival at the stadium.
Some directors limit the number of corsages that can be worn.
Emphasize that members are still required to participate in stand routines and cheers while wearing corsages.
Homecoming Court - Most schools have a special ceremony during the game to recognize the homecoming court and or announce the new homecoming queen. The drill team can participate in this ceremony by forming a receiving line on the field or serving as escorts for the king nominees. Check with the homecoming coordinator to see what role the drill team will play in this special ceremony. A special rehearsal is recommended in order to coordinate the various groups. Football games are regulated by a time clock, therefore, it is very important to be organized in order to avoid penalization by the game officials. In all instances, the drill team should be professional and poised during the ceremony.
Drill Team Luncheon - Have a special homecoming luncheon for the current drill team members. Invite a former member who has accomplished something special to come back as a guest speaker. This is a great motivational moment!
No matter what your homecoming traditions may be, remember that good planning and organization is the secret to success! If your team does not have a special homecoming tradition, start one! If your school does not have a homecoming celebration during football season, have a special drill team homecoming instead! Remember, what we do today becomes the memories of tomorrow. Best wishes for a happy and successful homecoming!
