2008 Woodie Awards
Alumna recalls history of SBU's Homecoming traditions, queens
Brendan Block
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: News
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In 1983, SBU saw the return of the football program. In their first season in 53 years, they played on the grounds of Bolivar High School hosting over 3,000 students, faculty and guests. Plaster Stadium was not erected until 1985.
The Bearcats lost the game 31-13 to the Benedictine Ravens but it was not without excitement as Mel Mercer returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the first 30 seconds of the game.
The Homecoming schedule in 1983 is somewhat similar to today.
They kicked it off with a banquet, skits and queen coronation on Thursday night. Friday night an alumni concert was enjoyed featuring symphonic winds and choir.
Saturday morning saw a parent-faculty coffee hosted for Parent's Day, then came the football game.
Long time University fixture Ellen Bell, like many other friends of the University, enjoys the special student and alumni oriented atmosphere.
"The greatest joy of homecoming is not just the game, but it is about visiting with alumni from many places and hear how God is using their lives to impact the world," said Bell.
This year at Homecoming, remember the parade, the game and the fun you are having. But let us never forget the past and the contributions made by those who came before us.
We have come a long way from being a junior college, from not having a football team for 53 years and from playing our 1983 Homecoming game at Bolivar High School's field. Today we have a great University and a competitive Division II football team. Go Bearcats!
The Bearcats lost the game 31-13 to the Benedictine Ravens but it was not without excitement as Mel Mercer returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the first 30 seconds of the game.
The Homecoming schedule in 1983 is somewhat similar to today.
They kicked it off with a banquet, skits and queen coronation on Thursday night. Friday night an alumni concert was enjoyed featuring symphonic winds and choir.
Saturday morning saw a parent-faculty coffee hosted for Parent's Day, then came the football game.
Long time University fixture Ellen Bell, like many other friends of the University, enjoys the special student and alumni oriented atmosphere.
"The greatest joy of homecoming is not just the game, but it is about visiting with alumni from many places and hear how God is using their lives to impact the world," said Bell.
This year at Homecoming, remember the parade, the game and the fun you are having. But let us never forget the past and the contributions made by those who came before us.
We have come a long way from being a junior college, from not having a football team for 53 years and from playing our 1983 Homecoming game at Bolivar High School's field. Today we have a great University and a competitive Division II football team. Go Bearcats!
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