Let the Games Begin: Mercer Homecoming

Last week, Mercer University celebrated homecoming. Even if you were stuck in the library all week, there was no way to miss the spirit around Mercer. Most people assume that homecoming is not that big of a deal, because we are such a small school. There is no drinking and no extreme, heavy partying, but alumni are all over campus, everyone is decked out from head to toe in orange, and the Mercer spirit is in the air.

Just like most things Mercer, we have a wonderful set of traditions that we like to follow. Homecoming week begins on Monday and ends on Saturday, and through the lively and engaging theme that SGA choses, groups all over campus come together for the following events:

Monday: Community Service

Mercer is HUGE on community service, so what better way to start the week. This year, Up Till Dawn hosted a letter-writing event. Students and faculty came together and wrote letters of encouragement for young children in the hospital. So many people attended that half way through the event, the supplies ran out!

Tuesday: Let the competition begin with the Mercer Talent Show!

There are really no words to describe this amazing showcase, so check it out one of the acts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCa11WCQQns&feature=relmfu

Wednesday: Hump day is the perfect day to make an excuse to not show up to an event: exams, “I’m tired”, or the “I went to everything else”, so what better way to get everyone pumped up than a famous singer?

 This year, Corey Smith came down to Macon and got rid of the md-week blues. Before this week, I never heard a Corey Smith song, but just like the rest of Mercer you are probably hooked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpRpky8Zk84&feature=related

Thursday: Lip Synch

The annual Lip Synch competition is one of the most popular events. Not only do you get the talent aspect of a show, the entertainment of singing, and some serious school spirit, but also you get to experience stomach pain, tear jerk, lose your voice kind of laughter. Greek life offers up the best of the best to come on stage and really bring it.

This year, ATO and Alpha Gam blew everyone else out of the water. The performance was well choreographed, and crowd-pleasing theatrics definitely earned a 10!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW93skIWEI8&feature=relmfu

Friday: The women’s game.

Mercer tradition calls for a lot. Inauguration, Pilgrimage to Penfield, and participating in O-Groups are the most basic things, but above every tradition, one reigns superior above all else: Basketball games. If you have not been to a Mercer basketball game, you need to stop reading this post, find out when the next game is, and make sure you go! From the moment you walk in, your heart seers with the orange pride of being a bear. Sitting amongst your fellow Mercerians unties the entire crowd, which in turn ignites the inner power of our wonderful players. Each game is more than a social event. A basketball game is a series of moments that bring your heart closer to your Mercer family.

This year, our girls team won, which was the perfect transition to the Friday night events: Bon Fire and the Skits!

Right after the game, the entire university gathers on Bear Hill for an amazing outdoor rally. Students enjoy the hilarious skits by the various organizations on campus, while drinking hot coco, and afterwards, everyone enjoys a magnificent fireworks display and the bonfire.

Saturday: Tailgate and men’s game

Saturday afternoon, everyone gathers for another outdoor pep rally. With the beautiful tunes of the band in the air, and the perky greetings of the cheerleaders, one cannot help but get excited for the game! This year, the men won against Sewanna, 65-36!

Also during this time, a great stepping-stone occurred on Mercer’s campus: the dedication of the new Drake Fieldhouse. This kind of event happens very rarely, and it will lead the way for so many more Mercer traditions to come.

Now that you know a little more about Mercer’s traditions, how are you going to get more involved next year? Better yet, how are you going to start traditions of your own?