Bally #50
The JSW Level
I am likely functioning on 90% of my brainpower today so indulge me a bit. I have a few observations I would like to share about Indiana State after spending a couple of wonderful days in Terradice, as many of you like to call it. Something has truly changed about ISU. I'll figure it out as I go but I can tell you, we have NOTHING to apologize for when it comes to our alma mater. I have always felt strongly about the traditions at ISU but felt that some people didn't see it the same way I did. All those Homecomings I have frequented have included wonderful moments with the many friends I have accumulated over the years, and we always had fun, no matter the outcome of the game, how many people showed up at the Bally, or however you would judge these things.
This year was different. It seemed that so many of those friends came back with a purpose. Obviously the football team and the coaches had a purpose. Everything meant something to our faculty and administration, to our student athletes, to our students and most importantly to our alumni. Even my fraternity brothers had a purpose and couldn't wait to get to town.
Weather has often been an issue at Homecoming because the weather is so fickle in late October or early November. Mother nature cooperated obviously this weekend but more importantly, the administration listened to our pleas to move it up, and they did. Yes, rooms were overpriced and almost impossible to get, but the alumni answered the calls and paid more for less. My room was a disaster and at $100 a night... but who cared? Move over Covered Bridge festival.....ISU is here to stay.
Tent city and all that happens around it was better than ever. I love it that the band cruises around and serenades everyone. Always have. It's just the way you do it at ISU. I love the way it was organized too, the amount of people that enjoyed the beautiful day and all the festivities and even my fraternity announced a triumphant return to the campus we all love and have not been apart of for 7-8 years.
My prediction of 8,000 plus at the game was right on, the fans were "into" it from the start, the band was their usual perfection, and a close friend of mine was presented a Distinguished Alumni award. Pretty cool. I think the whole Black jersey thing by Trent and his staff-- was a sensational idea and it reflected in the teams play from the moment the whistle sounded to start the game. I was trying to describe the Black, White and Blue jerseys that I would like to see the Trees wear.....and there they were, right in front of me yesterday. They looked awesome. I sat directly behind the mother of the Illinois State quarterback so this was a "must" win for me from the get-go. The team didn't let me down and played to near perfection. The mom didn't say too much but was quite pleasant. (and she laughed at our stupid jokes).
Post-game at the Bally brought out dozens upon dozens of my brothers and old friends and the fun continued. Jammed into this tight schedule was the All-Greek party at Hulman Center that featured a great band and 750 of my closest friends in a wild tribute to the movie Animal House. Kudos must go out to my old, old friend John Newton (who yes, is a "tad" older than me), and to the wonderful organization they had to run such a massive event and do it so well. The pride shown by the alumni of our PROUD institution was prevalent ALL WEEKEND. Yes, we did have a purpose and EVERYONE wanted to show it. Indiana State doesn't have to take a back to seat to anyone. Yes, we're no IU but frankly, isn't that why most of us come to ISU anyhow?
Dr. Dan Bradley has brought back the pride and purpose of our alumni and has accomplished more in his two or so years than ANY president in the school history. Ron Prettyman has brought back the pride and purpose to our athletic department as well. The band marched to a quicker step, the team blocked harder and threw the ball further, the administration has made the effort to greet more, and listen better at the same time. There is a reason there are 11,400 students on campus and trust me, it will only get better. I have always been proud to be a SYCAMORE, but Homecoming 2010 made me prouder than I have ever been. It was a wonderful weekend and I simply want to thank everyone that made it possible. My 43rd out of 44 was by far, the best ever. It's a great time to be a Tree~
This year was different. It seemed that so many of those friends came back with a purpose. Obviously the football team and the coaches had a purpose. Everything meant something to our faculty and administration, to our student athletes, to our students and most importantly to our alumni. Even my fraternity brothers had a purpose and couldn't wait to get to town.
Weather has often been an issue at Homecoming because the weather is so fickle in late October or early November. Mother nature cooperated obviously this weekend but more importantly, the administration listened to our pleas to move it up, and they did. Yes, rooms were overpriced and almost impossible to get, but the alumni answered the calls and paid more for less. My room was a disaster and at $100 a night... but who cared? Move over Covered Bridge festival.....ISU is here to stay.
Tent city and all that happens around it was better than ever. I love it that the band cruises around and serenades everyone. Always have. It's just the way you do it at ISU. I love the way it was organized too, the amount of people that enjoyed the beautiful day and all the festivities and even my fraternity announced a triumphant return to the campus we all love and have not been apart of for 7-8 years.
My prediction of 8,000 plus at the game was right on, the fans were "into" it from the start, the band was their usual perfection, and a close friend of mine was presented a Distinguished Alumni award. Pretty cool. I think the whole Black jersey thing by Trent and his staff-- was a sensational idea and it reflected in the teams play from the moment the whistle sounded to start the game. I was trying to describe the Black, White and Blue jerseys that I would like to see the Trees wear.....and there they were, right in front of me yesterday. They looked awesome. I sat directly behind the mother of the Illinois State quarterback so this was a "must" win for me from the get-go. The team didn't let me down and played to near perfection. The mom didn't say too much but was quite pleasant. (and she laughed at our stupid jokes).
Post-game at the Bally brought out dozens upon dozens of my brothers and old friends and the fun continued. Jammed into this tight schedule was the All-Greek party at Hulman Center that featured a great band and 750 of my closest friends in a wild tribute to the movie Animal House. Kudos must go out to my old, old friend John Newton (who yes, is a "tad" older than me), and to the wonderful organization they had to run such a massive event and do it so well. The pride shown by the alumni of our PROUD institution was prevalent ALL WEEKEND. Yes, we did have a purpose and EVERYONE wanted to show it. Indiana State doesn't have to take a back to seat to anyone. Yes, we're no IU but frankly, isn't that why most of us come to ISU anyhow?
Dr. Dan Bradley has brought back the pride and purpose of our alumni and has accomplished more in his two or so years than ANY president in the school history. Ron Prettyman has brought back the pride and purpose to our athletic department as well. The band marched to a quicker step, the team blocked harder and threw the ball further, the administration has made the effort to greet more, and listen better at the same time. There is a reason there are 11,400 students on campus and trust me, it will only get better. I have always been proud to be a SYCAMORE, but Homecoming 2010 made me prouder than I have ever been. It was a wonderful weekend and I simply want to thank everyone that made it possible. My 43rd out of 44 was by far, the best ever. It's a great time to be a Tree~
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