From left to right, Maddie Gallagher, a freshman art major, Zyria Guillory, a freshman art major and Aubree Weldon, a freshman art major, all enjoyed getting free Rommie’s Road Trip themed T-shirts during the second annual Homecoming Kickoff, an event intended to vote for Rommie in the Mascot Challenge and to usher in the week’s activities. 
Nikisun Shrestha

Homecoming Kickoff took place earlier last week to mark the beginning of a monumental and busy week. With the theme being a celebration of Roomie the Lion’s Road Trip, the event featured voting for the university mascot and distribution of free T-shirts.

“We’re getting people to vote for Roomie for the Mascot challenge,” said Harley Arrington, the Student Director of Homecoming 2016. “We are also giving them a free T-shirt.” 

On Monday, Oct. 17, members of the Student Government Association installed a stall in the Student Union Breezeway and students assembled to get pictures with Roomie, vote for him for the Mascot challenge and get shirts. Students were pretty happy to vote for Roomie.

“I felt good about it,” said Timisiha Walker, a freshman accounting major. “I feel like he’ll win.”

Some students were out there to experience the Homecoming Kickoff to get a feel of what Homecoming Week had in store.  

“Our organization participates in Homecoming Week,” said Josten Milan, a senior social work major. “We provide T-shirts during Homecoming Week.”

Homecoming Kickoff began with a host of various events. Downtown Decorating was judged later that day and the results were announced at the Homecoming Football Game. Other events like 5K Paint Run, Gumbo Ya Ya, Minute to Win It, Bonfire Competition and Lip Sync Battle was to follow the kickoff at various days of the week. 

Homecoming Week ended with the Homecoming Game against Houston Baptist University at Strawberry Stadium. At halftime, the Homecoming Court presented the crowned King and Queen. Homecoming Competition winners were also presented throughout the game.