In the fifth century, the Western Huns were known to enter battle with shrieking war cries, a terrifying alarm signaling opponents to prepare for defeat. In modern times, Lion football fans use the smell of gumbo to meet the same purpose: to prepare the opposing team for defeat at the Homecoming game.
Gumbo Ya Ya, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, was held Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the Student Union Park, uniting students with free food and optimism for the upcoming Homecoming game.
The festivities began with last year’s Homecoming King Brandon Nettles and Vice President for Student Affairs Marvin Yates cutting the cake, which was decorated to match the Dr. Seuss theme this year. Nettles offered some advice to the members of the court as he prepared to pass on his crown.
“You’ve got some shoes to fill,” said Nettles. “Better do it right.”
Besides free gumbo, students were offered a variety of activities in which to participate, including rock wall climbing, interacting with snakes and turtles from the biology department, ziplining and hamster ball racing.
“[Ziplining] was really scary, but it was really exhilarating,” said Bailey Luna, sophomore communication major. “I’m glad I did it. Having the guts to jump out of the thing was kind of crazy, but it was really fun.”
Roomie the Lion made an appearance, playing with the snakes and pushing students as they raced in giant hamster balls. Though Roomie was not available for comment, a student dancing across the park in a black morph suit was able to put the spirit of Gumbo Ya Ya into perspective.
“[I’m] having fun,” said Zach Pike, general studies major. “I’m in a morph suit. No one knows who I am, so I’m going all out.”
At noon, the Homecoming court was presented for all to see. Ciara Reed, member of the Homecoming court, was excited and optimistic for the Homecoming game, where Homecoming King and Queen were to be announced.
“I’m really amped up,” said Reed. “I really worked hard to receive [the title of Homecoming Queen], so hopefully it’s me, but I truly do appreciate the experience, too.”
This year’s Homecoming King and Queen will assist in cutting the cake at Gumbo Ya Ya next year, continuing the legacy of Southeastern Homecoming.