90 Years to Remember
HOMECOMING A special publication of The Murray State News
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Homecoming 2012
The News October 12, 2012
The News
Homecoming 2012
October 12, 2012
The News
From the Editor Homecoming is a special time at any institution. A time of recognition and remembrence, this year’s theme celebrating the University’s 90th year of existence should make this event a truly unique time in the University’s history. In the production of the annual Homecoming special section, The Murray State News’ student editors and reporters had the opportunity to delve into Murray State’s rich history and experience what Murray State has encompassed over the years since its founding in 1922. In photographs, year books and word of mouth, we’ve taken a trip to the past and seen the University in so many lights. The Quad, the Shoe Tree, the buildings around it – this place reflects the region of Kentucky and the surrounding states that it seeks to serve, and we dedicate this publication to individuals who make that happen every day and have done so for for nearly a century.
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Indeed, it was a sight to see our student editors buried in local history books Tuesday evening as we compiled these pages, exploring the background stories to imporAustin tant places on Ramsey campus. Like Editor-in-Chief Ordway and Wells halls, which used to be dormitories on campus, or Wilson Hall, where the newsroom in which we work was once occupied by college’s basketball facility – the storied halls and pathways at Murray State contain more to learn than the books and classes for which we attend. The Murray State News, which has its own relevant history at this University, is only four years younger than the founding of the normal school it once was. Since our first edition, our drive to be
the writers of Murray State history has never changed, and we take seriously the role we serve in helping inform and entertain the students, faculty, staff and adiministrators that make Murray State what it is. Over the past few years, the newspaper has felt priviledged to watch the University grow and thrive in good times and bad. It seems, sometimes, as if there’s a little bit of good luck and a whole lot of Racer spirit that makes Murray State a step above the rest. Happy Homecoming, everybody. Enjoy your weekend and stay safe. To the visiting alumni, welcome. Help us make this time of the semester exactly what it’s meant to be. Let us enjoy this time of reflection without forgetting what is ahead. There is so much in store for Murray State in the coming years and we look forward to sharing it with you, and your Murray State memories.
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TheNews.org Austin Ramsey Editor-in-Chief • 809-6877 Austin Ramsey News Editor • 809-4468 Devin Griggs Opinion Editor • 809-5873 Anna Taylor Features Editor • 809-5871 Jonathan Ferris Sports Editor • 809-4480 Ryan Richardson Online Editor • 809-5877 Brandon Orr Advertising Manager • 809-4478 Wes Yonts Production Manager • 809-5874 Joe Hedges Adviser • 809-2998
Welcome Home... “Family Reunion” for Library Student Workers
We invite all former student workers and graduate assistants who worked in either Pogue Library or Waterfield Library to join us during Homecoming 2012 for an informal reception and open house. Saturday, October 13 11 a.m. + 1p.m. Waterfield Library Lobby
Free for you and your family.
If possible, RSVP to Laura Dziekonski at ldziekonski@murraystate.edu
The News
Homecoming 2012
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October 12, 2012
Office of Alumni Affairs bridges gaps, builds events Maddie Mucci || Staff writer mmucci@murraystate.edu
Homecoming serves as means of bringing alumni back to campus and keeping them connected after they leave Murray State. The Office of Alumni Affairs plays an active and important role in the Homecoming preparations every year. “In general, our role is to stay in touch with alumni when they are out in the world,” Jim Carter, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said. “To help them stay connected, to keep them informed, help them where they are in trying to connect with other Murray State alumni, and attracting them back for various events throughout the year, homecoming being the biggest.” In Murray State’s 90th year, Alumni Affairs is working harder than usual to make this year’s Homecoming weekend a special event for those returning to Murray. “This year is exciting in particular because it’s the 90th anniversary and there are some special events going on this year,” Carter said. “Special events that are going on during the weekend that we’re a part of celebrating are the success of the capital campaign, the opening of Heritage Hall, which is a donor recognition area, and, of course, the Tent City event which will be even bigger this year with all of the other things going on.”
Tent City is one of the largest jobs in terms of planning Homecoming weekend. “Controlled chaos is kind of what we term it here at the Alumni Center,” Sabrina Mathis, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs, said. “This year we’ll have 52 tents inside the stadium.” “The tent city event is something unique to Murray State and I think there’s a mystique that our alumni want to come back. That’s not the case at other universities.” Alumni come back to see the University’s many changes, and the alumni that come back annually will experience the changes in events from year to year. This year Alumni Affairs has been working on bringing back a live band made up of alumni, adding new organizations to Tent City, and celebrating anniversary years for different organizations. Alumni Affairs developed the theme of Homecoming this year, “90 years to remember.” “They’ve got 90 years worth of history to work with,” Mathis said. “So, if they want to do something that’s geared towards the 20s or the 30s, there’s enough history for them to get it.” Once the theme has been set and preparations have been made, the staff of Alumni Affairs attends as many events as possible and enjoys seeing its hard work paid off.
Photo courtesy of Alumni Affairs
Tent City is one of many events Alumni Affairs undertakes during Homecoming weekend.
Alpha Delta Pi
Welcome Back for Homecoming, MSU Alumnae!
Join us for our Lionshare Challenge, “The Cornhole Games!” October 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton Fields
Contact Philanthropy Chair Christian Hall at adpi_phil_eo@yahoo.com with any questions.
The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming 2012
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What you need when you need it
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Check out our mini convenience store in Regents College, and our quick snack cart in the business building.
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The News
Homecoming 2012
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October 12, 2012
Homecoming weekend offers abundance of activities Shannon MacAllister || Staff writer smacallister@murraystate.edu
Homecoming is a very alumni-oriented time of year as luncheons, picnics, barbecues and brunches are all held in alumni’s honor. Students need not worry, however, as they too can take part in the festivities. The first of the Homecoming activities begins Thursday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. when the fourth annual “A Taste of the Arts” dinner and auction will begin the festivities. The bulk of the revelry will kick off the next day with the most notable of Friday’s festivities include the 31st Annual 5K Run, the Miss Black and Gold Pageant, and Racer Madness. The 31st Annual 5K Run through Murray State’s campus begins registration at 4 p.m. With the actual race begining at 5 p.m. Those who preregister online will receive T-shirts upon their arrival. Entry fees are $15 for those who pre-register and $20 for those who register on race day. For those students not inclined to run, they may also consider attending the Miss Black and Gold Pageant presented by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. The pageant will be held in Wrather Museum at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased in the Curris Center during Homecoming week. Tickets at the door cost $7. Also, on Friday night’s agenda, is Racer Madness. Racer Madness is a preview of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams for the 2012-13 season. The event starts at 9 p.m. with a three point shooting contest between members of the men and women’s teams. Immediately following the shootout there will be a men’s team scrimmage and a slam dunk contest. ESPNU will feature
the event with live look-ins on Murray State and 12 other schools. Entry to Racer Madness is free to all students but costs $5 for the general public. Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis. At 10 a.m. the Homecoming parade down Main Street will mark the beginning of Saturday’s festivities. This year’s parade will be more historic than most, as this year marks Murray State’s 90th anniversary. It is also the end of the five year capital campaign, which has raised millions of dollars designated exclusively for student scholarships. The parade is led by the Homecoming grand marshal, Jesse Jones. The parade will include floats made by various Greek organizations, academic and residential colleges, clubs and many more groups on campus. “The parade is actually handled by student government,” Sabrina Mathis, associate director of Alumni Affairs, said. “This year will actually have a lot more than usual because of the 90th anniversary, and it will have a little bit of everything. The court will be recognized and it should really be a great time for everybody.” The parade will flow straight into Tent City in the stadium at approximately 2:30 p.m. Tent City is a large collection of Murray State organizations all brought together inside the stadium to celebrate Homecoming and prepare for the football game. “It’s a pre-party before our homecoming court is recognized,” Mathis said. “We have a bunch of different organizations. We have all of the fraternities and sororities, all of the academic colleges and residential colleges, and just different groups
International students share their culture and traditions with others at last year’s Tent City. who have preregistered. Basically there are 52 tents in there and they’re laid out in different areas. You can come in, and it’s almost like a festival. There’s ice cream, cotton candy, music. We’ll have a band playing, just different things like that.” Immediately after Tent City, the Homecoming pre-game festivities will begin. All Homecoming candidates will be announced and presented to the crowd during the game. Last year’s queen Lindsey Freeman and king Jeremiah Johnson will crown the 2012 Homecoming king and queen. With the new Homecoming royalty announced the racers will then
face off against University of Tennesse Martin at 3 p.m. To wrap up the night, students can attend the National Pan-Hellenic Council step show in Lovett Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold prior to the event in the Curris Center for $15 or at the door for $20. Murray State has ensured that Homecoming has something to offer both alumni and students. “Even if you’re not involved in Greek organizations or some of the other major participants, there is enough other stuff that everybody should have something to do,” Mathis said.
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The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming 2012
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Shoe Tree showcases years of happiness Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
The Shoe Tree is unlike any other tree in Murray. It is a tree which will not lose any leaves this fall, and which doesn’t have any buds to bloom in the spring. It isn’t the oldest tree on campus, or the biggest, and most people don’t consider it to be as pretty as the other trees around it. However, what the Shoe Tree lacks in conventional beauty, it makes up for in rich history and character. Murray State’s Shoe Tree is a monument to couples come and gone, and definitive, physical proof, that Murray State changes people’s lives. The Shoe Tree, one of Murray State’s most unique features, continues to be a source of school pride, its tradition kept alive by students who find love here at Murray State. Located in the Quad, this tree adorned in the old sneakers, flip-flops, and boots of alumni who found the person they would go on to marry at Murray State, and is thought to bring good luck to couples who add their shoes to its eccentric foliage. The ritual hanging of shoes at Murray State is believed to have begun in the mid 60s. The first shoe tree, however, caught fire after being struck by lightning. The tree in the quad today is actually the University’s second rendition. Today, the Shoe Tree is somewhat dwarfed by its surrounding brethren, having since had its limbs chopped off to prevent another electrical mishap, and is fast running out of available space for shoes. Often times couples will write the date of their wedding anniversary, or the day that they met on the footwear they attach to the tree. If the couple goes on to have any children, it is a common practice to return to the Shoe Tree and nail one of their child’s shoes next to their own. Amanda and DJ Story, who will soon be celebrating their one year marriage anniversary, nailed their shoes to the tree last November. The couple first met in 2004 at Murray State’s
Summer Orientation where Amanda was DJ’s Summer Orientation Counselor. DJ, 26, a history major from Benton, Ky., and Amanda, 30, a double major in public relations and liberal arts from Murray, were friends throughout college but did not start dating until Amanda was already in graduate school in August 2008. Amanda had recently broken up with her long term boyfriend when DJ asked her out for their first date, and they became official during college from that point on. Amanda said the experience she and DJ enjoyed most at Murray State was getting to hold several offices within their respective Greek organizations, although, she said, they were also big fans of Murray State athletics – especially basketball. Amanda finished getting her master’s degree in mass communications in 2009 and DJ finished his bachelor’s in 2010. They became engaged in April of 2011 and were married on November 5 of the same year. The ceremony was held on campus in Lovett Auditorium; Amanda said they picked the location because they had met at Murray State and because they both had such wonderful experiences here. Still in their wedding attire, Amanda and DJ nailed their shoes to the Shoe Tree. “It was very important to us that we get to take part in that tradition because of the role that Murray State played in our wedding story,” Amanda said. “It was really special to add our shoes to the tree where so many other Murray State couples have done the same, and hopefully many others will carry on the tradition.” Amanda and DJ reside in Evansville Ind., where DJ works as an assistant manager for an AT&T store, and Amanda is the Assistant Director of Student Development Programs at the University of Southern Indiana. The couple is just one of many who will continue coming back to visit Murray State’s campus and see the pair of shoes that remind them of how they first met.
Amanda and DJ Story nail their shoes to the Shoe Tree in the Quad after their wedding ceremony. The couple met at Summer Orientation at Murray State in 2004 and began dating in 2008.
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Murray State Celebrates Normal School’s first band performs on the steps of Lovett Auditorium. In 1926, Normal School became the Murray State Normal School and Teachers College. There were 19 members in the band at the time.
A man sits atop of Wilson Hall, overlooking the Quad. Wilson Hall was originally known as the Classroom Building. At one time it also held the basketball court.
H OMECOMING E VENTS S CHEDULE
90
years
Left, a Campus Lights performance in 1953 at Murray State College, another name the University has held. Murray State College became Murray State University in 1966 when the General Assembly authorized the Board of Regents to change the name. Above, the Murray State cheerleaders, during 1974, perform their routine to cheer the Murray State University team on to victory. Right, Head men’s basketball Coach John Miller led the 1946-47 team. His teams won 68 games and lost 49 in the six years he was coach. In 1948, Harlan Hodges succeeded Miller. Hodges’ teams won 109 games and lost 65 in six years. During his time as head coach, the team won the Ohio Valley Conference in 1951 with a 21-6 record. Under Hodges’ leadership, the team again won the OVC in 1952 with a 24-10 record.
Photos courtesy of Murray State University archives
The events listed below were courtesy of the Murray State Alumni Association. For further details on each individual event visit raceralumni.com.
Friday, Oct. 12 9 a.m. Alumni Golf Scramble When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Miller Memorial Golf Course 12 p.m. "Here We Grow Again" Agriculture Luncheon When: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Curris Center Stables 2:30 p.m. Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business Dedication When: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: Arthur J. Bauernfeind Business Building Front Entrance, 16th Street
4 p.m. Heritage Hall Dedication and Alumni Reception When: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Where: 926 N. 16th St., Murray 5 p.m. 31st Annual 5K Run When: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Where: Susan E. Bauernfeind Student Recreation and Wellness Center 5:30 p.m. "Here We Grow Again" Agriculture Homecoming Picnic When: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Curris Center Stables 6 p.m. Pi Kappa Alpha - Dr. Hal E. Houston House Dedication & Reception
When: 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. Where: 103 N. 16th St., Murray 6 p.m. Sigma Sigma Sigma 70th Anniversary Reunion When: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Where: CFSB Center, Entrance B 6 p.m. School of Nursing Alumni Association Dinner When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Mason Hall 7 p.m. Miss Black and Gold Pageant When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Where: Wrather Museum
7 p.m. Rowing Registration and Row Call When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Where: 1321 Olive Blvd., Murray 7 p.m. MSU Volleyball vs. SIU Edwardsville When: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Racer Arena 9 p.m. "Racer Madness" - A Preview of the 2012-13 Basketball Season When: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Where: CFSB Center 9 p.m. KickOff Bash When: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Where: Lovett Auditorium
Saturday, Oct. 13
When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Reagan Field
When: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Pat Spurgin Rifle Range, Roy Stewart Stadium
8 a.m. "M" Club Breakfast When: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Where: Curris Center Ballroom 8 a.m. 27th Annual College of Education Homecoming Breakfast When: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Where: Murray Middle School Cafeteria, 801 Main St.
10 a.m. The Race for the Homecoming Cup When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Kenlake State Park 11 a.m. 23rd Annual Tent City Homecoming Festival When: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Where: Roy Stewart Stadium
2:30 p.m. Homecoming Pregame Festivities When: 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Roy Stewart Stadium
9:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade When: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Where: Downtown Murray
11 a.m. 1996-2002 White College Reunion When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: White College
3 p.m. Racers vs. UT Martin When: Sat, October 13, 3pm – 6pm Where: Roy Stewart Stadium
10 a.m. Annual 'Breds Alumni Baseball Game
11 a.m. Rifle Team Exhibition
7 p.m. MSU Rowing Homecoming Banquet
12 p.m. MSU Volleyball vs. Eastern Illinois When: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Racer Arena
When: Sat, October 13, 7pm – 9pm Where: TBA 7:30 p.m. NPHC Step Show When: 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Where: Lovett Auditorium
Sunday, Oct. 14 9:30 a.m. Rowing Farewell Breakfast When: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Where: TBA 1:00 p.m. Murray State Softball vs. Southeastern Illinois College When: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Racer Field
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Homecoming 2012
The News October 12, 2012
Jones serves as grand marshal Savannah Sawyer || Assistant Features Editor ssawyer@murraystate.edu
The honor of receiving the title of parade grand marshal in Murray State’s Homecoming Parade is one to be taken with pride. Each year on the morning of Homecoming, floats line the middle of Main Street in Murray in the annual parade toward campus. The grand marshal, a notable alumni selected each year, leads the procession on its way to the University. This year, Jesse D. Jones was selected for that honor. Now a resident of Baton Rouge, La., Jones led a successful career at both Ethyl and Albemarle Corp. chemical production companies in Louisiana. Since graduating from Murray State in 1964 with a degree in chemistry and mathematics, Jones has done a great deal for the University, including countless donations that have helped strengthen the University in a time of tightening state budgets. The first major gift he made to Murray State at the beginning of the current capital campaign was a dona-
tion to build the Jesse L. Jones Family Clock Tower, in honor of his father. In addition, Jones and his wife, Deborah, have funded the Hattie Mamye Ross Renewable Scholarship for Graduate Students in the Murray State College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), which is the largest renewable scholarship ever established in Murray State’s history. They have also donated more than $500,000 for three additional scholarship endowments and nearly $57,000 for the Hattie Mayme Ross Science Library. Students can also credit Jones for the ability to access resources and equipment in the chemistry building, Jesse D. Jones Hall. “Mr. Jones’ vision for the College of Science Engineering and Technology is coming to life,” said President Randy Dunn in a news release. “With the addition of Jesse D. Jones Hall, the Hattie Mayme Ross Science Library and the Jones Scholars Program, our students will have a number of wonderful new advantages to prepare them for success in the sciences and beyond.”
Jones also donated money to establish the Racer Writing Center and the Racer Oral Communication Center. In addition, he has also donated $1 million to complete Heritage Hall, which currently houses the new Hall of Benefactors, the Office of Development and the Office of Regional Stewardship, along with its original tenant, the Regional Business Innovative Center. “We are grateful to Dr. Jones for his vision and generosity,” Dunn said. Jones, who has long valued the University as an important tool for the region, said he looks forward to the opportunity of leading the annual parade. “Once again, Murray State University has bestowed on me an opportunity for a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Jones said of his marshal appointment. “Since I have never served as a grand marshal in a parade before, I am both nervous and excited thinking about upcoming events. Anticipating the excitement and spectacular performances associated with the Homecoming Parade is exhilarating. My wife and I are
File photo
Jesse D. Jones, grand marshal of this year’s Homecoming Parade, has donated several large monetary gifts to the University. thrilled and acknowledge this special honor that we have received. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has made possible our selection to this exciting event and honor.” The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Murray and follows the length of Main Street to 15th Street.
The News
Homecoming 2012
October 12, 2012
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Preparation pays off in annual event Kyra Ledbetter || Staff Writer kledbetter@murraystate.edu
Tent City has been party of Murray State University’ homecoming tradition since the 1980s. “It did start in 1989, and it actually started with just a few tents,” Sabrina Mathis, associate director of Alumni Affairs, said, “I believe there were eight tents in the first layout, and that area was on the edge of the (Roy Stewart) stadium parking lot. From there it began growing. Six years ago we made the decision to move it inside the stadium, and from that point we were given more room and were able to grow the number and the sizing of those tents to where we are today.” That growth has resulted in 50 tents and around 100 organizations participating in tent city this year. “For each of the academic colleges, their tent may have anywhere from two to three groups under it,” Mathis said. “Some of the bigger colleges, like the college of business, will have six or seven. The international tent will have six different countries represented under their tent.” It takes alumni affairs an entire year of planning to put tent city together, starting not long after the last one has been dissembled. “A lot of people don’t realize that it’s a year of planning,” Mathis said. “As soon as Tent City’s over with this year, by the end of October we’ll have reserved tents for next year. Then in the spring we reach out to all those groups and make sure that we’re definite that they want to be involved. We just have to work with them on those details so that we can make sure we have access for them to get in and get everything set up as quickly as possible. Then once school starts it’s reminding them of everything we’ve worked on. Then we have to finalize the last little bit of detail and getting the timing right.” The day of Tent City, workers have only a few hours to get everything set up and then only an hour afterward for cleaning up. “We have about two and a half hours to set up on Saturday morning, so we start at 8 and are done by 10:30 with the set up,” Mathis said. “We have about
an hour in the afternoon to do the clean up. So we help them get everything they brought in back out so they can make it to the other events.” Tent City, by its very nature, gives alumni and students a chance to make and maintain connections to the University in a tailgating atmosphere. “Tent City is a time to come back and reconnect, but then, because of the football game, it’s almost
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like a tailgating, festival kind of atmosphere,” Mathis said. “So people can see each other, but then also support organizations they might have been involved in or see other organizations that have come out on campus that might not have been here when they were here as students. It also connects students to alums and serves as a fundraising effort for those student organizations so they can thrive.”
26. IEEE 27. International Student Org. 28. Kappa Alpha, West KY Alumni Assoc. 29. Lambda Chi Alpha 30. MSU Alliance 31. Murray Training School 32. Occupational Safety and Health 33. Phi Beta Sigma 34. Phi Kappa Tau 35. Pi Kappa Alpha 36. Regents College 37. Richmond College 38. ROTC 39. School of Nursing 40. Sigma Alpha 41. Sigma Alpha Lambda 42. Sigma Chi 43. Sigma Phi Epsilon 44. Sigma Pi 45. Sigma Sigma Sigma 46. Springer/Franklin College 48. TSM 49. University Bookstore 50. White College 51. WKMS
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Homecoming 2012
The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming not easy for Racers Edward Marlowe || Staff Writer emarlowe@murraystate.edu
Generally, Homecoming opponents are scheduled to give the home crowd a blowout win and relaxing day of football. In Murray, fans have generally spent the day socializing and perusing Tent City, followed by an easy game to kick back and watch while the food settles in their overstuffed bellies. The past few years, however, have been anything but blowouts, as the Racers have had to mount, unprecedented comebacks in order to walk away victorious. In 2010, it was then-sophomore quarterback Casey Brockman who threw for a school-record seven touchdowns, coming back from a 21point deficit to win against the Missouri State Bears 72-59. In 2011, it was the legs of senior running back Mike Harris carrying the Racers to a 36-27 victory over Eastern Illinois. This year’s matchup
against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks could be just the nail-biter fans are accustomed to, with a perch near the top of the OVC standings at stake for both teams. After opening the season with an eye-opening 20-17 road victory against the Division I Memphis Tigers, UT-Martin has had to face OVC-leading Eastern Kentucky and Northern Illinois which leads in the Mid-American Conference Both the Racers and the Skyhawks are also led by hometown heroes, as Skyhawks senior quarterback Derek Carr is from McKenzie, Tenn., while the Racers are guided by Murray native senior quarterback Casey Brockman. In five games, Carr has averaged just 230 yards passing per game and thrown five touchdowns to six interceptions. However, he relies on a stout offensive line which has only allowed six sacks and a potent run game consisting of a trio of backs who all average over 30 rushing yards per game.
It is also no secret who Carr’s top weapon in the passing game is, as senior Quentin Sims, who could pose a significant threat to the Racer pass defense, is averaging seven catches and 90 yards receiving per contest. The Racer passing defense has shown deficiencies throughout the season, the rushing defense has shown strength up to this point. Murray State has stuffed the run in the backfield on numerous key possessions to snuff out opponent’s drives. Head Coach Chris Hatcher said he hopes to see a great turnout for the game, and is certainly excited to have fans chanting from both sides of the field to create a unique home atmosphere. “Having a one-sided stadium, we ought to use that to our advantage,” Hatcher said. “It’s exciting and our boys get excited having that many people close during our warm-ups.” Kickoff is at 3 p.m. in Roy Stewart Stadium, following the morning homecoming festivities.
Sam Hays/The News
Junior running back Duane Brady salutes the crowd after a touchdown run Oct. 29 against Tennessee Tech .
The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming 2012
Weekend race promotes fitness Carly Besser || Staff Writer emarlowe@murraystate.edu
Homecoming is a time when young and old Racers alike do exactly what their name implies: race. In its 31st year of operation, the Homecoming 5K race is certainly a strong addition to the Racer tradition. Residents, students and alumni from all age groups come to the Wellness Center to participate in the age old 3.1-mile race. While most people run to raise money for a cause, Murray State hosts the event just for the sake of Homecoming fun and fitness. “This race isn’t necessarily a fundraiser,” said Steve Leitch, director of campus recreation. “We’re not trying to raise money. We’re usually trying to break even, and sometimes we spend more than we actually raise. Anything we earn from the race goes back into campus recreation. We hold this to give people something to
do during Homecoming weekend.” This year’s race is the second Murray State Homecoming 5K Leitch has directed. Every runner who pre-registers for the race gets a Homecoming 5K shirt regardless of what place he or she finishes. “Runners who do place in first will get some sort of prize, but nobody walks away empty-handed,” Leitch said. There are 10 categories runners are placed in. Age groups range from 15-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 50plus. Each division has its own male and female category. A prize is awarded to the first place finishers of each section.
The course starts at the Wellness Center, and then moves down the southern part of campus. Runners pass Hester, Lee Clark, Richmond and Elizabeth residential colleges. Once passing the heart of residential campus, runners cross the bridge over Chestnut Street, go down Olive Street, and circle back to the Wellness Center near the residential side of campus. “We like to keep most of the race on campus,” Leitch said. The most popular demographic of people who sign up for the race is females between the ages of 21-30. “Everyone is invited to come out. We have students, alumni and Murray residents A student participates in the all come out.” Run4Another 5K race that Leitch said. “The traces around Murray turnout is usually between 15 and 20 State’s campus. students. It’s a way Kylie Townsend/The News
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13 to get exercise before tailgating and other campus events.” Leitch said the primary purpose of the Homecoming 5K race is to give back to alumni. Some alumni travel to Murray every year to participate in Homecoming Racer tradition. Though they have graduated, they are still a relevant part of the Murray State community. “They’re still a big part of the community here even though they’ve left the University,” Leitch said. “We like to give back to them with things like the 5K and discounted memberships at Wellness. They’re still family members. They’re still part of the Murray State family.” The Homecoming 5K is orchestrated entirely by campus recreation employees, who spend hours setting up the track, directing runners and organizing the yearly Homecoming event. Registration for the race costs $15 before the race and $20 to register on race day. The race will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday in front of the Wellness Center.
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The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming celebrates 90 years Nick Dolan || Staff writer ndolan@murraystate.edu
Honors Program
Murray State University
e m o c l We ni!
m u l A k c a B
Come join the Honors Program at tent #25 in Tent City, Sat, October 13th 11 a.m. til 2:30 p.m.
Murray State’s students, staff, faculty and alumni will all come together this weekend to celebrate 90 years of Racer tradition. This year’s Homecoming theme is “90 Years to Remember.” Alumni Affairs, the Student Government Association and the athletics department came up with the idea, said Sabrina Mathis, associate director of Alumni Affairs. “We review a list of past themes, discuss major campus happenings and national trends,” she said. “Then begin narrowing down those thoughts and ideas to come up with one theme.” Mathis said she and Alumni Affairs hope all Racers, past and present, take advantage of every opportunity Homecoming gives them to celebrate their time at the University. After all, she said, that is the purpose of a homecoming at any institution. “MSU has a lot to be proud of and Homecoming is another way for us to show that spirit and pride,” she said.
“Whether it’s receptions and banquets, or the parade, Tent City or the many sporting events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.” She said there is plenty to be proud of with this being the 90th anniversary of the University’s founding and the theme hopes to convey that message. “This theme is pretty special for MSU,” Mathis said. “Anytime you have a milestone year, you are proud of what has been accomplished. It’s great to be able to stop for a minute and reflect on where you have come from and the direction you are moving.” Vice President of Academic Affairs and Murray State alumna Bonnie Higginson said this year’s theme gives alumni an opportunity to look back on their lives and how they changed during their time at Murray State. “I think that the theme for this year resonates with alumni, allowing them to reflect on their undergraduate experience at MSU, regardless of how many years have passed,” she said.
The News October 12, 2012
Homecoming 2012
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Football queen looks back on college days Maddie Mucci || Staff writer mmucci@murraystate.edu
Photos by Austin Ramsey/The News
Margaret (Peggy) Holland Brown from Tiffin, Ohio rem inisces through her old photog raphs w hi le remembering her time as football queen. She was selected by the varsity football team as queen in 1945. While at Murray State, Brown was involved with Tri Sigma, Sock and Buskin, Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Psi Omega and the Spanish Club.
The 90 years Murray State has existed have been filled with memories, progress and tradition. The school has changed, the city has grown, buildings have moved and the education has expanded, but Murray State continues to support traditions. In 1945 the Homecoming traditions were similar to those today. Students gathered around for a parade, went to a Thoroughbred football game and crowned what was then known as a football queen. The varsity football team members selected the football queen in those days, and in 1945, the team selected Margaret (Peggy) Holland Brown from Tiffin, Ohio. “I dated one of the football boys,” Brown said, laughing. “That’s how I got to be football queen, I’m sure.” Homecoming Saturday was rainy and cold in 1945, but that did not stop the parade and football game. “I remember I was riding in a little carriage that was drawn by a horse and I had two other Tri Sigmas with me,” Brown said. “We were in that carriage and it started raining. Oh, it was awful.” That rainy Saturday afternoon in 1945 was not the perfect day for crowning a queen, but the memory of being crowned still stands out to Brown all these years later. “It was still raining when they gave the crown as football queen and I had to go out on the field and be escorted by one of the football boys that was sweating and wet,” Brown said. “I had to go out there and accept the crown as football queen, but it was a bad year to be queen because it was bad weather!” Despite the weather, Murray State won 33–14 over Illinois Wesleyan that Homecoming game. Brown said she remembered going to football games among other things as a pastime. “Every weekend we could have a date,” Brown said. “The women’s club gave some dances and the
school gave some dances, and we would go to the theater. There was a movie place in town, and, of course, we had to walk all the way from campus to the town. We had a good time. The Hut (a local diner) was real popular then, it was right there on the corner across from (Pogue) library, and that was a hangout for college folks. It had hamburgers and we could dance if we wanted to.” While many things have changed since the 1940s, the downsides to college life remain the same. “I had classes in Wrather Hall and I had classes in the health building,” Brown said. “One was here and one was way down there, and I had to walk and be there between classes. That part wasn’t very much fun, but I liked (Murray State). I felt at home here.” In Brown’s days at Murray State, she was president of the Tri Sigma sorority, class officer, chosen campus favorite, and members of Sock and Buskin, Kappa Delta PI, Alpha Psi Omega and the Spanish Club. “I took a lot of dramatics and speech—that was part of my major, so I was busy doing that,” Brown said. “Of course, I was in the sorority and they made me president my senior year, so I was pretty busy with it then.” Brown has continued to stay active and busy over the years, even away from the craziness of college life. “Somebody told me ‘No wonder you stay so young; you’re just always doing something,’” Brown said, “But I really do, I enjoy crochet and doing handwork embroidery, stuff like that. I collect movies and dolls. I’m an artist now and I’ve gotten into folk art painting, so I’ve been doing a lot of folk art stuff and, I just love it. I’m always busy.” Students can look for Brown in this year’s Homecoming Parade driving her Mustang convertible. Even though many decades have passed, Brown is living proof of the importance and longevity of the memories made on Homecoming weekend.
Homecoming 2012
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