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FEATURE

Homecoming 2003: Bigger and Better Than Ever

By Alex Sachare ’71
Photos By Eileen Barroso

Homecoming 2003 at Baker Field was the biggest and best-attended in memory, with more than 2,000 alumni, family and friends gathering in a huge tent that was nearly twice the size of last year’s. An indoor arcade and outdoor amusement area added to the carnival atmosphere and were big hits with the kids. Scheduled as part of the opening of the Columbia250 anniversary celebration and part of Family Weekend as well, Homecoming succeeded in every respect except one — the football team scored first but then gave up 31 unanswered points, losing to Penn 31–7.

In a successful effort to attract more families, arcade games and outdoor activities were added this year. There were air slides and tunnels, a climbing wall, a stilt-walker, face-painting, temporary tattoos, cotton candy, ice cream, balloons, pennants, pom-poms and an array of arcade games at which kids could win prizes like stuffed animals.

If you missed the big weekend, mark October 1–3, 2004, on your calendar and plan to be part of the fun at Homecoming 2004.

TOP: The largest crowd in recent years, 13,785, turned out for Homecoming 2003, but first-year Coach Bob Shoop’s Lions were no match for eventual Ivy League champion Penn. After Jeff Otis ’05 passed for the game’s first touchdown, it was all downhill as the Quakers rolled to a 31-70 victory on their way to a perfect 10-0 season. MIDDLE: Seniors made their presence felt at Homecoming, enjoying their own party area and contributing more than 100 gifts to the Class of 2004 Senior Gift Fund. The seniors have set a class goal of 75 percent participation, which would eclipse the record of 71 percent established by the Class of '03. BOTTOM LEFT: Some students made a fashion statement by donning Columbia250 crowns to mark the opening weekend of the anniversary festivities. BOTTOM RIGHT: Alumni from the 1960s and ’70s show their school spirit, including (far left) former Washington Redskins “Hog” George Starke ’71.

Alumni of all ages enjoyed Homecoming 2003. The carnival area was especially popular with children, who got their exercise by climbing a rock wall and slithering through an inflated tunnel. There also were arcade games and snacks like ice cream and cotton candy to keep the younger set happy. Pom-poms, Columbia250 pennants and face-painting (middle, middle) were popular, although one girl (bottom, right) chose to go with a Lions decal on her cheek. The band was as loud and lively as ever, and at halftime was joined by several alumni members (bottom, middle) for a special performance.

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