By: Cameron Fulkerson

Homecoming is coming. Everyone is excited. But what is homecoming? 

They are events, usually accompanied by dances, typically held at high schools and colleges, mainly after a football or basketball game. These are used to have all past students come back after they have left school. In addition to alumni returning, and the dance, there is also a court, voted upon by students. But where did these homecomings come from? 

HOMECOMING ORIGINS

Allegedly, the first homecoming game was played in 1911 at the University of Missouri. They played the University of Kansas to a 3-3 tie. The NCAA, Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy consider this the first homecoming. Former students were invited to attend and the weekend’s events centered around the game and a parade. More schools began taking after Missouri and hosting similar games. As time went on, new traditions like homecoming court, tailgates, dress-up days, pep rallies, alumni bands, and dances became commonplace in homecoming festivities.

OUR HOMECOMING

OHS was founded in 1871, thus our alumni base and history is significant, and homecoming is a big deal. In the past, we have had homecoming for football, basketball, and/or both. This year we are having a single Winter Homecoming. The Homecoming Court will be recognized and the King and Queen will be announced during our home basketball games against Apollo on Friday, February 3. The Winter Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, February 4 beginning at 8:00pm in the South Gym.

So that’s it. That’s homecoming and why we have it. So get ready to see past students and the court next Friday, then dance your heart out on Saturday OHS! 

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