Shawna Ellis, right, leads a homecoming planning meeting at Dalton State. Homecoming is Jan. 31.
Shawna Ellis is helping build tradition.
The Dalton State student is helping plan this year’s homecoming celebration at the college. The homecoming basketball game is Saturday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. at the Trade Center against Bethel University. Tickets are $9 for general admission and $13 for reserved seats. There will be activities for students on campus all week, and several events open to the public on Saturday.
The homecoming court will be presented at halftime.
This is only the second year the college has hosted homecoming since athletics returned to Dalton State.
“I think it makes students feel more connected,” said Ms. Ellis, who chairs the student homecoming committee. “It makes us more united, and it gives us more to look forward to, not only now as students but after we graduate. It makes us into more of a traditional four-year school.”
Barry Blevins, a 2003 graduate of Dalton State and a member of the College’s Alumni Advisory Council, said he loves being a Roadrunner, and he loves having homecoming.
“It is a special place,” he said. “From painting the rock to hiking on a nature trail, the campus at Dalton State is one of the true gems in North Georgia. Homecoming is open to everyone, whether you attended Dalton State or not. I personally believe this is a great opportunity for the community to get to know the College the way that I do. Come see why it is so awesome to be a Roadrunner.”
Homecoming activities open to the public kick off on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. The Campus Activities Board will host a tailgate as part of the alumni vs. faculty basketball game at the Bandy Gym on campus. Admission to the game is $5 and proceeds benefit the Spence Higgins Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
“Mr. Higgins was the first elected student president, and I believe he would be extremely excited about this basketball game as he was a true Roadrunner at heart,” Mr. Blevins said.
The legendary Melvyn “Coach O” Ottinger will lead the alumni team, which will feature former basketball players. The faculty team will be coached by the College’s Athletic Director Derek Waugh.
“I believe the highlight of the day will be when Coach O leads the alumni basketball team against the faculty team,” Blevins said.
There will be a photo booth at the game, and anyone in attendance is invited to come have their photo made with props. Also, at the gate, the student homecoming committee will be giving out temporary tattoos and other goodies.
Though homecoming activities don’t open to the public until Saturday, campus has been buzzing with homecoming preparation for a few weeks. The campus is covered in posters featuring those on the homecoming court running for queen or prince and princess.
Nominees to the court came from several different areas of campus, and those on the court were chosen by a panel. The student body will elect their queen, prince and princess. There were no candidates for king.
Ms. Ellis is pleased with the involvement homecoming has sparked on campus.
“This is drawing participation from different crowds of people and bringing them together,” she said. “From those running we’re getting to see how much they love Dalton State and how much Dalton State has done for them.”
There will also be activities for students all week, many of which are competition style that will earn teams points that will accumulate throughout the week. The winning team will be presented with a trophy, and of course earn bragging rights. Ellis hopes it starts a tradition that people look forward to each year.
Some of the events planned include an “Awkward Family Photos” competition and a scavenger hunt focused on learning more about campus. Other events for students include a pajama movie night and a food eating competition.
“I love being a Roadrunner and I would really love to welcome all of my fellow alums to come to Homecoming to see just how much Dalton State College has grown since their time on campus,” Mr. Blevins said.