Homecoming • Holding
on much longer than other riders,
Delta Gamma member Katie Zea participated
in one of Homecoming’s more
popular attractions (top). Announced
during the men’s basketball
game Saturday, Homecoming King Tyler
Whaley and Queen Amanda Stone wave
to the crowd (bottom). Tracey Roman
/ Online Forty-Niner
Homecoming rustles up western styles, fun
By
Karla Casillas
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Goats, a mechanical bull and country music are some of the things that helped
49er Days come to life Saturday for Homecoming 2006 where students and alumni
gathered to celebrate beach pride.
Michael Munoz, Associated Student Sports and Spirit commissioner, said the
49er Days’ theme was picked because it was something different from previous
homecomings.
“
In the past, the theme has always been similar,” he said. “We’ve
had a beach theme, a luau and a party for The Pyramid.”
49er Days was a theme used in the ’60s, to bring back western spirit
to the school. Lot 13, in front of The Walter Pyramid, was turned into a country-style
western hoedown. Students, faculty, alumni and visitors walked around and participated
in the western fun.
“
Country is in and everyone is enjoying themselves,” Munoz said as he
pointed out how many people were dressed in country attire. “We knew
it would be supported.”
Many people wore cowboy hats and boots and danced to the beat of country music.
Those who weren’t dancing were tapping their feet to the beat. The country
line dancing was on cue with the music from Jeff Severson and the Singing Safety
Band. The band played a number of
Johnny Cash cover songs while spectators broke out the electric slide.
“
It’s a wonderful event that showcases campus spirit,” President
F. King Alexander said. “It’s full of life and energy.”
Activities had something for everyone. The mechanical bull had a line of people
waiting for their turn to ride, while many children panned for gold and men
roped cattle. Something new to this year’s homecoming was the weiner
dog races. An enthusiastic crowd cheered the dachshunds as they dashed from
the starting line; some running straight ahead to their owners, others chasing
their competition and some running back to the start line.
Barbara Barnes, a 1955 alumna, enjoyed the 49er Days theme.
“
I love this school, and its special for me,” she said.
Three generations of her family have attended or are attending CSULB.
“
I enjoyed coming back to the old 49er days,” said Vince Ammirato, a 1968
alumnus.
It reminded him of his college years. He liked walking around and seeing people
dressed in the spirit of the 49er days, and seeing the saloon props.
Current students also liked the 49er Days theme.
“
Its fun to dress up,” crewmember Allie Minnie said. Ivy Schember also
had fun at the western-themed event.
“
The music goes with the theme,” she said. “It’s really fun.”
Vicky Storberg, from the Recreation Society, was very enthusiastic.
“
I think it’s awesome. I love the 49er Days,” she said.
“
Everybody decorated their station and the theme came alive,” said Ben
Cabangun, a sociology major and Alphi Phi Omega and Pac
Modern member.
Following the festivities students, faculty and alumni hung up their cowboy
hats and filed inside The Walter Pyramid to watch the Beach battle Pacific
and UCSB for the nights double-header.
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