By 1812Blockhouse, AI
Fall is months away, and yet thoughts are turning already to Ohio State football and all of its pageantry and activities.
Speaking of which, The Ohio State University at Mansfield announced this week that it is now accepting applications for the 2023 Mansfield Campus Homecoming Court.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is open to any current students returning to the Mansfield campus in Autumn 2023. Deadline to apply is March 31, which can be accomplished here.
Specifically, Homecoming Week takes place this year from October 1 through 7.
Homecoming has a long history at Ohio’s flagship state university. The tradition began in 1912, when the university’s Athletic Director, L.W. St. John, invited alumni to return to campus for the football game against the University of Illinois. This was the first time that Ohio State had invited alumni back to campus for a game, and it proved to be a huge success.
Over the years, Homecoming at Ohio State grew in size and scope. In 1920, the university held its first Homecoming parade, and by the 1930s, the celebration had become a major event, with a full week of activities leading up to the big game. During this time, the Homecoming queen and court were introduced, and the university’s marching band played an increasingly prominent role in the festivities.
One of the most memorable moments in Ohio State’s Homecoming history came in 1986, when the university’s renowned “Best Damn Band in the Land” celebrated the 50th anniversary of Script Ohio that included 40 members of the 1936 band.
Today, Homecoming at Ohio State remains an important tradition, with a full week of activities that includes a parade, a pep rally, and various social events for alumni and students alike. The celebration culminates with the Homecoming football game, which is always a highly anticipated event on the university’s calendar.
Image by jbundgaa from Pixabay
