Board painting, boat races, basketball games and barbecue. Every year St. Edward’s University students, faculty and alumni look forward to the festivities that come along with homecoming weekend. This year homecoming has brought with it a few new competitions for students to show their school spirit. 

Student Life, along with UPB and the Homecoming committee, have been working hard for several weeks preparing St. Edward’s for the eventful week that is currently underway.

“There’s a skit shenanigans event where students will be able to show off their talents,” Student Life Assistant Samer Madanat said. “There’s also a new food drive collection event in the RCC parking lot.”

The Homecoming competitions began on Feb. 16 with the Cardboard Regatta boat race at 2 p.m. in the RCC pool. On Feb. 17 students participated in the board painting event located on the third floor of the parking garage. After the boards are completed they will be displayed across campus to be admired by parents, alumni, students and the community.

“My favorite event is the boat race because the challenge is both physical and mental. No other event challenges you like that,” Aquagods team member Michael Cimino said.

Students are familiar with some of the regular Homecoming week events including the dodge ball and Xbox FIFA tournaments, both taking place in the RCC at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19. 

Last year’s winning team, FAT Amy, is looking to maintain their champion status again this year. Team member Kendyll Severa believes they have a good chance.

“We are bringing back most of our players from last year and the new people we have are talented so hopefully we can win again,” Severa said. The top three finalists for each event earn points for their team.

Throughout the week, the points are tallied and documented on Collegiate Link. The winning team for each event will receive an award at the Homecoming Tailgate, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from noon-2 p.m. The team finishing the competition with the most points is honored by having their team name engraved on the Homecoming Topper Cup.

Although Homecoming is traditionally an only on-campus event, this year Casino night, which is usually held in the alumni gym, will be held across Woodward Street at Austin Sports Center from 8-11 p.m.

“I’m really excited to have casino night off campus this year. Hopefully there will be a wider variety of games available,” junior Damion Laverne said.

Homecoming week will conclude with the official university ring ceremony. St. Edward’s recently introduced a new ring, and all students who have ordered a graduation ring will receive it at the ceremony, followed by a short reception. The ring ceremony commences at Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Maloney Room.

“Homecoming week is the one time of year you see almost every student proud to be a Hilltopper, and that is such an amazing feeling,” Cimino said.