Baldwin Wallace University celebrated Homecoming Day on Saturday, Oct. 12. The day began at 11:30 a.m. with a parade led by the Marching Yellow Jackets and including floats for many different organizations on campus. The parade also included last year’s Homecoming King and Queen Brad Zucco and JoBeth Roll as well as current Jacket Prince Billy Weaver and Princess Carol Nicholson.
Inter-Residence Hall Council won first place in the float contest, with a three-way tie between Dance Marathon, Delta Zeta and Mid-Night Madness for second place and Phi Kappa Tau coming in third.
The parade ended on the lawn of George Finnie Stadium where BW hosted the Homecoming tailgate cookout at 12:00 p.m. A photo booth was provided, and music was played on location by WBWC, The Sting radio station. Mascot Stinger was also in attendance to entertain the crowds.
Some organizations had informational tables set up during the cookout, including Blackstone Launchpad, Residence Life, and a table dedicated to supporting American troops. The Office of Admission had a booth for any prospective students who were interested in applying to BW. The bookstore also sold clothing and other merchandise. President Robert Helmer and his family attended the cookout to show support for the BW football team.
“Homecoming is one of the best days of the year. We welcome back all of the alumni and the history they represent. We celebrate with current students and cheer on the football team. It doesn’t get better than that,” Helmer said.
The Sophomore Class Officers organized the Homecoming festivities. President Tom Jackson, Vice President Ashley King, Secretary Madeline Southall and Treasurer Charlotte Robson are the Sophomore Class Officers responsible for organizing the Homecoming festivities.
“I’m really excited about the community getting involved and the alumni being here. Mostly the student’s involvement has been great. And Jamie Yeager was a huge support for this success,” Southall said.
The 2013 Homecoming King and Queen were crowned before the football game at 2:00 p.m. The nominees for Homecoming King were junior Steven Vaccaro, senior Jason Roberto, senior Luis Valdez, senior Gabe Adams and senior Patrick Mahoney. The nominees for Homecoming Queen were senior Megan Anderson, junior Dominique DiMaria, junior Brianna Razzante, senior Heather Schier and senior Kayla Weaver.
Kayla Weaver, Communication Disorders major from Chardon, Ohio, and nominated by Alpha Gamma Delta, was crowned Queen. Patrick Mahoney, Political Science and International Politics double major from Strongsville, Ohio, and nominated by Student Government, was crowned King.
The BW Alumni Band joined the Marching Yellow Jackets to play the National Anthem before kick off. The Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets faced off against the Ohio Northern Polar Bears, claiming victory with a score of 38-17 in favor of BW. Senior wide receiver Josiah Holt was the Player-of-the-Game and received the Frank Ropollo Award.
