Homecoming 2011 Shatters Records
The 2011 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at Southwestern University set new records in numerous venues, from a hole-in-one at the Pirate Golf Classic to record setting attendance.
For four years now the Pirate Golf Classic has served as the kick-off to the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend and this year they did it with flair! Southwestern's own Justin Gould (pictured) stole the show with a hole-in-one on the #15 par three at Teravista Golf Club. It was the first hole-in-one at the Classic and the first time anyone has won a prize for a hole-in-one at Teravista.
The foursome of former and current SU professors Bob Radford, Jess Purdy, Scott McLean and Nick Sikes took home the title with a 16-under-par 56 while SU softball coach Angela Froboese, Sports Information Director Megan Hardin, SU Professor of Music David Asbury and SU Professor of Mathematics Kendall Richards had the dubious honor of last place with a 2-under-par 70 earning the bowling gift certificates donated by Mel's Bowling Alley, encouraging them to find a new pastime.
Later that evening the current Pirate lacrosse team gathered with former players at the lacrosse alumni mixer. It was an opportunity to exchange stories of past years and learn about the upcoming season.
Saturday began with the 11th annual Jameson 5K Fun Run/Walk and 1-mile Campus Mosey. The men's and women's cross country teams got in a good work out at the event as they prepare for South/Southeast Regionals this weekend.
Men's and Women's Basketball alumni got a chance to see the current players in action and show their best skills during the alumni games following the race while the baseball alumni gathered with fans and fellow alumni at the reception sponsored by the Battlin' Buc Baseballers Alumni Connection Group.
The Homecoming Parade culminated with the official announcement and celebration of the newly reinstated football team and recognizing the women's lacrosse team that will be making the transition from a club sport to a varsity sport. Joe Seeber '63 received the first Southwestern football jersey with his name and the number 1 on the back as the lead donor for the project while President Jake Schrum led the spectators in the Southwestern fight song.
The lone true sporting event of the weekend saw the Pirates take on the McMurry Warhawks in the water. The women's swim team was outstanding as they set new records and won 7 of the 13 events en route to a 131-66 victory while the men were just edged out, falling 109-88.
The final athletics event of the weekend was the Alumni Athlete T-shirt and Tennis Shoe Reception. This year SU took the opportunity to recognize their record holders and gave all alumni athletes an opportunity to speak about why they love Southwestern.
On display was the new football helmet and copies of the record books.
It was truly a wonderful weekend with perfect weather and the best of company. We hope to see more alumni and fans at future Homecoming and Reunion Weekends!!!
