Homecoming is a time that people on campus reminisce about the past, while considering how much of an impact the past has had on the present and the future.
Leading up to the football game at Texas A&M University – Commerce will be festivities and activities around campus. Whether it is the door and window decoration contest, or the bonfire on the eve of the football game, there always seems to be something to appeal to each person.
With so much hoopla surrounding the Homecoming game, and the alumni that typically attend, it brings to focus of how the week leading up to the game affects the football team as a whole – both coaches and players.
Do the Lions prepare for Homecoming like any other game? Is there any added pressure? What is different about the Homecoming game as opposed to the other games during the season?
To shed some light, a few Lions coaches and players were asked to give their thoughts about Homecoming.
Senior wide receiver David Wofford reflected on the difference between the week leading up to Homecoming, compared to other games, when there aren’t activities and hoopla around campus about the upcoming game.
“The atmosphere is different throughout the week, more events going on, people seem to be more focused. This is one of the most important games, other than the season opener, and as a senior, I would like to win. Your supposed to win your Homecoming game,” Wofford said.
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman John Marshall reiterated Wofford’s thoughts on the preparation and feel of the Homecoming game.
“It’s a more excited week of the year, its supposed to be a win, like Dave said. We are supposed to win the game, its supposed to be easy, we have to come out and play hard,”
Senior defensive lineman Luis Lujan talked about the preparation for Homecoming game, and the excitement of the Homecoming game.
“Well, preparation wise, we prepare the same way every game – to win. We never really change things, the message is always the same. As far as the actual game, its always fun, because we have family and friends that come and we have people in the stands. From what I remember from last year, we practiced the whole week the same as every other week, prepare to win,” Lujan said.
Tight ends coach Winfred Essix, who played for the Lions during the late ’80s, spoke about preparation as a student and coach, and also the morale on campus during the week leading up to the Homecoming game.
“To be honest with you, as a player and as a coach we on this end, prepare the same every game, its about winning this week. Its about game planning and the ending. As far as the morale on campus, we would expect the student body to come out and support us and be more active and energetic, and get involved with the festivities of the week,” Essix said.
“The festivities that go along with homecoming are what makes it special, and we understand that. At the same time, its business as usual,” he said.
Graduate Assistant Coach J.R. Satchel who finished up his playing days with the Lions last year, agreed with Essix in the preparation similarities.
“From a player and coaching standpoint, it’s the same preparation. The difference is more people in the stands, more of your friends and family, and the bonfire,” Satchel said.