A look at homecoming

There has always been a rich history of homecoming events at Texas A&M University-Commerce, dating back to the first-ever spirit festival in 1892. Even though the homecoming football game may not be as old, it has stood the test of time, making history on its own along the way.

The first-ever homecoming game played at A&M-Commerce was 83 years ago, when the Lions defeated North Texas 13-12 on Oct. 27, 1928. Since then, A&M-Commerce fans have celebrated homecoming on the football field 74 more times, and the Lions will play in their 76th homecoming game this weekend against Angelo State.

For those alumni who participated in football, cheerleading, or marching band over the years, homecoming is special for obvious reasons, but President Dr. Dan Jones believes that homecoming has special meaning for even the most casual of students.

"The homecoming game is special for so many reasons," Jones said. "For our alumni, it's a time to remember and reflect upon an extraordinary time of their lives when – as players or fans – they were part of a university community that helped mold them into the people they have become. It's also a time when everyone who is part of the university, past and present, can come together to celebrate and reaffirm what it means to be a Lion. It's an opportunity for all of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves – a university with a 122-year legacy of transforming lives and shaping futures."

The Lions will be hoping a large homecoming crowd can help the team reach its first victory of the season, and add to the program's winning tradition in homecoming games.

"Both coaches and players want to win, whether it's homecoming or any other game. The crowd will be larger for the homecoming game, and the ceremonies going on throughout the week leading up to the game help create excitement," Jones said. "The coaches are certainly aware of all that's going on, but at 2 o'clock Saturday, when the ball is kicked off, their focus is on the game."

The homecoming game at A&M-Commerce has had its share of memorable moments, as 12 individual and team records have been established in front of homecoming crowds. The most recent, in 2005, when Roger Daly set the school-record for longest rushing play on a 91-yard carry against Northeastern State. In 1952, former All-American Marvin Brown set school records for points scored (30) and touchdowns (5) in a single game. Brown, a member of the A&M-Commerce Hall of Fame and former All-American, accomplished both feats in a 57-33 homecoming romp over Sam Houston State.

Homecoming may be more important for the Lions in 2011 than any other season before, since the team is entering the contest with a 0-6 record, the worst start in program history since 1926, when the Lions finished the season with an 0-7 record.

Although the Lions have stumbled in all six games this season, they've played their closest games at home losing to Ouachita Baptist by three points (36-33) and to Incarnate Word by a single point (23-22). Dr. Jones believes the Lions' home-field advantage could be a deciding factor this year.

"Players can't help but play better when they see and hear cheering fans in the stands," Jones said. "They're playing for the university, and they want to be part of something great. It's not called home-field advantage for nothing."