Homecoming weekend at Ouachita features many traditional events that are highly anticipated by alumni and current students, and this year did not disappoint. With the many events held during Homecoming weekend, there were a few that stood out. Tiger Tunes, the Homecoming football game, Eta Muggin’ and the Barret Baber concert exceeded expectations this year and represented Ouachita well.
Tiger Tunes is an event in which clubs participate on campus. Along with the hosts’ and hostesses’ performances, the clubs each have a show that matches a theme of their choice. They prepare for four weeks, dedicating countless hours to the unique costumes, singing and dancing.
This year proved to be thoroughly entertaining for students, families and alumni.
Abby Root, a senior speech communications and theater education major from Arkadelphia, said that she has attended every Tiger Tunes show since she was born and has participated in the last four shows. She said that this year was a success and there was not a show that disappointed.
The clubs were well prepared and organized, and the crowd loved it. While there are awards presented every year to the participants, BETA receiving an award for the first time in nine years caused quite a celebration. This year’s Tiger Tunes set the bar high for next year’s show, and Ouachitonians will begin preparations for it promptly in the spring.
The Homecoming football game gave current and former Ouachitonians reason to celebrate as well. While Ouachita trailed Southern Arkansas University for most of the game, a field goal at the end tied it.
The excitement continued when Ouachita, after four overtimes, took the victory.
Dr. Kluck, vice president for student development and the team physician, said, “we deserved to win this game.”
With multiple starters out on the team, there were many freshmen and second string players thrown in, and the effort was tremendous.
Along with the football game, a student was presented with the title of Homecoming Queen in a ceremony before the game. This student was Abby Root, who has been a Tiger since she was born.
Eta Muggin’ is another tradition at Ouachita that developed in 2000 when a few Etas decided to celebrate after Tunes with an ice chest full of root beer at the Speer Pavilion.
This event was eventually moved to the plaza, and the tradition continued to grow year after year and included the student body. The Etas wanted to provide a safe, fun place for students to hang out at after Tunes.
Will Hanna, a senior Eta, summed Muggin’ up well: “basically we just give out a lot of free root beer.”
The biggest challenge, according to Hanna, was buying and transporting the 1,500 bottles that they bought for this year’s Muggin’.
Another event held on campus is not a tradition but represented the community and loyalty of Ouachita alumni. Barrett Baber, a former student at Ouachita who participated in the music program, returned to perform after being a contestant on The Voice last year.
Amber Easterly, a mass communications and business major from Bryant, recalled that the show was very “chill.” Baber performed many of his songs and a few covers for the audience, and he sang a duet with Candace Payne, i.e. “Chewbacca Mom,” another former Ouachita student who became an internet sensation. Baber met with fans for photos and autographs after the show.
Homecoming weekend proved to be a great time this year for all.
Tiger Tunes always draws a huge crowd back to Ouachita, as it is one of the most anticipated events for students, faculty and alumni. Ouachita’s football team did not cease to make its fans proud, and it put everyone on their toes for the victory in the fourth overtime. Eta Muggin’ provided the perfect refreshment to unwind after Tiger Tunes. Barrett Baber has made Ouachita proud and did once again when he returned to perform for students and alumni.
Ouachita creates a close network and community for students, faculty and alumni. This is proven true every year at Homecoming, and the tradition will continue.
– By Ashlynn Morton, Staff Writer
