A Look Back at Homecoming 2017

Jacksonville State University alumni, students, employees and friends woke to cold temperatures and very chilly rain on October 28, 2017, but that didn't deter the Gamecock Nation from celebrating Homecoming in true Gem of the Hills fashion.

When the nasty weather required cancellation of the parade, attendees took it in stride and moved their celebrations into whatever shelter was available-- tailgating tents, the Alumni House porch and pavilion, and indoors. Those who stuck it out at the Alumni House were treated to food, fellowship, and a great performance by Callista Clark and Southbound under the Alumni House pavilion.

As the day went on the rain became intermittent but the temperatures continued to drop. By the start of the homecoming game against SEMO, it was 49 degrees and evident that the fans had every intention of being as tough as the team they came to see.

The Gamecocks played well in front of a crowd that included members of the team that brought JSU its only football national title, in 1992. The third-ranked 2017-2018 Gamecocks wore throwback uniforms that paid homage to the '92 team, and ended the day with a 23-7 victory over Southeast Missouri.

At halftime, Homecoming Queen and King Shea O'Donnell and Paris Coleman were introduced, along with the Alumni of the Year: Wayne Rowe, '76/'78, Alumnus of the Year; Dr. Colleen M. Schmitt, '81, Alumna of the Year; Laura Lundy Wheale, '10, Young Alum of the Year; Col. Michael Martel, '93, Military Alumnus of the Year; Terry Casey, '93/'94, Outstanding Faculty/Staff Member of the Year; and Theta Eta Alumni Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alumni Chapter of the Year.

Below are some photographic highlights of Homecoming Week 2017. Enjoy!

  • Homecoming Showcase Finalists
  • Freshman Forum Banner
  • Homecoming Banner
  • Zeta Tau Alpha and Sigma Nu's Homecoming Banner
  • Wesley Foundation Homecoming Banner
  • Cocky High-Fiving
  • Cocky hugging homecoming king
  • Homecoming Queen with Ballerinas
  • Student Bungee jumping
  • Student on rock-climbing wall
  • Students participating in egg carry
  • Sign Welcoming friends to Alumni House
  • Guests and alumni at Alumni House
  • Alumni walking on Alumni House path
  • People gathered at the Alumni House
  • Calista Clark and Southbound perform in the Alumni House pavilion
  • Alumni of the Year with President Beehler at the President's House
  • Coach Jana McGinnis at the Homecoming Game
  • Pre-game with Ballerinas, Band and Cheerleaders at Homecoming
  • Cheerleaders with pom poms
  • Trumpet players in the Southerners
  • Ballerinas
  • Elite Lettermen and Football Team run onto the field
  • Coach Bill Burgess tosses the coin to start Homecoming 2017 game
  • Trae Berry runs the ball
  • JSU Cheerleader
  • placekicker
  • The Beehlers with homecoming queen
  • Homecoming King
  • 2017 Alumni of the Year
  • 2017 Homecoming Court
  • Homecoming King and Queen with the Beehlers
  • Homecoming outfit with spirit buttons
  • Roc Thomas
  • Jubilant softball players
  • Cocky and Ballerinas
  • Baby Ballerina
  • Young Ballerina
  • Gamecock Drummers
  • Drum Major with flag in background
  • Cocky closeup
  • ROTC Color Guard
  • Trumpet Line for the Southerners
  • Southerners brass quartet
  • Color Guard
  • Ballerinas
  • Elite Lettermen fear the beak
  • Darius Jackson makes a tackle
  • Roc Thomas runs the ball
  • Football team poses after their homecoming win