This past weekend, Ryan and I ventured back to the University of Missouri, my alma mater, for Homecoming. Did you know that the tradition of "Homecoming" was actually started at Mizzou??
In 1891, the football border battle rivaly between MU and KU began, as the Tigers faced the KU Jayhawks on the college football gridiron. This rivalry would become the oldest college football rivalry west of the Mississippi River. Perhaps because of this intense war between the states, the battle always took place at a neutral site, usually in Kansas City. In 1911, a change in conference regulations required that all intercollegiate football games were required to be played on campus. At this time Missouri trailed in the series by a count of 12-3-5 so there was a need to renew some excitement to this series. Fearing low attendance, Chester L. Brewer, MU's Director of Athletics, invited the alumni to "come home" for the game. As part of this celebration of "coming home," there was a parade and spirit rally to coincide with the actual game -- and the tradition of "Homecoming" was born. Since that time, the University of Missouri has served as a model for the various Homecoming celebrations that take place across the nation.
This year’s Homecoming weekend was fantastic and exciting as usual!! The weather could not have been better and we had the most amazing tailgate location (thanks Jewell!). Ladder golf, beer pong and BBQ were all appreciated. Both my brothers were there, as well as tons of friends. And although our team is highly ranked, the losses in the last two weekends to Texas and Oklahoma State (both top ten teams) had us all a little nervous. However, Colorado was no match for our Tigers, winning 58-0. MIZ-ZOU!! Here are some pictures of the tailgate and game.