BSU is Going Back to the Future

Beavers Battle Peacocks in Homecoming Game

by Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

            After a disappointing loss last homecoming, the Beavers are anxious to jump into the lake after missing their chance last year.  A win versus Upper Iowa would give the team an opportunity to live up to tradition. Assistant Head Coach Rich Jahner said, "Jumping in the lake is a memory that is very special since it's unique to BSU and only a few people on the planet have had the opportunity to experience it."

            The theme for this homecoming is "Back to the Future." The Alumni Society chose the theme and the Campus Activities Board is building a week of events that will lead up to the homecoming game on Saturday. "We chose to play off the movie trilogy from the 90's and have integrated a few of the more famous images from 'Back to the Future,' such as the delorean, the clock tower and the title itself," said CAB president Andrea Bodin.  "The movies were produced in the 90's, so we are having a retro twist with Kool-Aid jammers, [90's] trivia quiz, and glow bowling."

            The coronation of royalty kicks off homecoming on Monday.  It will be held in the BSU Gymnasium at 9 p.m.  Last year's winners, Nambee Ragavan and Kelsy Lavernz will hand over the crowns to new royalty.  The candidates are nominated by different student organizations.  The students have the power to vote for who wins.

            On Tuesday, fire-eating magician Brian Brushwood will entertain students in Hagg-Sauer 100 at 9 p.m.  From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, "Dirt Cups" (cups of chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms) will be served in the Lower Union.  Thursday night is free glow bowling to BSU students from 9:15 p.m. to midnight at Bemidji Bowling Alley.  Friday night will be the homecoming dance in Memorial 100 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

            The big game is on Saturday, October 2.  Many people will begin their day downtown participating in "Kegs N' Eggs" at the Keg N' Cork or tailgating near the stadium.  There is also another option for those who feel like getting some exercise instead.  The homecoming 5K run/walk is at 9 a.m., with a course that includes a tour of campus.  At 11 a.m. BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride are starting the Homecoming Tailgate Party in Diamond Point Park.

            The game starts at 1 p.m., after an introduction of football alumni who are in attendance. A win would let the Beavers sing the fight song and jump in the lake. "Beating Upper Iowa would mean that we're continuing a long tradition that's important to the team," said red-shirt freshman guard Jared Erickson. After the game, there is a Football Alumni Reunion at the Bemidji Elks Club. "Both players and coaches enjoy having the alumni around the program again," Jahner shared.  "The stories are relived along with a lot of laughs."

            Homecoming is capped off with an evening Beaver Block Party on Beltrami Ave. between Third and Fourth Street.  Urban Myth, from Minneapolis, will provide live music.

            For more information, or to register for events, go to the Alumni Association Website at www.bsualumni.org and click on Homecoming 2010 under "Coming Events."  All events are free for students.

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Fans of young and old will pack the bleachers at Chet Anderson Stadium Saturday October 2 to cheer on the Beavers to cap off Homecoming week. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie.

Prior to this year’s Homecoming game vs. The Upper Iowa Peacocks, Beaver Pride and the Alumni Association will host a tailgate party in Diamond Point Park starting 11am. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie.

BSU football players celebrate after winning the annual Homecoming game by jumping into the cold fall waters of Lake Bemidji outside the west end zone at Chet Anderson Stadium. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie