Losing almost a month of preparation time didn't stop the Homecoming Steering Committee from getting the job done.
The earlier date for Homecoming left a lot of people irritated. The football game was earlier in the day, forcing students who wanted to go to actually wake up in the morning. The parade's ending time was too close to game time, forcing the marching band to step aside so it could warm up for halftime. And things were just different, which tends to turn a lot of people away.
Opening Day could have cast a shadow over the week with only about 800 people - about 4 percent of the total student body - showing up. By the end of the week, however, that number turned around.
Overall, attendance stayed about the same as previous years for the indoor events - Air Jam once again being the most popular with more than 3,300 sitting in the crowd.
But outside, the warmer, sunnier weather helped draw more crowds than in previous years when students had to battle October's brisker temperatures. The bonfire, Music on McKinley and Bed Races all had higher attendance.
Bed Races especially outdid last year's attendance with 2,100 showing up compared to 1,511 a year ago. The warmer weather made wearing certain costumes that much easier. Had it been colder, we might not have had the nostalgic experience of seeing the khaki shorts and underwear of Quail Man from the cartoon "Doug."
The time crunch might have given steering committee members plenty of headaches, but the results have shown that their efforts weren't fruitless.
Instead of forcing students to juggle attending the events with studying for midterms like previous years, we didn't have to gamble with our grades by sacrificing study time.
Having the best football season in 20 years has done its share of improving school spirit, but Ball State's decision to bump up Homecoming has made it easier for all of us to show that pride.
Keeping Homecoming where it was this year will keep us coming to the events.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
