Football not the only game in town

While the football team was clamping down on Bates, thousands of Jumbos, old and new, gathered at tailgater's village to cookout, dampen their pallets with a frosty beverage, and pass the day away with friends from yesteryear. The decision to switch homecoming dates from mid-October to late-September seemed like a good one, as the community was blessed with a beautiful fall day.

"Homecoming is a very special day," former Tufts president John Dibiaggio said. "It's a great opportunity for everyone to gather and have fun. Former students love it too, they really feel a great deal of fondness for their undergraduate experience."

Students, alumni, and others in attendance all praised the day's events for fostering connections to Tufts.

"It's great to be back," said Larry Harris (LA '00), former student body president and current student at the Kennedy School. "The best thing about it is seeing everyone. I think it's so smart Tufts moved the date; not only is the weather nicer, but we get to play a sorry team."

"I have a feeling of wistfulness," alumnus Neil Taylor (LA '02) said. "Maybe I'm feeling some happiness to see some of my prot?©g?©s fulfilling their dreams. It's a feeling of pure joy, pure pure joy."

Though everyone present was united in Jumbo pride, not everyone had the same expectations for their afternoons.

"I come back all the time," said 1951 football captain Dick Walsh. "I like to make it to a few games a year. I really enjoy watching the games."

But many of those in attendance were not actually there to see the game.

"There's no doubt I'll make it into the game," Harris said.

"I'm not exactly sure if I'll be making it in to watch football," sophomore Elizabeth Katcher said. "I hope I do, I'm going to try really hard."

"If I make it into the game, it will be the biggest upset of the day," Taylor said. "Though I'm not there in person, I'll be there in spirit. I really hope we master Bates. I'm a little nervous though, only Adam Vinitieri could kick a field goal in this wind."

Certainly homecoming provided an opportunity for Jumbos to wake up early, and savor the day.

"I woke up and made love," Taylor said. "Then I walked over. Even though I graduated, I still sleep under Bowen Gate sometimes. So I bought some Natty's and started reconnecting with old friends."

"I feel a lot of appreciation for this day," sophomore Joe Meade said. "This is the type of event that brings the Tufts community together, and keeps people coming back. It instills you with a lot of pride in your university. It really warms my heart to see so many people having a great time."

Even non-Jumbos were impressed with the day's festivities.

"This is a great day, a beautiful day," said John Beatty, the parents of a Bates football player. "It seems like a really great crowd has turned out. Tufts really does a nice job."