The annual homecoming week is upon the SMU community.
Windows are painted, t-shirts have been made, and floats are being built.
This week is usually used for recognition of past success and to celebrate great tradition, but it is also important to take recognition of the SMU family that has been developed throughout the last 100 years.
This homecoming is the 25-year reunion for the class of ’86 or ‘87 depending on how you look at it.
In 25 years a lot can change—the Mavs won a championship, Mark McGuire became first to hit 70 homers in one season, the BCS was birthed in 1998, and Desmond Howard ran a punt to the end zone striking the now infamous “Heisman Pose.”
All of these events happened within the last 25 years as our world of sports has spiraled in all directions, both positive and negative, to affect the games we love to watch and play.
The graduates returning for their 25-year reunion have a lot to celebrate with SMU.
They will come back to their old stomping grounds and see the consistent, positive change and continued growth on the SMU campus in every department, especially athletics.
When the ‘86 graduates where ruling these grounds, sports were king.
The 1986 Men’s Track and Field team pocketed a NCAA national championship, SMU football players Reggie Dupard and Rod Jones were both selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, Women’s track and field started at SMU, and SMU football legend Doak Walker was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But we all seem to assimilate the ‘86 season to the “Death-Penalty” imposed on the football program, shutting it down for the 1987 season.
As time went on so did accomplishment.
In the 1990’s SMU basketball earned its 13th Southwest Conference men’s title, Gerald J. Ford stadium received funding, a SMU golfer won the U.S. Amateur, and SMU sent 10 athletes to the Olympics.
As the Millennium rolled around, the SMU football team appeared in their first bowl game in 25 years, and reappeared the next year, 2010, for their second consecutive bowl game appearance.
The traditions at SMU are something to be proud of. SMU is a school of sportsmanship and dignity in everything they do on a daily basis.
The atmosphere on campus is one of a close-knit family something everyone can be a part of if they want.
Continued support for the athletic teams on campus is crucial if we are to continue to build this community.
A community that contains the attributes of a family will celebrate as well as support the members of this family.
Brooke Williamson is a sophomore majoring in journalism with a minor in sports management. She can be reached for comment at [email protected]
