Floats were built, the bands were ready, the crowd was rowdy and Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s football team dominated Southeastern Oklahoma State University for a Homecoming win! On Saturday, Oct. 10, several gathered around the downtown square for the annual Homecoming parade, then headed to Ranger Field to watch the Ranger football team win 31-16, all to celebrate Northwestern’s homecoming.
The theme was “Ranger Nation: Ride of Fame,” and the tradition is exactly what homecoming is to Northwestern. People came from all over to be in Alva for this event.
Northwestern played host to several other activities from pep rallies and reunions, to the annual collaboration of the current and past band members, and the current and alumni cheerleaders, as well as the crowning of the Ranger king and queen.
Leading the parade on Saturday was the family of the honorary parade marshal Dr. Charles White, who recently passed away. For 23 years, Charles White worked in various positions at Northwestern. During those years, most of his time was spent as a professor of education and psychology, as well as chair of the division of education and psychology.
Following the Whites in the parade was Arlo Darr, who was parade chairman for over 40 years, earning him lifetime recognition as parade chairman.
After the conclusion of the parade the winners of the floats and bands were announced.
First place for on-campus floats was the Aggie Club; second place was the NWOSU Art Society; third place was the Delta Zeta sorority. In the off campus/ for profit organizations category, first place went to Banc Central National Bank; second place was Alva State Bank; and third place went to Cargill Salt. In the off campus/ non-profit organization category, first place went to Boy Scout troop 392; second place was The Cherokee Strip Museum; and third place was Alva American Legion post 392. The President’s Award went to the Aggie Club. The Alumni Ranger Spirit Award went to Beadles Nursing Home.
The winning bands were announced by class. The Junior High Class A first place winner was Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Junior High School band. In High School Class 2A, first place was Pioneer-Pleasant Vale High School band with second place going to Ringwood High School band. In High School Class 3A, first place went to the Alva High School Band of Gold. In High School Class 5A first place was Woodward High School band.
The following groups stayed for the massed band: Ringwood High School Band, Woodward High School Band, Southwestern Heights Junior High Band (from Kismet, Kansas), Turpin High School Band and Waynoka High School Band.
Winners of the on-campus Board Competition included Chemistry Club, first place; Lady Ranger Basketball, second place; and Psychology Club, third.
The winner of the dorm decoration contest was South Hall.
The building winner was the J.W. Holder Wellness Center.
The window winner was the Jesse Dunn Annex decorated by members of the NWOSU Art Society.
“This year’s homecoming was amazing,” said Dr. David Pecha, homecoming chairman and vice president for administration. “There are so many hard working people to thank for putting in countless hours to make it the incredible event it was for not only Northwestern students, faculty and staff but the entire community as well..
Homecoming 2016 is set for Oct. 1, 2016. Be watching for a contest to open during the spring semester to enter ideas for next year’s homecoming theme. Until then, a website has been established for people to enter the competition at www.nwosu.edu/homecoming-theme. The homecoming committee will consider all entries and make an announcement of the new theme during the spring semester.