Correction: This column has been changed from its original form. The editor does, in fact, know who Ohio is playing on Saturday.
Two days until Homecoming is here, Bobcats. I’m almost positive Ohio will crush Central Michigan — in fact, I’d call the game now if I weren’t so superstitious about jinxing the game.
Regardless of the score, I hope to see a huge turnout on Saturday and that a decent majority of the crowd will remain in their seats after halftime, when the Homecoming king and queen will be named.
Speaking of the Homecoming royalty, it’s been interesting to see how that role has changed over the years as we have been flipping through decades-old editions of The Post.
In 1962 — which would be the final Homecoming on campus for 1963 graduates, who are being honored during this year’s Homecoming — the (somewhat cheesy) portraits of the Homecoming queen, Suzi Starr, and the two princesses dominated the front page of The Post.
In the years since, it’s become increasingly rare for The Post to even mention the contest. I’m not sure if that was a conscious choice by Post editors, or if the coverage changed with the times.
Maybe the change is a good thing. Perhaps the decline of the Homecoming court marks a decline in the objectification of beauty and the downfall of choosing one stereotypical, perfect pair of victors who are given the status of royalty.
Of course, it’s possible I’m reading between the lines too much. Last year, Ohio University elected only Homecoming “ambassadors.” This year, the title reverted back to “king” and “queen” (it’s hard to mess with decades of tradition), but I think the temporary change marked a different emphasis for the roles.
That said, one change that is definitely for the worse is the lack of creativity and awesomeness in the floats for the Homecoming parade. Winners in years previous were masterful monstrosities. Floats in recent years have been, well, not that. The Post included.
Ryan Clark is the Editor-In-Chief of The Post. Email him at rc348710@ohiou.edu.
