UA Holds Annual Homecoming Week Oct. 22-28

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Fireworks, entertainment, lawn decorations, and a parade and pep rally are all part of The University of Alabama’s tradition of celebrating Homecoming Week, scheduled this year for Oct. 22-28.

The theme for Homecoming Week 2000 focuses on “Old TraditionsNew Beginnings.” Numerous activities are planned for the week to generate school spirit and prepare for the Crimson Tide’s showdown against Central Florida.

The kickoff for the celebration begins with the 12th annual “Roll Tide Run” on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. The week will end with the main event, the football game against Central Florida at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 28. The game currently is scheduled for 2 p.m.

On Monday, Oct. 23, student organizations can participate in “Paint the Town Red,” where local businesses on the Strip are decorated with designs in crimson and white paint.

The Homecoming Queen election will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at all campus kiosks. The queen will be announced at the pep rally on Friday night. UA President Andrew Sorensen will crown the queen during the halftime show at the football game.

On Tuesday night, a choreography competition will take place at 7 p.m. in Riverside Amphitheater. The winners of the competition will perform at Homecoming on the Quad on Saturday.

A pool shoot contest, as well as entertainment, will be held in the Ferguson Center Pool Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m.

Events scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, include the Quad games, which will begin at 1 p.m. The fifth annual Road and River Relay begins at 2 p.m. at Denny Chimes. The judging of the lawn decorations and “Paint the Town Red” competition will begin at 1 p.m.

The traditional bonfire and fireworks extravaganza will follow the pep rally, which begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, on the Quad. The pep rally will include the Crimson Tide football team, cheerleaders, students, alumni and guest speakers.

Immediately following the bonfire on the Quad, University Programs will present the musical entertainment of Blues Traveler, performing live on the Quad at 9 p.m. The concert is free.

This year, Johnny Musso, a former Crimson Tide football star, will serve as the grand marshal for the homecoming parade, which is set for 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28. The parade route will begin in downtown Tuscaloosa, proceed down University Boulevard and conclude at the Russell Student Health Center.

Musso played for the Crimson Tide from 1969 to 1971. Nicknamed the “Italian Stallion,” he carried the ball 226 times in one season, which was more than any other running back had ever carried it before in SEC history.

Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant once called Musso the greatest running back he had ever coached. He was the unanimous choice for All-American, 1970-71. Musso was SEC Player of the Year in 1971, and he was selected Team Captain and All-SEC that same year. He achieved Academic All-American and Academic All-SEC status in 1970-71.

Musso graduated from the University in 1972 with a degree in business.

As a professional football player, Musso went on to play three years in the Canadian Football League, one year in the World Football League and three years with the Chicago Bears in the NFL, after being the third player drafted by the Bears in the 1972 draft.

Musso is now a resident of Hinsdale, Ill., and is active in the Baptist Church, serving as a trustee and a member of the Deacon’s Board and the Mission Committee. He and his wife, Tanner, have five children: Zack, Bryan, Scott, Brad and Tyler.

Fans of all ages can find entertainment if they attend Homecoming on the Quad, Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Performers include the Afro-American Gospel Choir, the Jonathan Noffsinger Jazz Band, choreography contest winners, the Crimson Cabaret, UA’s Jazz Ensemble, and Big Al and the UA cheerleaders.

On Saturday, several colleges and schools at the University will host breakfasts or receptions and will be showcased under individual tents around the “Big Top” on the Quad.

The Homecoming schedule includes:

Sunday, Oct. 22

12th Annual “Roll Tide Run,” 2 p.m., begins at Gorgas Library

Monday, Oct. 23

“Paint the Town Red” competition, the Strip

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Homecoming Queen Election, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., all campus kiosks

Choreography Contest, 7 p.m., Riverside Amphitheater

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Homecoming Pool Shoot, 8 p.m., Ferguson Center Pool Hall

Friday, Oct. 27

Lawn Decorations and “Paint the Town Red” Judging, 1 p.m.

Quad Games 2000, 1-4 p.m.

Road and River Relay, 2 p.m., UA Quad

Pre-Pep Rally Reception, 5:30 p.m., Smith Hall

Pep Rally/ Bonfire/ Fireworks, 7 p.m., UA Quad

University Programs Homecoming Concert on the Quad: Blues Traveler, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m., begins in downtown Tuscaloosa, proceeds down University Boulevard and ends at the Russell Student Health Center

Homecoming on the Quad, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Winston Groom book signing on the Quad, bookstore tent, 10 a.m.

The Elephant Stomp on the Quad, 1 p.m.

Alabama-Central Florida football game, currently scheduled for 2 p.m., Bryant-Denny Stadium

Saturday receptions include:

Alumni Council

Breakfast, 8 a.m., Ferguson Center Ballroom

Homecoming Committee

Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Moore Hall Lawn

Capstone College of Nursing (CCN)