What homecoming means to the Fighting Scots
Maryville College’s homecoming football game will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Honaker field against Ferrum College.
Though the football team will play with the same focus as the rest of the games on their schedule, homecoming is special for the Scots.
“Homecoming is a chance to come out and play in front of a lot more fans and alumni than we usually have,” said junior tight-end Ben Buell. “It’s an exciting opportunity to show the community what we are all about.”
The Scots have averaged playing in front of over 3,700 fans at home in the 2015 season but expect many more for the homecoming festivities.
“You can tell it’s homecoming during the Scots walk when the sides of the street are lined up with fans cheering for us,” said junior tight-end Justin Collett. “It’s wilder than any other game. The stands are always packed.”
As homecoming means something different to each player, many on the football team associate homecoming with the return of alumni.
“It’s a great opportunity for alumni to return to the college, check the new additions to the campus and see how their alma mater has been doing,” said senior long snapper Mickey Chait.
Playing under the watchful eye of those that fought on Honaker field before them is a special opportunity for the 2015 Scots football team, but how do the Scots respond to these added emotions?
“I think we respond in a positive way,” said Collett. “We want to prove something to the alumni and show that we are still hungry for more wins and are after another conference ring. We want to do our best for them because this is their place, they support us, and they deserve a great show.”
Members of the Scots football team also speculate on what the alumni feel when they come back to MC.
“I think the alumni feel somewhat nostalgic and remember the good times, but also remember that where they are today is a direct result of their time at Maryville College,” Chait said.
With much focus on MC’s alumni, many Scots believe they will attend homecoming after graduation, as they transition from a player to a spectator.
“I think the feelings will be a little bit bittersweet, because I think we will all wish we were still playing,” Buell said. “With that being said, I will be happy to watch the Scots and hopefully see them win.”
“I’m going to be very excited to come back,” Benson-Epstein said. “It’s going to be a very special time for everyone who graduated from Maryville College, and I’m proud to be a Scot for life.”
With all the festivities and familiar faces around campus, anyone associated with MC will not want to miss this year’s homecoming game. The Scots will kick off against Ferrum at 2:00 p.m.