A Different Kind of Homecoming
Commentary by Dr. Emily Cutrer, President
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
It’s no secret that Texas – the home of Friday Night Lights – is football country. It’s especially hard to miss during homecoming season, when schools across the state typically invite alumni back for events that are all centered on a football game. But at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, we do homecoming a bit differently and, if we do say so ourselves, a bit better.
Don’t get us wrong: we love football! It’s just that, well, we love our women’s soccer team more. And as we prepare for our second-ever women’s soccer-centric homecoming weekend, we feel like other schools might want to consider following our lead.
Here are just five reasons why we believe women’s soccer might just be the future of football country:
- It’s Bigger: We like to say that everything is bigger in Texas, which is why we think it makes sense to play your homecoming game on a larger field. At 72 yards wide by 120 yards long, our soccer field is about 35 percent wider and, if you generously include the end zones, just as long as a football field.
- The Players Are Not Afraid To Show Their Faces: Whether it be in the classroom or on the field, the women on our soccer team are always using their heads. And unlike players in some other sports, they are sticking their necks out by not using any face masks, helmets, or other protective gear as they lunge for the ball.
- The Fun Doesn’t Stop: In soccer, the action is virtually non-stop. Our players are in constant motion. They don’t get to pause between each play. Basically, the only breaks – other than half-time, which is when we’ll crown our homecoming king and queen – occur if there is a timeout. And those aren’t even allowed once the game has gone into overtime!
- Points Really Matter: On average, there are 44 points scored during a football game. They really pile up. By contrast, fewer than three goals are scored during the average soccer match. Each individual goal is a huge accomplishment. So, when our team scores, we really go wild!
- Tackling Is Encouraged: There are many elements of a traditional Texas homecoming weekend that we certainly think should be kept: a homecoming court, reunions, and of course tackling. We know football fans (including us!) love to see a good clean tackle. And that’s just as true for soccer fans! Proper tackling – in this case, when a player slides for the ball, and sometimes sends their opponent flying in the process – is common and even encouraged in soccer. So, folks who are used to football will still see some stuff they recognize!
Join us for our 2015 homecoming Saturday, Oct. 3, as the A&M-Texarkana Eagles take on the Louisiana College Wildcats. The fun begins at noon with the Eagle Chili Fest and Tailgate Party. Game time is 4 p.m.
You’re sure to enjoy our different kind of homecoming.
