Every year, sometime during the months of September or October, State High hosts its Homecoming weekend. From the parade to the dance, there are a variety of events going on. At the heart of it, though, is the Homecoming Football Game.
For many State High alumni, they come back for the Homecoming Football Game to relive their glory days. For one alumnus, State High Football Head Coach Matt Lintal, it means more than just a game.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our school and community to really come together and just to celebrate what it means to be a part of State College. I remember back riding in the parade as a player and the excitement that it brought,” Lintal said.
The Homecoming Football Game has been around for many years, providing multiple generations of students a time and place to reflect on their past. For one alumnus, State High Athletic Director Loren Crispell, he reflects on his own high school experience, and what it could be like for students today.
“It represents that chance for all of us to open up doors into our past and enjoy the very best memories of our childhood, of our teenage years. We go back and enjoy some of our best friendships, some of our best relationships, some of our best lessons, frankly, that we learned as high school students,” Crispell said.
While the Homecoming Football Game is for the entire school and community, it holds a special significance for one group at State High: the football team.
“I think they look forward to it. In fact, I know they look forward to it. I think for them it is a chance to put their skills on display for a larger crowd. It’s a chance for them to show, again, what the present chapter of State High Football looks like,” Crispell said.
Considering the Homecoming Game has made its rounds throughout the years, it is still very much rooted in traditions.
“I think there’s always been a strong history, so I don’t know how much it’s changed. We used to have a nice bonfire on the community field the night before the game as well,” Lintal said.
For many people, Homecoming Weekend is not just an event that should be taken for granted, but should be cherished by all.
“I think again that it is the celebration of the school. As a school counselor with new kids, I would always talk about getting involved, and this is kind of the easiest way,” Lintal said.
From athletes to coaches, alumni to the community, the Homecoming Football Game means more than just some numbers up on a scoreboard. It is a celebration of a single place. It is a chance for a group of past, present, and future alumni, and their friends and family to gather. Through this shared experience, we can show the greatest that has been built, and will continue to be built at State High, on and off the field.
