By MORGAN TARPLEY

mlt017@latech.edu

 

It is that time again. Homecoming, where old and new Techsters alike share in an annual tradition of memories, fellowship and Tech Blue fun and where selected students become one-time royals for a week.

The 2006 Homecoming Court was presented to campus at the homecoming kick-off rally at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Thomas Assembly Center.

The 14 court members are as follows:

• Catie Blunt, a senior elementary education major from Ruston and her escort, Matt Drake, a senior mechanical engineering major from El Dorado, Ark.

• Emery Carlisle, a senior mathematics education major from Shreveport and her escort, Riley Mabry, a junior marketing major from West Monroe.

• Laura Clark, a senior political science major from Winnfield and her escort Brian Lang, a senior medical technology major, from North Little Rock, Ark.

• Amanda James, a senior journalism major from Ruston and her escort, Donald Page, a senior photography major from Slidell.

• Ann Marie Kees, a senior early education major from Coppell, Texas and her escort, Matt Babcock, a senior agricultural business major, from Pitkin.

• Courtney McGuffee, a senior early education major, from Harrisonburg and her escort, Caleb Smith, a senior marketing major, from Gilbert.

• Jennifer Welch, a senior early education major, from Camden, Ark. and her escort, Travis Warren, a junior nursing major from Haughton.

McGuffee said she is ecstatic about being on homecoming court.

“To get to walk out on the Louisiana Tech football field and be presented as part of the homecoming court excites me tremendously,” McGuffee said. “I made homecoming court my freshman year in high school, but we didn’t even have a football team.”

McGuffee also said being nominated for homecoming court was honor enough for her without actually being on the court.

“Actually making the court was overwhelming; I absolutely love Louisiana Tech and I have grown so much here,” McGuffee said. “I feel that my Tech experiences have molded and shaped me to the person I am today and I am honored to be selected by the student body to represent Tech as part of homecoming court.”

McGuffee also said she is looking forward to standing on the field Saturday and looking into the stands at all her friends, family, as well as Tech alumni and students.

Blunt said homecoming court is something she did not think she would ever be a part of.

“It’s something that you always want to do but you don’t think you will be able to, because there are a ton of other great girls around campus who deserve this honor as well,” Blunt said. “Also I feel it is a great opportunity to represent organizations we are involved in, because they have been a big part of our college careers.”

Blunt also said homecoming and the homecoming court is a special time, because everyone seems to relate to it.

“My neighbor was on the homecoming court at Tech several years ago,” Blunt said. “Now we can share in that memory together because I am involved as well.”

Blunt said she also wants to congratulate all the other homecoming court members and tell students to get excited about the game and to get school spirit up, because everyone wants to see the Tech spirit live on.

Babcock said even if homecoming only lasts a week, being able to be a part of the homecoming tradition is a memory he will never forget.

“I cannot wait to be able to stand on the sidelines and watch our team play,” Babcock said. “When we are presented on the field and all our friends and family are there, it will just be a great moment.”

Babcock also said the student response to the homecoming court and the events has been great.

“When we were introduced at the pep rally on Sunday and at the Step show, the student response was just great fun,” Babcock said. “Seeing the students get into school spirit and knowing you are a part of it is just a good feeling.”