Events held to hype up students
Javelinas packed the intramural fields as they waited with anticipation to watch the burning of 300 wood pallets at the bonfire Thursday, just days before the Homecoming game.
Students enjoyed the Hog Call right before the bonfire, which was followed by the block party, all of which happened in one night. Events like these are not planned overnight, Assistant Dean for Student Life Erin McClure said.
“We start planning for homecoming events six months ahead of time,” she said.
Although the university hosted these events, the Kingsville community took a big part in supporting this event throughout the night.
“Kingsville fire chiefs were on site during the bonfire, campus activities brought in rides and SGA provided smores,” McClure said.
These events are held every year during homecoming week to bring Kingsville together and continue traditions.
“I love the atmosphere here. Homecoming week really brings in a lot of alums to the community and all of the students together to have fun,” McClure said.
Followed by the bonfire was the block party and one of Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s own students performed at the block party live for the first time.
Javelina fans smiled, shouted and sang with excitement as they watched their fellow classmate Jose Ramirez, also known as Whapö, perform at the block party.
“This is like a dream come true since it’s my school. I right away said yes to this opportunity,” Ramirez said. “It feels good to perform for my school. I love this community a lot and it has definitely helped me grow.”
Before the concert kicked off, Trenton Payne and Amberly Zaragoza, former Homecoming King and Queen, hosted their last event while being royals.
“We introduced the new people that could be coming into the court. We also spoke about what being a Javelina means to us and we got the crowd hyped up and ready for the night,” Zaragoza said.
Payne described his nostalgic feeling during his run to Homecoming King and the feeling of letting go of the crown.
“It was awesome to represent TAMUK by being Homecoming King, but it’s also bittersweet. Since we are all connected, it feels like we will all still be kings at the end; we’re just adding someone else new to the family,” he said.