Homecoming is a high school tradition with a deeper meaning than just football. Not just for the players on the Football team, but for the entire student body and staff.
For Lakeside’s defensive coordinator, Coach Buice, it is a moment where “the attraction for homecoming has to be fun, and the football team needs to win.” The balance between spirit and focus helps set the tone for the big week of Homecoming.
The preparation for the big game, Coach Buice states, is basically the same as any other: “We prepare the same and try to keep the guys focused on the game and not the distractions of homecoming.” That’s a challenge all coaches have to meet face-to-face.
Homecoming week is full of pep rallies, spirit week, dress-up days, graduating class competitions, the dance, and of course, the game; although players need to stay physically and mentally sharp.
Still, homecoming offers a multitude of opportunities that other games do not. Many scouts show up to homecoming games because they know that players will be playing to their full potential and at their best ability.
Coach says, “The pressure situations are what make you great.”
The spirit throughout the school boosts team morale and raises excitement not only for players but for the entire school population.
Events like spirit days and pep rallies give students a reason to show up to school and participate in these entertaining activities.
11th-grade student Niylah Bagley states, “I love hoco week because it gives me a chance to dress entirely differently than I usually would. It also gives me the chance to participate in activities that are far from normal.”
Many students like Niylah go all out in spirit days. Some are going as far as painting themselves orange to dress as The Lorax for character day.
When asked whether homecoming influences how students and faculty show up compared to an ordinary game, Coach Buice’s response was short but impactful: “It’s homecoming.”
This implies that since the tradition of homecoming is so normalized and popular, students, faculty, parents, and the local community show up to support their schools.
When asked if Coach sees a shift in players’ attitude and participation in practice, Coach Buice stated, “No, it is the same.” The atmosphere around the school and game night usually feels different compared to a normal week.
As it’s the seniors’ last Homecoming game, it adds emotion to the whole idea of Homecoming. Coach says, “They’re a little more emotional since it’s their last one.”
Motivation becomes both routine and normal. Pre-game messages “depend on the mood,” but there is always a reminder of pride not only for your team but for yourself.
Coach told us that the team doesn’t share any pre or post-game rituals or routines, but the simplistic routine they always follow is what works best. They help maintain focus while still allowing room for the emotional and physical weight of the event.
Winning his first Homecoming game has become Coach Buice’s favorite memory during the homecoming season as a coach. In many ways, it is the ultimate goal and payoff of all the work the coaches and team put into the football season. Everything builds up to the final moment, but if they do lose, the effort and pride the team puts into this game is not without waste.
Outside of Lakeside’s school experience, studies confirm that hoco celebrations like pep rallies, dress-up days, and parades are more than just an event or ceremony. They bring out the best in our school population, improve student attendance, and show everyone’s true personality without shame.
Homecoming is a prideful event. The players need to be at their full potential, while distractions need to be managed. Although when the fun parts like spirit week, pep rallies, and student involvement do get incorporated, the game becomes more than just points on a scoreboard and a football game.
It becomes a nostalgic memory that students will remember for life: Something that brings everyone together.
After all, Homecoming is one of the few times in the school year when everyone comes together to create memories that will last a lifetime and never fade.
