The homecoming football game against Shakopee happens on September 27th, and students around MHS wait in anticipation to see if the game will make or break Minentonka’s impressive season record.
Of course, many people show up to the annual homecoming game for reasons other than football statistics. After being interviewed, many students believe that showing up in the student section together is an assertion of pride and support towards our school’s spirit.
The history of the homecoming football game originates from collegiate alumni football games dating back to the early 20th century. While several schools claimed to have started the tradition, it is widely accepted that it started with the 1911 Kansas vs. Missouri football game.
After this came the festivities that define homecoming today: a parade, reunion parties, and an afternoon football game. What followed was the creation of even more traditions, such as donation fundraisers and the school’s marching band.
Whichever schools started homecoming, it has become known as a declaration of the school’s spirit, the exhilarating game bringing together even rural communities.
Through interviewing students at MHS about their outlook towards this week’s homecoming game, they showed mixed opinions on the event.
After being in awe of Minnetonka High School’s devotion to their team back in freshman year, one sophomore has the goal to see more sports games. “My first impression of the varsity football team was that they were very fierce and showed much grit,” the student said. She was amazed by our team’s perseverance, stating: “I can tell just how much work these players put in to exceed their expectations and get better each day.”
Not everyone agrees with the heart of homecoming being centered around the football game. One student believes that High School games shouldn’t be so significant due to a high risk of injury, and the reward being short-lived. The general consensus among those that disagree is that attaching your worth to a sport that you could be taken away from anytime is a dangerous mindset. It’s another reason why schools should value good academic standing for athletes. These students think that communities should be united through other means.
So far, Minnetonka has demonstrated a promising record this season. The next game after that is the homecoming game, and if you plan on going, remember to show some compassion to our hard-working athletes too. Inevitably, stands will fill up just as quickly as the hectic parking lot, so if you plan on going, it’s worth it to arrive early.
