UT Martin kicks off homecoming week

MARTIN, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee at Martin begins their homecoming traditions this week, kicking off their celebrations Monday afternoon.

“Go Skyhawks, beat Austin Peay,” said student Grace Hassell.

“It’s always a great day to be a Skyhawk,” Keith Jones said.

Bleachers will soon be filled for a homecoming tradition that students and alumni look forward to all year, kicking off the first event of the week.

“I’m looking forward to rope pull. That’s always exciting and fun to look at. Also, probably the step show after the game this weekend,” Jones said.

Rope pull is one of the longest- and biggest-running traditions for UT martin, according to Jared Anderson, associate director of annual giving for the Alumni Center.

“We have those pulls starting at 4 o’clock this afternoon, and so we’ve got pulls on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, so that goes all week,” Anderson said.

“We’re fighting against Chi Omega, which is holding the championship right now,” Hassell said. “We’re hoping to pull through with the win today so we can continue for the rest of the week.”

Free events are available each day for students and alumni to attend leading up to the big game this weekend.

“One of the things I’m most excited about for homecoming week is to see all the alumni come back and give their support to the school as well as the activities on campus,” Jones said. “And just seeing all the people come out and celebrate.”

“My favorite thing about homecoming is just being able to be with my sorority every day and getting to support my sisters,” Hassell said. “Although I’m not personally participating in anything I guess you could say, I’m on the pom squad so I’m just ready to cheer on AOII and everything this week.”

Alumni are encouraged to come back to campus with their families and re-experience the traditions. The homecoming game against Austin Peay kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday.