Hurricane Joaquin moves Homecoming events indoors.
Rocky joined Montclair State Dance Crew at the Homecoming “Non-fire” on Friday night.
Photo Credit: Alex Gamboa.
Despite the threat of inclement weather, the schedule of events of Homecoming weekend will be taking place from tomorrow morning into the afternoon.
Tropical storm Joaquin officially gained its status as a hurricane on Sept. 30, according to nj.com, and at first was expected to strike the mainland of the United States. Now, the hurricane has veered off in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean, but the forecast for the next few days still includes rain and increased winds for Montclair State University.
THE WOBBLE!!! AT THE BONFIRE?!?!! OH YEAH!!!! #Homecoming #SGA #SLAM #BONFIRE #MSUFUN pic.twitter.com/ckFHmm4CVY
— SGA Inc. (@SGA_MSU) October 3, 2015
In preparation for the rainy weather, Montclair State published an updated schedule for Homecoming on Friday evening, altering the locations of several events on campus. Friday’s bonfire, originally scheduled to take place in the Student Center Quad, was renamed the “Non-fire” as participants and organizers convened in the Student Center Ballrooms for the pep rally lead-up to tomorrow’s festivities. The relocation did not seem to discourage students from participating, as the SGA tweeted a video of the ballrooms packed with students and dancing to “Wobble Baby” by V.I.C.
Saturday’s events have also been moved indoors. The carnival has been relocated to Panzer Athletic Center and the Homecoming Showcase will now take place in Memorial Auditorium. The football and women’s soccer games will be played rain or shine at Sprague Field and Pittser Field, respectively and the swim meet will take place at its original location, Panzer Athletic Center.
The “Non-fire” was the first of several events to be relocated. Photo Credit: Alex Gamboa.
When asked about the move indoors, Student Government Association President Rajhon White said, “I personally think that moving it indoor is a great idea just in case Mother Nature decides to change on us tomorrow.”
Senior Psychology major Lynka Tanaka was not as excited about the relocation, however. “[I feel] disappointed because every year it’s outside and people can come in and out,” she said. “The feeling is more free when it’s outdoors.”
“I thought it was an awesome idea because it’s super cold out,” said Alyssa Tung, a senior Ceramics major. “Also, Memorial Auditorium is larger so it allows more people to attend.”
Although the weather caused some unexpected changes during Homecoming weekend, White said he was “so proud” of everyone who came together to make Homecoming happen in a difficult situation. “It shows Red Hawk spirit to roll with the punches and to keep moving forward. [This situation] wasn’t ideal, but we did what was needed to make it a success.”
