Allow me to be self-indulgent for a little bit.
In 1911, Chester Brewer called for all the alumni to come home for a game against Kansas.
In 1999, I had the distinct pleasure of serving on the Homecoming Steering Committee.
The opponent for that game? Iowa State.
Obviously, the game did not end well, with Kirk Farmer breaking his leg midway through the second quarter. I remember it was at that point in the game because steering committee was called out of our seats to make our way down to the field for halftime.
We were herded from our seats on the west side of the stadium and into the south endzone, and, sadly, we got to see Farmer as he was wheeled off the field. The Tigers were up 14-0 at that point, but the Cyclones rallied to win the game, 24-21.
So it was at the end a bittersweet experience. The rest of the time I was on Homecoming Steering Committee it was a wonderful experience, and it served as an excellent capper for me on my senior year at a place that I love with all of my heart.
Of course, I like to think that the karmic balance for that was, well, last year.
So, question for the crowd: What are your best homecoming memories (not including last year, of course)?