
Cal State Long Beach’s Homecoming festivities provided entertainment suiting a variety of tastes, thanks to the combined efforts of ASI, Alumni Associations, and the Athletics Department.
Two of the largest and main attractions were the Pep Rally held on Feb. 22 in The Walter Pyramid and the Homecoming Tailgate that also took place outside The Walter Pyramid on Feb. 24.
There was a constant beat of rap music blaring over the speakers at the rally, keeping students on their feet and filling the room with anticipation for the performances to come. A dance competition to the song “Walk It Out” by UNK got students out on the court to participate. In between free food and T-shirt giveaways, the crowd was also entertained by the Cheer and Dance team performances.
Artists DJ X-Men and Ya Boy Jesses also put on a show, getting the audience energized before the introduction of the Homecoming Court and the men’s basketball team.
Finishing out the Pep Rally was an explosive performance by DJ Quik, a hip-hop legend with one platinum and three gold albums. Surrounded by his entourage and fans, Quik flowed from end of the court to the other, occasionally getting up close to the students standing in the front row.
CSULB President F. King Alexander appeared to be enjoying the show.
“We should do this every year,” Alexander said in reference to the magnitude of the performances. “This is a great university and this is what great universities do.”
Although lasting only three hours, the Homecoming Tailgate, held outside of The Walter Pyramid, was jam-packed with concession stands, student organization booths, carnival games, competitions and performances.
The 2nd Annual Dachshund Stampede, sponsored by PetSmart, brought Weiner dogs from throughout Southern California to compete. The dogs raced two at a time, and owners and fans coaxed the small dogs from one side of the raceway to the other with whistles, treats, bones, and, in one instance, even bright red pom-poms. The defending champion, Heidi Roo from Orange, CA, defeated all other competitors, taking home a plaque and a $125 gift certificate to Petsmart.
“She just loves to run. It’s in her blood,” said Stacy Smith, owner of the 8-year-old pooch.
Meanwhile, at the main stage, students sank their teeth into watermelons in an eating contest. Francisco Sandavo, a psychology major, took first place. With watermelon juice still fresh on his face, Sandavo explained that his preparation for the challenge was simply “coming hungry.”
In line with the 49er theme, attendees were also entertained by country music. Jeff Severson and the Singing Safety Band, which was composed of several CSULB alumni, performed classic western hits from artists such as Johnny Cash and Lynard Skynard.
One of the many booths displayed old photos and yearbooks dating back to the early years of CSULB. Pam Holloway, a 1973 graduate, was among the many alumni searching for themselves in the yearbooks.
“Homecoming back then use to be bigger this is.” Holloway said. “It was 49er Days themed, but everyone would come dressed up in Western clothes. It seems as if more students were involved with Homecoming in the past.”
Although participation may be smaller now, some students at the tailgate still put tremendous effort into the 49er Days spirit. The Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) received first prize, as well as a $100 gift certificate to the University Bookstore, in the tailgating decoration and spirit competition. Danielle Jenkins, an executive council member of CJSA, was among those who arrived at 6 a.m. to decorate.
“We have so much determination and so much effort that we put into this to make this happen today,” Jenkins said. “I feel like we honestly deserve this because we operated as a team and that’s what being part of an organization is all about.”
Finishing up the tailgate, Alexander thanked the attendees for their support and asked everyone to “carry the enthusiasm right into The [Walter] Pyramid.”