Do you know the history behind UH Homecoming? Well, neither did I at first, so let me tell you what I’ve learned!
First HOCO
UH’s first homecoming was dedicated to students and alumni who served during World War II on November 16th 1946, after the university joined the Lone Star Conference. As we all know, HOCO comes with events; in 1946, HOCO barbecued, had a barn dance, and crowned the first homecoming queen, “Mary Ray Curry”​
During this time, the marching band sprung on the traditional bonfire. Along with annual events in 1947, after fraternity Alpha Phi Omega held a “Name the Mascot” competition, our mascot Shasta was named after student Joe Randol, who won the competition. In Randol’s entry, he wrote: “Shasta (she has to). Shasta has a cage, Shasta has a keeper, Shasta has a winning ball club, Shasta has the best,”. During the Friday night homecoming bonfire, Shasta’s name was announced the following day at the game; the live Shasta was showcased.
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HOCO Continued
By 1968, black history was made: Lynn Eusan ( who now has the park on campus named after her) was crowned homecoming queen, becoming the first African American HOCO queen, making her the first to do so at a predominantly white university in the South. During the time, Lynn Eusan told the Houston Chronicle, “This was the first time Black students on the campus have banded together and really been effective against overwhelming odds.”
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Fashion
As some of us may know, Homecoming is when the students get the chance to creatively show their school spirit. HOCO outfits range from dresses, 2 piece sets, jerseys, or simply the colors of the university. This past Homecoming at the University of Houston, I saw our stylish ladies stun the Cougar Walk, using animal print, deep, sultry reds, and denim, all with a Southern touch.
A little football fashion history: last year, for the first game of the season, I turned a spandex XLII shirt into a strapless bodycon dress. Follow my revised steps below to DIY!
Step 1. Turn Shirt inside out
Step 2. Cut sleeves
Step 3. Pin sleeves
Step 4. Cut collar
Step 5. Fold collar outward and pin
Step 6. Carefully put the silhouette on
Step 7. Pinch the garment on both sides to your desired fit
Step 8. Use a washable marker or chalk to trace where you pinched. Give an extra 2 inches for cutting & sewing!
Step 9. Pin where you traced on the inner side
Step 10. Cut on the outer side ( same side as the sleeves )
Step 11. Sew where you’ve pinned ( sleeves, collar, and left & right sides of garment)Â Â
Step 12. Show off at HOCO!
Click here for visuals.
Next week’s post will be looks and descriptions of our Lady Cougars HOCO26 looks!
While you wait read more about University of Houston’s Homecoming here