Inside OSU’s Homecoming Traditions

Homecoming is a pretty big deal, especially for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The weeklong celebration in small town Stillwater, Oklahoma, is often called “America’s Greatest Homecoming” — and for good reason. 

The entire community rallies behind the Pokes football team, which hosts the No. 10 West Virginia Mountaineers in this year’s homecoming game on Saturday, October 29, at 11 AM CT.

It all starts with the iconic OSU fountain. The water is dyed orange at the beginning of the week, signifying the kickoff of homecoming festivities. Oklahoma State cheerleader Lindsey Driskell gives us the hoco week rundown.

“Throughout the week they have several events like the harvest carnival with many games for people of the community to participate in as well as they have a chili cook off,” she said. “The Wednesday of homecoming, members of the community come for the Hester Street Painting to paint on Hester Street, which is where ‘The Walk’ happens the morning of the game.”

I truly believe Oklahoma States homecoming is like no other. The atmosphere here that is built up through our amazing alumni, students, and organizations is incredible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten chills while being a part of events like these.

Tucker Hunter, a former OSU cheerleader, tells us about the Friday before the game.

“The sororities and fraternities partner up to make amazing house ‘decks,'” Hunter said. “They spend months preparing them. They’re huge displays in front of the houses. On Friday, the streets are blocked off and the town, students, and alumni see all of the house decks in what’s called the Walkaround. There’s food, music, and lots of fun. 

“Later Friday evening is a basketball scrimmage called Homecoming and Hoops where the men’s basketball team plays for the first time of the season. The pom squad performs, and all of the cheerleaders do their first performance of the year. And it’s really special, because all three squads come together for this routine — in total that’s about 80 performers all on the mat at once. The fans really love this.”

Whitney Love, a former cheerleader and now assistant coach, tells us what happens when it’s game day.

“On Saturday morning, OSU holds a parade featuring the Cowboy marching band, OSU pom, OSU cheer, and of course Pistol Pete!” Love said. “Immediately following the parade is ‘The Walk.’ At this time, the spirit group walks down Hester Street chanting, dancing, and cheering for the football team as they make their entrance into Boone Pickens Stadium. During homecoming it’s a sea of orange in the stands and the rowdiest crowd of the year. On homecoming weekend you see the entire community as one big family, because we truly are. There’s no better place than Stillwater, Oklahoma.”

Homecoming is a special time for Pokes fans everywhere. The rich tradition and community camaraderie is truly a class act. Good luck this weekend, Cowboys!