It’s that time of the year again — Homecoming week has arrived! As you all line up for your free lunch in the Brickyard each day and admire all of the decorative banners and window fronts on Hillsborough Street, remember the countless hours of labor the individuals behind each event spent throughout the semester.

The celebration has come sooner than this year’s Homecoming Committee could ever have imagined. In fact: the countdown started last semester, way before the committee members were stressed about details during the biweekly meetings in Witherspoon’s Student Senate Chambers.

Before summer break, each of the committee chairs were selected and put straight to work, informed of their obligations and the time commitment. To start with the first meeting, which is open to the student body, we received the first task of finding a witty, but fun Homecoming theme for the game against Virginia. We also gave the students who attended the interest meeting the opportunity to throw out suggestions about the band that would play at the Pack Howl Pep Rally and Concert. This led to a significantly reduced level of stress in searching for a headliner, as we secured the Avett Brothers and the combo of Guster and Brett Dennen through the Crocs Campus Tour early in the summer. However, that was one check of many off the list.

Once the fall semester rolled around, each week brought about a slew of obstacles for each co-chair to accomplish. The Publicity Committee had to find ways to increase campus involvement while the Kick-off Committee worked hard in preparation for its big event. The Spirit/Service Committee had to secure vendors on Hillsborough Street for “Paint the Town Red” (an act similar to pulling teeth) as the Wear Red, Get Fed Committee found donations and volunteers for each day. The Parade Committee had to deal with seeking participation and line-up changes, and the Pack Howl Committee looked for ways to involve student groups in the Pep Rally.

This only touches the surface of the hard work and dedication this year’s Homecoming Committee put forth to bring students a week filled with excitement and provide free — for the most part — events that give you the greatest sense of Wolfpack pride.

Adam Compton, Caitlin Garrison, Sara Beth Collier, David Rhoden, Laura Miller, Anna Patton and Chris Carter: Every one of you deserves recognition and appreciation for your leadership in serving as a co-chair or chair of a committee and through the planning of Homecoming. I also commend anyone who had a part in making this year “Crush the Cavs” the best Homecoming ever.

Enjoy the rest of the Week!Go Pack,