Ash Blake
The Kent State student section cheers on the Golden Flash football team during the Homecoming game. The men won against Ohio University 31-24.
Hot dogs on the grill, students in navy, and alumni hanging out can only mean one thing: homecoming.
Tables, tents and grills filled the Dix Stadium parking lot Saturday as music blared from various parking spots, from Mac Miller’s “The Spins” to Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall’s “Juju on That Beat.”
“I love how connected it is and how everyone loves each other so much,” said Alexandra Feete, senior fashion merchandising officer.
KentWired asked students for their game score predictions.
@kentwired Happy Homecoming Flashs! KentWired went out the back door to ask students for their game predictions! #kentwired #tv2 #tv2sports @tv2sports ♬ original sound – KentWired
“It’s a great time to come here and keep going every year,” said Joseph Stump, a sophomore majoring in accounting.
Katie McNamara (left) and Brianna Wilson spend time together during the tailgate. Wilson ran up to McNamara for a hug before the game. (Asha Blake)
Kent State’s Flash Nation Tailgate began at 1:30 p.m., featuring free food, face painting, caricatures, bounce houses, a photo booth and a performance by the Kent State cheerleaders.
“Honestly, just hanging out with people, playing pong with friends and things like that, that’s what really makes homecoming special,” said Stefan Hendricks, majoring in computer science.
The Kent State Golden Flashes faced off against the Ohio University Bobcats in their first Mid-American Conference game of the season. Launch was at 3:30 p.m. The second quarter ended with a score of 10-7, Bobcats.
Halftime included a unique performance with the Marching Golden Flashes playing only Harry Styles songs.
The band filled the stadium with sound, playing “Story of My Life” and “What Makes You Beautiful” from their days in the boy band One Direction and “As It Was,” “Canyon Moon” and “Sign of the Times” from his side. time as a solo artist.
The homecoming track was honored after the band played.
The 2022 homecoming honors are Quintin Cooks, majoring in communication studies, and Gavin Aitkin, majoring in applied communication studies.
“I wanted to run to encapsulate everything I’ve done here at Kent State,” Cooks said.
Both Cooks and Aitkin expressed surprise at winning.
Gavin Aitkin and Quintin Cooks Gavin Aitkin and Quintin Cooks pose for a photo with President Todd Deacon. The men received a standing ovation from the crowd when their names were announced. (Asha Blake)
“It’s still crazy!” Aitkin said. “I’m literally still enjoying it… I think. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
After the break, the game continued. With just 4:11 left in the fourth quarter, the Flashes tied the game at 17-17. The Bobcats scored soon after, making it 24-17 with just 3:54 left.
The fight wasn’t over yet. The Flashes scored another touchdown, tying the game with just two seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
In the end, the Golden Flashes won 31-24 after a nail-biting overtime.
“Football, tailgating and camaraderie is what today is all about,” said Daniel Stephenson, a sophomore computer science major.
Katherine Masko is a social media manager. Contact her at [email protected]
