By Richard Kim, Contributing Writer
Photo by Lauren Morse, Photographer

From Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, the University of South Alabama held its annual Homecoming week, the theme of which was “Timeless Traditions.” The week consisted of numerous events celebrating South’s history. 

To kick off the Homecoming festivities, Jaguar Productions and the Mitchell Center hosted country artist Niko Moon and Grammy Award nominee Blanco Brown for the Homecoming concert. Moon performed “Good Time,” “Coastin’,” and “These are the Days.” Brown is most well known for his platinum-certified single, “The Git Up.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the annual Battle of the DJs was held in the Student Center Ballroom. DJs competed for the title of “Hottest DJ in the South.” This event was sponsored by Collegiate 100, Women of Excellence, and the Student Government Association.

Wednesday didn’t have any Homecoming-specific events, but the Student Center was bustling nonetheless. With a photo booth and Undergraduate Research Symposium happening upstairs, the Student Involvement open house and Transfer Student Resource Fair taking place downstairs, and The HEART Project’s Health and Wellness Festival going on in the amphitheater, there was plenty to see, do, and eat.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, students once again packed the Mitchell Center for South’s Got Talent, hosted by award-winning comedian Adam Grabowski. Trelan Wilson took home the first place prize of $2000. The runners-up were KC Crusoe and Ellie Johnson.

The bonfire and pep rally took place on the Intramural Fields on Friday. The local band Sloth Racer performed to an energized crowd. The Student Recreation Center was announced as the first place winner of the office decorating contest, and the Marketing and Communications Department won second place. The pep rally was ended by a marvelous fireworks show.

This all led up to the South Alabama vs. Louisiana Monroe football game held at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Jags emerged victorious, winning 46-17. Following the game, Julian Cruz was crowned King and Anita Nguyen was crowned Queen.

“This year’s homecoming was incredibly fun! I particularly enjoyed the Honors College Tailgate with our annual Shrimp Boil,” said Nguyen. “It’s an astonishing honor to represent our community as the 2024 Homecoming Queen. I honestly didn’t believe I would make it as far as I did. I always have to look at the pictures everyone took to remind myself that it all truly happened.”

Though the theme was Timeless Traditions, plenty of new memories were made on this special week.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I received from the student body. My experience at this university has been so fulfilling, and I feel like there’s so much more to do here as well,” said Nguyen. “Take all the opportunities presented before you. It’s true what they say – you miss all the shots you don’t take!”