Victory for MSU

It's the second quarter. MSU just scored a touchdown as we make our way down to the field. The ten of us are ushered past the spectators down the stairs and through a gate, adrenaline pumping and smiles plastered across our faces. We are positively giddy. We step onto that field, look up at the lights and hear the sounds of more than 75,000 Spartans cheering. So happy, so proud and so humbled, I can practically feel the green and white pulsing through my veins.

Homecoming weekend was special; something I will never forget. The Homecoming Court had the opportunity to be a part of some of the best events showcasing Spartan spirit. We kicked off the weekend on Oct. 20 with the Alumni Association Grand Awards Ceremony, formally dressed and looking classy. I especially enjoyed the guys' matching tuxes. After photo-smiling, prom poses and funny faces, we made our way in to the beautifully decorated Big Ten Room of the Kellogg Center. The ceremony featured some of MSU's most passionate and successful alumni, and it was incredibly inspiring to see how Spartans have made the world a better place.

The parade on Oct. 21 kept that spirit going. Jordan and I were pretty spirited the first time we saw that 1957 Corvette with our names on it. The whole Court was ecstatic to get a picture with Zeke, the Wonder Dog. We sipped cider, made jokes and interviewed each other while enjoying each other's' company as we waited to go on a fantastic ride. Besides the fun, assembling behind the scenes gave me real insight into the broadness of love for MSU throughout this entire community. Bands warming up, athletic teams snapping photos, volunteers getting everyone in order -- everyone was played a role in that parade. Waving to two-year olds to 72-year olds just exemplified the joy and tradition that comes with Homecoming and being a part of the MSU community.

On Oct.22, I attended a reunion lunch for Homecoming Court members, and it was a great chance to connect with past members, talk about our MSU experiences and hear the great things they're doing now. My family and I made our way to a friend's tailgate, and then to the Green and White Dinner, sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association. Coach Dantonio pumped us up for the game and Jason Colthorp of WILX in Lansing kept it fun with a rousing rendition of "BEAT BUCKY". It was an honor to stand up on that stage and look out into the crowd of lifelong Spartans. The Spartan Dischords serenaded us with their usual hilarity but ended sincerely with MSU Shadows.

And then the game! The lights, the crowd, the 50-yard line, the adrenaline, the Hail Mary, the "I can't believe this is really happening"; all of it was indescribable. It was Victory for MSU at its finest. In truth, the whole weekend was a Spartan Victory.

It was Victory for MSU as alumni old and new were recognized for their accomplishments at the Grand Awards Ceremony. Victory for MSU as all organizations within the community gathered together to walk, ride and wave in a parade of Spartan pride. Victory for MSU in a whole room of Spartans of every age standing to sing the fight song. Victory for MSU when our families traveled to East Lansing to share this experience with us. Victory for MSU when my Dad, the Buckeye fan, learned the MSU fight song. Victory for MSU as I put my arm around my Mom, the Spartan alumna, and sang the alma mater.

Victory for MSU in selecting these 9 other wonderful individuals so full of Spartan pride and passion. I have won just in being able to share this experience with them, and I know they will all go on to do great things.

Homecoming 2011 was a once in a lifetime experience, but, more importantly, being a Spartan is a once in a lifetime experience. I am beyond grateful to be one.

SPARTANS WILL