“Homecoming is always fun and I always enjoy myself,” said 46-year-old alumna Lisa Davis. “It’s good to catch up with all of my friends.””I’m having a great time. The campus is really alive and everyone is very warm,” said Alicia Moss, 24, of Los Angeles.
“Grambling’s band has gotten wacker every year,” John Arceneaux of Monroe said.
“Homecoming makes Grambling Grambling,” said Keisha Pollard of Sacramento, Calif. “My parents said that it’s improved a lot, but I don’t know if I’d be ready to go here someday,” the 13-year-old said.
“Homecoming isn’t what it used to be,” said Angela Jackson of Shreveport, who was a member of the Class of 1993. “There wasn’t even the traditional funeral, burying the other team.”
“There’s so much construction that has happened, I have to find my way around Grambling all over again,” said Albert Washington, a member of the Class of 1970.
“I really enjoyed the halftime special with the band,” said Canadance Shaw, 23, of Los Angeles.
“I’m loving the atmosphere here and I’m so excited,” said Ohioan Melanie Francis. “My daughter is a prospective student here and now I may even want to do my Ph.D.”
“I think the game and the band was better last year,” said a New Orleanian who would identify himself only as “Big Easy.” “I know we won, but I’m still kinda disappointed.”
“Me and my wife come back every year. This is where we met,” said alumnus Charles Williams Sr., 39.
“I’m going to Grambling when I grow up,” said his son, Charles Williams Jr., 14.
Leon Jenkins, who has been tailgating for “about 20 years,” said, “I enjoy the game on the radio.”
“I enjoy relaxing, tasting the food and enjoying the sights,” said John Diarse of Grambling, who has been tailgating for about 15 years.
“It’s like a family reunion,” said Greg Meeting of Farmerville, who had relatives in from Arkansas, Dallas and Los Angeles.
“It’s way too crowded, man,” said Texan Leroy Brown. “I’ve been trying to get in (the tailgating area) since 4 a.m. The tailgating area needs to be bigger.”
“It’s a way to enjoy ourselves,” said Deandre Zackery, of the Shreveport Credit Union, which had a tailgating plot. “I do it as a way to bring the community closer together.”
In general, people agreed that Grambling needs to be more prepared for big crowds at games. Many said they would not come back because it took so long to get a ticket.
Compiled by MC 225 students Imani Jackson, Travonda Favorite, Katherine Childress, Eddie Wilhite, Nasha Smith, Ayana Ray, and Bynta Ernest.