Homecoming 2017

Homecoming week at Tarleton is known for several traditions that many students look forward to. Photo by Mark Nemec.

The smokestack was lit up in purple on Sunday night as part of Homecoming tradition. The smokestack is lit up each night up until the Homecoming game. Photo by Mark Nemec.

The launching of the ducks tradition consists of students writing their goals on rubber ducks and launching them in the pond in front of the Nursing Building. Photo by Katelyn Rivera.

Dr. Dottavio smiles with students at Tarleton’s Launching of the Ducks on Oct. 23. Photo by CaiAyhn Ford.

Two rubber ducks before they launch in the pond. Photo by Marissa Vaughan.

Student poses with Oscar P during the launching of the ducks. Photo by Marissa Vaughan.

Students Marissa and Mikaela sit by the pond to write on their rubber ducks. Photo by

On Oct. 24, Tarleton hosted their annual Purple Out Picnic, as part of Homecoming celebrations. Students, student organizations, and faculty gathered to eat food, fellowship, and watch the cheerleaders cheer on to Tarleton’s drumline. Photo by CaiAyhn Ford.

Different student organizations take part in the Beating of the Drum, another famous homecoming tradition at Tarleton. Photo by Caitlin Jester.

The drum is unveiled in the student center before it is dented from being beaten by different student organizations. Photo by Caitlin Jester.

Beat the Drum and Purple Pancakes are TSU homecoming traditions where students beat a drum for hours on end until the homecoming football game and eat purple pancakes at midnight. A group of students sit around the drum and hit it with wooden sticks. Photo by Hannah Mabry.

Junior Nursing Student Lauren Brohard participates in the Beating of the Drum tradition.

Tarleton students continuously beat the drum until the football game Saturday. Photo by Mark Nemec.

At midnight breakfast, purple pancakes are served with scrambled eggs, sausage patties and diced potatoes. Photo by CaiAyhn Ford.

During the Beating of The Drum, Garrett Burnard sits on the ground by the drum eating Purple Pancakes, another TSU tradition. Photo by Hannah Mabry.

This year the bonfire was built and lit up by the bonfire committee, which was comprised of several student volunteers. Photo by Zane Parker.

The bonfire burns so large and hot that even from a distance it’s almost unbearable. Photo by Zane Parker.

The iconic bonfire tradition is a favorite for many. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

Tarleton Students show Tarleton Pride with the Texan Sign at at the L.V. Risinger Bonfire on Friday, Oct. 27. Photo by CaiAyhn Ford.

The Zeta Phi Beta sorority made their presence known during the Homecoming tailgate. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

The Sigma Chi fraternity displayed their colorful letters in front of their tailgate tent. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

Fans looked on as Texan football began Saturday night’s Homecoming game. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

As always, the Purple Poo is present at the game to keep school spirit high. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

The Texans are on defense during this play at the Homecoming game. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

The Texans score an early touchdown against Western Oregon University. Photo by Quanecia Fraser

Cheerleaders cheered on Texan football as they began their game against Western Oregon University. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.

Junior running back Xavier Turner scored Tarleton State University’s second touchdown of the 2017 Homecoming game on Saturday against Western Oregon University. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

The TSU football band, The Sound and the Fury performs on the field at halftime. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

The Texan Stars performed during halftime to music played by the Sound and the Fury. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

The Sound and the Fury continues to perform during halftime before the Texans come back on the field. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

The Texan Stars sported their sparkly purple and white uniforms with pink ribbons on their skirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is in October. Photo by Lorynne Benavides.

“The sky looks really beautiful,” said one fan in the stands as the sun finally set. Photo by Quanecia Fraser.