In our ongoing quest to see Huntsville with visitor’s eyes, we’ve previously stopped in to the Sam Houston Statue and Visitor’s Center, dropped in for a bite to eat at Louise and Oleta’s, and this month, we decided to enjoy a Sam Houston football game–the homecoming game, no less!
To get the full experience, we first enjoyed the tailgating, stopping by various booths, playing some games, and sampling diverse food options.
Our favorite booths were College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Campus Activities and Traditions, where we ran into some of our favorite people!
For those who haven’t been to a football game lately, the tailgating has really picked up, with 30-40 tents present, music blaring, and lots of folks connected to SHSU–staff, faculty, administrators, students, and alumni.
It’s a lot of fun!
We also picked the right game to attend. Although SHSU’s first season in Conference USA has been a rough one with an 0-8 start, there was reason to believe this game might be different. They weren’t facing a powerhouse; Kennesaw State entered the game with a 2-5 record, and that was against mostly FCS-level competition.
Games, however, take on a life of their own, and this one began poorly for the Bearkats. They seemed overmatched, plus they made sloppy errors, such as turnovers and penalties.
They also dodged a couple of bullets–specifically, Kennesaw State missed a couple of field goals.
For much of the first half, the most interesting scenes, from a Bearkat’s perspective, were the fans and the spirit squads.
With the first half mostly forgettable, fans focused on half-time festivities, such as the band, more spirit squad, and the Homecoming court.
But the Bearkats turned it around in the second half.
Their defense shut out Kennesaw State in the third and fourth quarters, while their offense scored 17 points–10 in the last four minutes.
The game turned on several moments. Kennesaw State’s Conor Cummins missed two field goals, ultimately proving the difference in the game. But the Bearkats also helped their own cause. They converted a couple of crucial fourth-down attempts to keep drives alive, and with 3:49 left in the game, they converted a key third-and-goal, with receiver Jay Rockwell laying out for an improbable catch in the end zone that, with the extra point, tied the game.
And, finally, following an interception by Bearkat Da’Marcus Crosby…
…kicker Colby Sessums connected on a 31-yard attempt to win the game–with no time on the clock.
The victory left the players and the fans thrilled, with much post-game celebration.
It was a wonderful fall weekend in Huntsville, with plenty of socializing, football, and Bearkat spirit to make a visit to Huntsville worthwhile.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 
One thought on “A Homecoming “Visit” to Huntsville & SHSU”