[/media-credit]Metro students take their turn at demolishing a car in the name of Homecoming festivities Feb. 9
The Amazing Race
The scene was tense as six teams of four gathered in the food court of Tivoli, waiting to get their first clue to start Metro’s second annual Amazing Race.
Despite the cold and snow, most of the activities, which were located throughout campus, went on as planned for the second day of homecoming week Feb. 7.
“We were aware of the problems the storm may have caused,” said Janell Lindsey, director of special initiatives for alumni relations. “(We) prepared for the weather and moved some of the events inside.”
Teams of three students accompanied by one faculty or alumni member represented various departments at Metro, including Student Activities, Student Media, Education and Technologies, Campus Recreation, Career Services, Alumni Advocacy and Student Academic Success.
“We weren’t doing so well at the beginning of the race. It was a surprise we did so well,” said Tony Price, director of Campus Recreation and member of its winning team. “We made up for time with the bird houses.”
Along with building bird houses, teams had to work together to overcome challenges such as hoola-hooping while singing “I’m a Little Teapot,” learning Metro’s fight song, passing toilet paper from higher levels of Tivoli to the lower levels, a salad and snow eating contest and a round of Jeopardy questions on Metro history.
Campus Recreation claimed the first place prize of $50 to the bookstore, followed by Student Academic Success, which won $40.
“Overall, I give a lot of credit to all the teams, especially because it was really cold,” Price said. “The event staff did a great job keeping it all together.”
Spirit Day
Students showed their true colors at Metro’s spirit day in Tivoli Turnhalle Feb. 8 — though some didn’t have colors to show.
Coordinated by the Office of Student Activities, the day was designed for Metro students to wear the Roadrunner’s signature red and blue for free food and a chance to win prizes.
“We have a plethora of prizes, from small things like Metro pens to iPads,” said Stephanie LeFebvre, a volunteer working the event.
The event kicked off with Metro President Stephen Jordan announcing the school’s proposed name change to Metropolitan State University of Denver.
The hall was set up like a makeshift carnival where students earned tickets toward prizes in games like a beanbag toss, a ball drop and a wheel spin.
“We’ve had a good turnout — not as many wearing the colors though,” said Sarah Fraser, chair of the spirit committee.
Along with the games, the staff operated a photo booth and an antique popcorn machine. Metro cheerleaders performed while a DJ played on stage.
“I wasn’t really aware of what’s going on,“ said Henry Monahan, a junior at Metro. “I don’t usually go to these things.”
The bookstore also offered a clothing discount to students on Feb. 6 and 7 to encourage sales for spirit day. Still, some students were indifferent.
“I don’t have anything with the Metro logo on it,” Jera Barens, a Metro freshman said. “I’ve never bought any school clothes before.”
Even so, the bookstore made more than $2,500 according to Rich Marrett, the store’s general merchandise manager.
The Bonfire
Live music, 15-foot flames and car-crushing mayhem highlighted the pep rally and ended Metro’s homecoming week Feb. 8.
The bonfire and car bash event held a collection for the Metro Food bank upon entry. Guests were asked to bring non-perishable foods and to donate a dollar when they took a swing at the car.
“It was something new we tried, though we didn’t get the word out enough,” said Matt Brinton, assistant director for student activities. “Still, we collected about 25 or 30 pounds of food.”
[/media-credit]Spectators watch as flames engulf the wood pallets stacked for Metro's 2012 Homecoming bonfire.
President Jordan led the rally, which peaked at around 400 guests, and cheered on the women’s and men’s basketball teams.
Cheerleaders pumped up the crowd as Metro’s pep band, and LAMA Live, who won the homecoming battle of the bands contest, played for the crowd.
“We’re trying to provide something you don’t see every day,” Brinton said. “You don’t normally see a bonfire in a parking lot surrounded by a city.”
The bonfire was lit with torches in the middle the parking lot across from Tivoli. To the side was the car provided by the Student Government Assembly for students to batter with sledgehammers.
“I was here for the band but [the car bash] is very cool,” said Jon Wetzel, a Metro freshman after he pummeled the car. “I loved it, it was very liberating.”
Students were required to wear safety glasses and fill out a release form before participating. People were kept at a minimum distance from the car, but were still in range when a sledgehammer slipped from the grasp of one guest and flew into the crowd. No one was hurt.