Bearing News reported eight hours ago that Student Council voted to have the homecoming dance after the football game Oct. 12. But StuCo sponsor David Bones said he and Jen Mast, athletic director, made the decision to move the dance to after the game because the University of Missouri plays Alabama at home Oct. 13.
“We wanted to make sure we didn’t conflict with [the Mizzou Game] knowing that it is a big game, a big activity for Columbia and for Rock Bridge families,” Bones said. “Really, the proposal was trying to make it so that as many kids as possible could be part of the homecoming dance.”
The dress code for the dance will remain semi-formal, although this may cause minor problems for the football team, the Emerald Regiment, cheerleaders and the Bruin Girls.
“I have to cheer that game,” said varsity cheerleader and sophomore Bailey Washer. “I’m going to want to go home and sleep [after the game], not go to a dance looking all nasty. Who’s idea was that?”
In order for StuCo to get as many people to the dance as possible, they voted that the dance be extended to 11:30 p.m., as opposed to 11 p. m., given that the game will end somewhere around 9:15 p.m., so, Bones said, the band, the cheerleaders, the Bruin Girls, players, anyone involved in the game, can still have time to participate in the event.
Years ago the Bruin’s homecoming dance was immediately after the football game, but about 10 years ago Student Council began having the dance a different night of the game. Given the popularity of the dance, though, Student Council still expects the attendance to be high, said student council member sophomore Taylor DeVault, who is looking forward to attending her first homecoming game and dance.
By Nomin-Erdene Jagdagdorj
Original reporting by Brett Stover
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