Rogers State University recently announced that South 40 would play a free concert immediately following the Hillcat Spirit Bonfire scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. The concert is part of the inaugural Hillcat Homecoming scheduled for Nov. 9-10.
The two-day event will culminate with a tailgate party and men’s and women’s basketball games at the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday, Nov. 10.
South 40, a Country Rock and Red Dirt band based in southeastern Oklahoma, released their latest CD “Home” in January 2007. Visit their web site for more information.
“We are excited to have South 40 coming to campus. This act definitely has a unique sound, a cool blend between rock and country, which will appeal to a wide variety of listeners,” said Amanda Walker, RSU director of student activities. “This is a great addition to our fun-filled homecoming celebrations.”
Homecoming will kick off with an alumni golf tournament and lunch on Nov. 9. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and lunch will begin at 11 a.m. The event will be held at Heritage Hills Golf Course and is an opportunity for golfers to meet many of the Hillcat athletes and support RSU Athletics. Team and golf course hole sponsorships are still available. Team sponsorships range from $450 to $5,000 and hole sponsorships are $100.
“Homecoming creates a central rallying point for RSU students and presents our first real chance to show off our Hillcat pride,” said Josh Compton, president of RSU’s Student Government Association.
Compton said students are excited about the inaugural Homecoming and look forward to a week of events on campus.
“We hope many people from our campus community as well as the Claremore area will help us make history and attend all or part of the Homecoming celebrations,” said RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley. “Homecoming is just one way we can support our exciting new Hillcat athletics program.”
RSU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Sooner Athletic Conference. The Hillcats currently compete in baseball, softball, rodeo and men’s and women’s soccer. The Hillcats will begin competing in men’s and women’s basketball next month.
“We are very excited to be a part of the inaugural homecoming weekend at RSU,” said Wren Baker, RSU head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. “We hope that RSU alumni along with our students and local community will turn out to support our teams as we debut Hillcat basketball. This is truly a special time to be a part of all that is taking place with the growth of RSU and Hillcat athletics.”
On Saturday the excitement will begin at noon at the Claremore Expo Center with a tailgate party before the basketball games. Participants are encouraged to arrange their own tailgate celebration or purchase tailgate fare for $5 from Rib Crib, which will be on-site to serve food for the pre-game festivities.
Admission to RSU basketball games is free for children under eight and RSU faculty, staff and students. General admission for games is $6 per person and reserved seating is $10 per person. The women’s basketball game begins at 2 p.m. and the men’s game begins at 4 p.m. at the Expo Center. Season tickets for Hillcat athletics also are available.
Commemorative Hillcat Homecoming T-shirts will be available so people can wear their Hillcat pride on game day. The $9.99 shirts are available at the RSU Bookstore and will be sold at the tailgate party.