MAC Homecoming Feb. 16

Mineral Area College’s fifth annual homecoming celebration will feature a square-off against Three Rivers, the cool-weather beginnings of the baseball season, and free chili and fun for the whole family.

Homecoming events begin at the community college’s Park Hills campus at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, and will continue well into the evening hours. The celebration includes a variety of family-friendly activities and is also a time for alumni to reunite and reminisce with former classmates, teachers, and colleagues.

The event’s organizer, Peggy Ropelle, said for the past few years, a group of Flat River Junior College alumni and spouses have used homecoming to gather in the alumni room for a mini-reunion. “It’s the mini-reunions, camaraderie, family-based activities and great athletics which make Homecoming truly is a special time,” she said.

Plans are still being finalized for the Feb.16 event, but the following activities are in the works:

 MAC Baseball & Tailgating: The College Park student housing staff will host a hot-dog, soda and peanuts tailgate in conjunction with the men’s baseball double header (Cardinals vs. North Central). “The tailgating begins at 11:30 a.m. with the baseball games scheduled to start at noon,” explained Dean of Students Jean Merrill-Doss. “We invite the community to enjoy an afternoon of baseball with the students and staff of College Park, our student housing complex. Because the February weather is unpredictable, the baseball and tailgating plans are at the mercy of Mother Nature.”

 Men’s Alumni Basketball Game: At 2 p.m., the Sechrest Field House will get warmed up with the annual Men’s Alumni Basketball Game that MAC Cardinals’ Assistant Coach Sean Pryor is organizing. This year, Pryor’s plans are to feature the Three River’s Raiders alumni against the Mineral Area College alumni.

“I’m excited about the MAC-Three Rivers alumni contest which really turns up the heat for the competition,” says Pryor, MAC 1993-1995 alumnus and basketball player. “Everyone gets fired up when you talk MAC and Three Rivers. It’s one of the most intense rivalries in junior college basketball… kind of like Mizzou and Illinois or Kansas.” Coach Pryor invites all former Mineral Area College and Flat River Junior College alumni basketball players to attend Homecoming.  

Former MAC Cardinals interested in playing in the alumni game should contact Pryor at (573) 518-2311 before Feb. 5.  Basketball alumni who prefer to watch the game from the sidelines are invited sit behind the bench during the game and visit with players after the game. Last year, about 150-200 friends and family filled the bleachers to cheer the alumni players.

 MAC Music Department Performance: Those who attend Homecoming festivities in the Field House will be treated to the sounds of Mineral Area College’s music students. The Music Department’s reputation of quality music will be showcased prior to the women’s basketball game about 4:30 p.m. and throughout the evening.  

The Alumni Room: The Private Dinning Room, located in the Sechrest Field House, will have old yearbooks and photos on display and will provide a gathering place for friends to meet and reminisce. The room will be open from 3:30-7 p.m. Alumni are encouraged to contact friends and meet in the Alumni Room to share college stories and catch up on what has happened since the FRJC or MAC days.

 Chili and Fixings: MAC Cardinals fans can enjoy a complimentary bowl of Steak n’ Shake chili, hot-dogs and soda at half-time of the women’s basketball game.

 Half-time Kids’ Activities: Kids can participate in the Homecoming Hoop Shoot and win prizes during the half-time of the women’s basketball game. And the Ste. Genevieve gymnastics group, Flipside, and the Mineral Area College Cheerleaders will perform during the half-time of the men’s basketball contest.  

MAC Cardinal Gear Available: The Mineral Area College bookstore will be open for alumni and community to stop in to see an array of sweatshirts, tee-shirts, caps and other MAC gear.  

Music of Scott Joplin: For music enthusiasts, the ragtime music of Scott Joplin will be performed in the Fine Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Bobby Norfolk, an Emmy Award winning storyteller, author and educator, will present the “Scott Joplin, the Ragtime King” performance. Contact Betty Schaper at (573) 518-2125 for additional information on the Mineral Area Council on the Arts event. Admission to the Scott Joplin performance is: Adults $5; Students $2; Arts Council season ticket holders are free.

Basketball Rivalry: The competition heats up when the women’s and men’s MAC Cardinals basketball teams hit the hardwoods against their arch rivals, the Three Rivers Raiders. The women’s game begins at 5 p.m. with the men’s game to follow at 7 p.m. The Cardinals hope the Sechrest Field House is filled with Cardinals fans to cheer them to victory. Admission to the basketball games is $5 for adults and $2 for students. MAC basketball season passes will be honored.

“The college invites alumni and county members to join us for the Feb. 16 Homecoming,” Ropelle said. “Although Homecoming is centered on sporting events, there are many opportunities to reminisce with friends, former classmates, as well as see the campus and meet current MAC students. We are pleased to see attendance at Homecoming growing each year. Consider this your personal invitation to Mineral Area College’s 2008 Homecoming event!”