According to Jesuit archives, the first homecoming dance at Jesuit took place in November 1948. Unlike today’s format, the dance was held shortly after a football game, and students from four neighboring schools were invited. While much has changed over the years, one observation in the archives remains consistent: “The students of Jesuit were slowly getting over their bashfulness.” This shyness still exists, especially when it comes to asking someone to homecoming for the first time. But with each dance and experience, confidence continues to grow.
This year, Homecoming is September 26, which is just around the corner. It’s a bit earlier than usual, leaving all of us with less time to plan, especially those who may feel nervous about asking someone to go with them. Not only will we be adjusting to a new school schedule, but we also need to figure out how to make the ask. For many freshmen, this will be a first. While there is no official rulebook, here are a few tips on “the ask” from your senior brothers.
Mix and Mingle
One of the easiest ways to meet girls is to attend as many Jesuit football games as possible, particularly home games. The first varsity home games are on September 4 and September 11. Freshmen should also keep an eye on the freshman football schedule and attend those home games, as many connections happen at these events (if you’re not already playing in them). Additionally, most freshmen gatherings during varsity games take place in the grassy knoll near the concessions, so make your way over to that area on those nights.
There are also several Student Council-planned Jesuit/Ursuline mixers, the first hosted by Jesuit on August 29. Attend all of these events, if you can, and step out of your shell. Walk over with your crew, or even by yourself, and go talk to the Ursuline girls. They are likely just as nervous as you are, and sometimes all it takes is one person to break the ice. Also, don’t get down on yourself over that first HOCO rejection. We’ve all had one, or two, or even three; it’s part of the Jesuit experience. The first time it happens, you may feel embarrassed, but by junior year, you’ll have built up the confidence to move on and keep putting yourself out there.
“Confidence isn’t about being nervous, it’s about asking anyway. Don’t overthink [it], just shoot your shot.”
– Michael Tobin ’27, Student Council President
Young Life
Another great way to connect with Ursuline girls is to attend Inwood Young Life. Originally a Jesuit/Ursuline event, this year St. Mark’s and Hockaday students will also be joining, with gatherings taking place at Grace Academy of Dallas off Inwood Road. Several themed events will be held on Sunday nights at 7:07 p.m., beginning Sunday, August 30th. Follow @inwood_yl on Instagram for the schedule.
After each Sunday event, everyone heads over to Torchy’s Tacos on Forest Lane for dinner. In my own experience, I met one of my homecoming dates through a Sunday Young Life event and made many new friends along the way. More generally, Young Life serves as a fun Sunday outing throughout the year and a great opportunity to meet people you may not otherwise know.
Another Alternative
Lastly, if asking someone to HOCO seems overwhelming, don’t stress. It’s perfectly fine to go with a group of friends, whether everyone has a date or not. If you know someone who attends a school other than Ursuline, you can even ask them to HOCO to make it easier on yourself.
“Homecoming is a great experience regardless of who you go with. Going with friends is a nice way to have fun and get a feel for the atmosphere.”
– JP McCosker ’27
The Big Day(s)
Homecoming Game
On Friday, September 25, the Rangers will face McKinney Boyd at Ranger Stadium in the annual homecoming football game. As part of the tradition, the guy will wear a decorated garter on his arm, and the girl will wear a decorated mum around her neck. To be a gentleman, you should buy your date’s mum and give it to her to wear at this game. In return, she will typically buy your garter. Make sure to work out these details with your date, so you can both walk into the game with your homecoming gear on and cheer on your brothers as they prepare to face off against a new district rival!
Homecoming Dance
I would highly recommend getting together with a group of friends, whether everyone has dates or not, and getting dinner beforehand. You can reserve a nice dinner at a steakhouse, have a taco truck come to a friend’s house or dine at a casual restaurant and grab a burger. Just know, while there will be refreshments and snacks at HOCO, there won’t be a full dinner, so fill up while you can.
The most important thing about Homecoming is to attend and have fun, whether you have a date or not. Make sure to wear that new blue suit, relax and get on the dance floor. Your time at Jesuit is all about creating memories with your friends. Trust me, the good times go by fast, so don’t take them for granted.
“Going to your first HOCO is a great experience, especially with the interaction with other schools in this setting. The memories I’ve made with friends and peers at homecoming are some that I will cherish for a long time.” – Nathan Chukwumah ’27
Tune into The Roundup for Episode 4 of The Pulse Check!
