Mason ‘Swagger’ Is In Full Swing

By Connect2Mason Reporter Lauren Jost

Homecoming Week 2009 began its week-long events schedule on Monday with this year's slogan, “No one has swagger like us,” emblazoned on free t-shirts given out by Student Government.

Four contestants for the Mr. and Ms. Mason Pageant, “Swagger of a Champion,” handed out shirts to an eager crowd in the Johnson Center in promotion of the pageant, which took place last night at 8 p.m. in Dewberry Hall.

During the brief ceremonial homecoming kick-off celebration in the Johnson Center Atrium yesterday, Student Government Senator Alex Romano hosted a mini-introduction of “Swagger” contestants. The four contestants are members of various student organizations including Student Senate, Pride Alliance, and Circle K International.

After Romano introduced the four pageant contestants, Student organizations such as Zeta Tau Alpha, Program Board, Alpha Phi and Phi Sig, unveiled their homemade banners promoting homecoming week.

“This year we’re doing team events with Phi Sig to try and win homecoming events,” said Junior Panhellenic Vice President and Alpha Phi member Meghan Knowles.

Events for this week’s Homecoming festivities include a pep rally, talent show, free laser tag, and a Mason Block Party before the big game Saturday. A detailed list of events can be found at http://homecoming.gmu.edu.

“My favorite part about homecoming is there’s a lot going on. Other parts of the semester there are weeks when you go to class and you go home. I think it’s pretty cool because it just so happens our biggest team to beat in basketball is coming this weekend,” said Senior and George Mason Super-fan, Chris Brooks (yes, the guy with the cape.)

Saturday’s basketball game promises to be a sweet one, as the Mason Patriots face Northeastern Huskies on Saturday, Feb. 14 at noon. Pregame Block Party beings at 9:30 a.m. in Lot A where Patriot fans can take place in Valentine’s Day crafts and cheer on the Patriots as they stride down “Swagger Alley.”

“I have my special costume every week but this time I may take extra time in my face paint. I’ll continue doing my thing. Hopefully we can win this homecoming game, considering it’s my senior year,” said Brooks.