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Homecoming begins with a fight

The week-long festivities surrounding this year's Homecoming kicked off yesterday with an American Gladiator joust competition on the UA Mall and will conclude with the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen at the bonfire on Friday evening.

More events will take place on the stage at the west end of the University of Arizona Mall beginning at noon every day this week. Today's event is sumo wrestling.

All events have been planned by the senior honorary Bobcats.

"Anyone can come play with us," said Bobcats President Jeff Grant. "We want to promote student participation."

A large part of this week's activities will involve selecting the new Homecoming court. After a long process, the nominees for king and queen were narrowed from 15 to five.

Students will have the opportunity to vote for the king and queen on the mall, at Park Student Union and at the Harvill building on Wednesday. The voting will take place while candidates are subjected to a dunk tank.

Cisco Aguilar, Associated Students of the University of Arizona president, said each of the finalists has been going around to different campus clubs to get the students excited about Homecoming.

On Thursday, students can get down and dirty in a game of mud tug-of-war.

"We are encouraging school clubs or any groups of students to form teams for the game," Grant said.

Music will also be provided during Homecoming Week. Tongue Dried Sun, a local band, will be performing on the stage Friday at noon.

Before the announcement of queen and king at the bonfire, two bands -Neon Prophet and Mockingbirds - will begin playing at 5:45 p.m. at the Old Main fountain.

The highlight of the week, Bear Down Bash, will take place in the Bear Down Gymnasium on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

"As part of our celebration of our Wildcat Century, Bear Down Bash will be a festive event featuring an anniversary theme for our dear old mascot," said Michelle Outlaw, program coordinator for the UA Alumni Association.

A silent auction for items such as alumni art and UA memorabilia will take place during the bash. Proceeds from the auction will go toward new uniforms for the UA marching band.

Entertainment for the Bear Down Bash will be provided by the UA steel drum band, "The Pride of Arizona" - UA cheerleaders and poms, and Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat.

Some residence halls will also be showing their Homecoming spirit.

"La Paz and Manzanita-Mohave will be participating in floats. Some of the other halls will have barbecues for their residents," said Patrick Call, UA associate director for Residence Education.

Funds for Homecoming Week will be provided by ASUA, Bobcats, Sahuaro Trophy, Sprint PCS, Arizona State Savings and Credit Union, UA Athletic Department and Wells Fargo Bank.