As Seen On TV: Homecoming a reality

By Eisa Al Nashmi

People seem to be so intrigued when they watch a man dating 30 women at once or when they see a bunch of people living on a deserted island and doing whatever it takes to win a million dollars.

This reality TV phenomenon is increasing in popularity, so it is no surprise that this year’s Homecoming theme is “As Seen on TV.”

“ Not only are reality TV shows the biggest thing on TV; but Fresno State football games can also be seen on TV,” said Michael Horta, director of Homecoming.

Since Homecoming is a week of fun events leading to the football game Saturday, Horta said this was the most appropriate theme because it linked the football game with the events that are related to reality TV shows.

Horta, along with 25 students, came up with games that incorporated aspects of popular reality TV shows. But don’t get too excited, because the games are not based on the major reality shows like “The Bachelor” or “Survivor.”

The main goal behind Homecoming is to promote spirit and for students to show Fresno State Pride, so Horta and his team came up with a quiz show consisting of Fresno State trivia questions called “Who Wants To Be The Ultimate Bulldog.” The theme of the game is taken from a combination of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “Weakest Link.”

“ The game will test the contestants’ knowledge on Fresno State and at the same time will show school spirit,” Horta said.

In its more popular days, “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire” was hosted by Regis Philbin, but KMPH’s weather man, Kopi Sotiropulos, will host “Who Wants To Be The Ultimate Bulldog,” in which eight students compete for a Bulldogs prize package. Horta said six contestants were pre-selected and the remaining two will be the first students who volunteer.

“ Say What Karaoke,” adapted from the MTV program, will also be one of the reality-based games.

Horta said 10 students, five of whom are pre-selected, will compete in a karaoke contest judged by students.

Mandi Quinonez, director of USU Productions, thought having a door-decorating contest for students living in the dorms would be another way to get more students involved and show school spirit.

“ This event is for shy people who want to be involved in Homecoming, but don’t want to be in events like ‘Say What Karaoke,’ ” Quinonez said.

Quinonez said the contestants will be judged on the adherence to the Homecoming theme, originality and creativity, overall impression, and other rules. The contest will be judged on Tuesday at the residents’ hall and the winners get a pizza party for 10 people.

Thomas Gaffery, chair pro-tem of the USU board of directors, said he wanted to join the Homecoming committee to get some fun experience and because he thought the committee needed help.

“ You can always use more hands to get things done,” he said.

This year, Gaffery is coordinating the opening ceremony, which will be held today at the Memorial Garden at noon.

With the B95 radio station hosting the opening ceremony, students should expect many surprises and fun activities, Gaffery said.

President Welty will give a speech, the cheerleaders and Timeout will perform, and there will be gift bags for everyone, Gaffery said.

Gaffery said the most exciting part of the opening ceremony will be the mini-bike race between President Welty and the the university’s vice presidents. The mini-bike race tradition started last year.

This year’s Homecoming will also give students a chance to have a sneak peak at the Save Mart Center before the grand opening Oct. 27.

Students can tour the Save Mart Center, where they can explore all the building’s facilities.

“ What makes this Homecoming so special is that it’s coupled with the opening of the Save Mart Center,” Gaffery said.

Homecoming is an event for students to come together and have fun, so Horta and his team made sure all the activities would attract students. They walked around campus and asked students if they would be interested in such games, and they tested their games to see if they were appropriate.

Horta said most of the events on campus are aimed at certain people or organizations, but Homecoming is for everyone, including the faculty, alumni and community.

“ It’s a place for everyone to come together, have a great time and not be segregated into groups or organizations,” Horta said.

With all the extensive promotion and advertising, Horta expects more students to be involved.

“ I just want students to show pride in their school by participating in this event and wearing school colors,” he said.