Maggie Zo, contributor

Ahead of the homecoming game against St. Olaf College, I sat down with Coach KiJuan Ware as well as a selection of Augsburg Football’s finest to find out more about homecoming. Over the twenty-nine years of Coach Ware’s coaching career, he maintains that all twenty-nine homecoming fixtures have been memorable. Speaking with the players illuminated a vivacious commitment to Augsburg, their teammates, and the surrounding community. Conner Elliott, who plays as a defensive lineman, speaks about how homecoming in college differs from high school in that it offers an opportunity to host alumni at the university. “Everybody who has come through the school comes together to celebrate a week and you can learn about the history of your school.” This is vital to cultivating connections and celebrating the past and present faces of Augsburg. Tight end, Anselmo Marquez-Reagan Jr. adds how crucial these alumni networks are for university spirit and pride. “It’s all about school spirit, bringing everyone together and meeting new people.”

Alongside the game on Saturday, amongst a host of other events, is the 2025 Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony. This is a big part of the homecoming celebrations and an event that the team will attend together. Elliott, from a player standpoint, sees the ceremony as a way to show respect to the sport and its dedicated band of Auggie Athletes. “All the athletes are together and we’re just recognizing the people who were here before us.” Ware talks about how it also serves to incentivize and motivate the team, “giving them something to shoot for.” 

The homecoming game itself is a marker of the football season, not just anticipated but a time for the team to consider their readiness, securing the foundations and groundwork to ensure a successful season. As quarterback Caden Rodkewich points out, people are expecting a win. There is a considerable amount of pressure on the team, but this is something that they are prepared for with an impressive roster of 98 players. Ware is clear that this environment of competitiveness “breeds success” and allows for team momentum. “As long as we have five guys waiting to play, we don’t take a step back if someone gets injured. We can keep the pressure on [and] keep the team moving forward.”

Ware also noted that with the growing visibility of Division III sports, the team is focused on not just winning games but also on attracting attention to their program. There is a sense about the team that homecoming week is business, showcasing not just the football team but also the university itself. A testament to this is how the homecoming schedule is built with the football game at its core. Ware highlights the event as the “culmination of the weekend, where everyone shows up to support the team.”

The vital aspects of alumni legacy, community support, and competitive spirit rally together during homecoming, ensuring it remains a cherished event in Augsburg’s calendar.