“Ignite Your Oiler Spirit” was the theme for Homecoming 2008, organized by the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations.

Activities started early in the week on campus. Highlights include the on-campus office door decorating contest, the Harlem Wizards basketball game, golf cart parade, and of course, the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen.



Click here to view, download or order 4x6 prints of photos of many of the Homecoming events. Click on the album cover to view the entire album. These photos are intended for personal use only and are not to be used in any other way without permission from the Office of Public Information.

Click here or scroll down to read about and see photos of Friday’s activities.

Click here or scroll down to read about and see photos of Saturday’s activities.

Friday, Sept. 19
WLFC 88.3 held an alumni reception in its new station, located in the UF Village. Radio station memorabilia and new equipment were on display.

John Campbell, Sara Campbell, Shawndra Bateson and Brian Shelton, former WLFC general manager, reminisce about their days in radio at UF.	Joe Taverna, Mike Yunis, former radio jockey, and Alice (Smith) Curry, former record librarian for WLFC, look at an old yearbook.

The Harlem Wizards basketball team challenged the Orange and Black Attack team of UF students, faculty, staff and alumni in Croy Gymnasium.

Derrick poses for a picture before the basketball game with Kayla Shannon, Brooke Kuenning and Jill Fulks.	UF team member Chris Mitchell and Derrick the Oiler get pumped up before the game while coaches Dick Strahm and Jim Houdeshell stand by.

The Harlem Wizards have some fun with kids from the audience during halftime.	A Harlem Wizard player gives Dane Erford a hard time about his scorekeeping abilities.

Following the game of “trick hoops and alley oops” in Croy, attendees were wowed by the first-ever Homecoming fireworks display.


Saturday, Sept. 20
The 3rd annual 5K and Little Oiler Fun Run began early Saturday morning, with race participants arriving at 6:30 a.m. Derrick the Oiler led the Little Oiler Fun Run around Old Main. Proceeds from the 5K were donated to the UF chapter of Habitat for Humanity. To see 5K results, click here.

A group of runners wears matching T-shirts; they entered the race in honor of UF student Luke Olney, who is serving overseas.	A.J. Gant, Shannon Doyle and Kara Juknelis serve runners after-race snacks, including the Hospitality Management Club’s famous monster cookies.

During the Alumni Association Annual Breakfast, many alumni were recognized, including Distinguished Alumni and the Class of 1958. All alumni in attendance received an orange rose. To read about the Distinguished Alumni and other honorees, click here.

Anthony Slappy '90 presents an orange rose to Myra Houdeshell ’78. Jim Houdeshell ’53 is seated.	Les Miller ’64, Ron Cable ’64, Keith Mohr ’67 and Jerry Clark ’66 pose for a photo.

The 35th Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony welcomed five new stellar UF athletes. To read about each inductee, click here.

Inductees: Ted Miller, Doug Krauss, Kiki (Corliss) Lorann, Nathan Arnold and André Eley

The KidsZone, create-a-cookie contest and the golf cart parade were all happening on the front lawn of Old Main between noon and 1:30 p.m. Alumni, friends and family joined UF students, faculty and staff to celebrate.

The English equestrian team earned second place for its entry: Every Day is Like Christmas.	Brian Treece sings his favorite song during a game of Rock Band.
Lisa Ragland, a member of the UF Writers Club, serves voters cookies at the create-a-cookie competition.	The UF train makes its way around campus as young UF fans smile and wave to family members.

Prior to the football game against Wayne State Warriors, alumni and friends gathered outside Donnell Stadium for a pre-game tailgate. Inside the stadium, fans were ready to cheer for the Oilers.

Freshman Bryana Jackson cheers for the Oilers during the football game.	James Eric, Mathew Schwab, Greg Busby, and Brian Miller definitely have Oiler spirit.

Layne Goings and Justin Dennen were named the 2008 UF Homecoming queen and king during halftime of the football game.

2008 Homecoming Court: Samantha Rigsby, Susan Downing, Erica Keene, Malorie Morris, Nina Smith, queen Layne Goings, king Justin Dennen, J.J. Bilimek, Ryan Bryson, Stephen Reichley, Andrew Dehnhoff and Anthony Bursik.