We The People: This Day in History, November 24
Baylor University Originator of College Football Homecoming Tradition
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On November 24, 1909, Baylor University initiated what is now recognized as the founding of the homecoming tradition in college football.
According to an ESPN article and the 1910 Roundup Yearbook, former university President Samuel Palmer Brooks organized a “home-coming” weekend that drew over a thousand alumni.
This pivotal event, kicking off on November 24th, included a bonfire, concerts, class reunions, a reception, speeches, and the first-ever homecoming parade.
Crucially, it was associated with a football game where Baylor defeated TCU.
While other schools like Southwestern University held earlier alumni events, Baylor’s 1909 celebration is distinguished by its direct link to college football and its inclusion of a parade, making it the true origin of the tradition we know today.
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