Thank those behind the scenes

When Homecoming rolls around this weekend, those of you still conscious will no doubt be focused on the football game, the Mike Posner concert and whatever leftover Walk-style parties you plan on attending.  

But those things would not happen without the people behind the scenes.

There are so many people who have taken the time out of their lives these past several weeks, and, in some cases months, just to make Homecoming possible.

After I have finished my class on Mondays and Wednesdays and walked out to my truck in Lots M and O, I've heard the band practicing by Rec East.

They've mastered the notes of all their songs and the precise steps needed.

They have put countless hours of practice and rehearsal for what many people consider the half-time entertainment and sound that fills the space between downs.

The football players, the Sparkettes and the band would not have a place to do what they do best without the maintenance workers who tend the facilities and keep them game-ready.

Student Activities and Organizations volunteers have also been important to this event.

They have headed committees that have been working on the production of this year's festivities before this semester even started.

Some of these volunteers will be out well before the sun rises, manning the parade route and helping the parade participants find their spots in the lineup.

Even the parade participants will have spent hours preparing the floats for their one-time spotlight. On top of all the hours they spend creating their floats, they have to be at the parade route incredibly early in the morning, well before walkers even arrive at their first bar.

Even the designated walkers and the police who will be on hand during The Walk to keep everyone safe play an important role, but they probably won't hear a word of thanks from the mouths of those who are participating in the Walk.

Well, I'd like to take the time to thank all of these people who don't receive the credit they deserve.  Without you, my enjoyment of Homecoming would not be possible.

I'd also like to challenge everyone who is reading this column and who will be taking part in all of the activities and the traditions this weekend to walk up to one of these people and thank them.

They deserve recognition for the hard work they give to this university as volunteers.

They deserve as much, if not more, thanks for making Homecoming possible because they support the football players, make the Posner concert happen and keep the walkers safe.

Thank you.