Written by Doug Goodnough
A Flood is coming to Hillsdale College on September 26 and 27. Mark Flood, ’78, that is. One of the unofficial “Homecoming ambassadors” is trying to get as many of his classmates back for the College’s annual gathering that has been happening for more than 100 years.
This year, his focus is on bringing together former football and track and field student-athletes from 1974-84 for a Saturday reunion tailgate. There is a special focus on the 1978 track and field team members, who turned in a special season that year.
“This was the first team to ever win the indoor and outdoor GLIAC championships,” said Flood, who was a member of that team and a two-sport standout for the Chargers. “And the GLIAC outdoor team scored more points than any team before or after the ’78 team (294.5 points).”
Flood is driving from his Upper Peninsula home and hopes fellow alumni will also make the effort to come back to the ’Dale.
In case you need some further persuasion, here are a few other great reasons to attend Homecoming:
- Yes, the Tent Party is back. Actually, it was back last year when we debuted the new Phi Sig Pavilion space after Friday’s Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony. This year, the party returns to the Biermann parking lot near the Sports Complex. And Arctic Clam, which rocked the house last year, returns to provide the featured entertainment. The band’s lead singer is Nicole Khoury, ’99, who is a Toledo judge by day and a vocal powerhouse by night. We promise another great time.
- Speaking of the Hall of Fame banquet, we will honor six Chargers who have all made tremendous contributions to the College, and not just on the field of play. Cleves Delp, ’86 (meritorious service); nine-time national champion runner Emily Oren Newcomb, ’16; former head football coach Keith Otterbein, ’79; national champion runners Mike Michno, ’84, and Mike Nugent, ’85; and standout quarterback Troy Weatherhead, ’11, will all be inducted Friday night. What a lineup!
- Obviously, Homecoming has a strong athletic flavor, but there are plenty of other areas represented. The Daughtrey Gallery will feature the paintings of noted artist Albin Veselka, who was recently inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America. A reception is planned for 6:00 p.m. Friday at the gallery, with the exhibit open throughout the weekend. And on Saturday morning, the John E.N. & Dede Howard Department of Music Alumni Choir Reunion is an annual tradition. Join Director of Choirs James A. Holleman and the College Choir and Chamber Choir for a morning of choral singing, fellowship, and the best cider and donuts in five counties. All Music Department alums from any ensemble are welcome.
- We may be biased, but we believe Hillsdale hosts the best Homecoming football tailgate party this side of Ann Arbor. Several groups will host their own tailgates, and the Alumni Office has activities planned for children of all ages. Alumni who check in at the registration tent will also receive a bounty of complimentary College “SWAG” that includes a T-shirt. Get there early, because the game kicks off at 2:00 p.m. this year.
- After the football game, alumni have a chance to gather at the new Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium and TFO Partners Field for an alumni baseball game. Watch some former Chargers attempt not to get injured as they try out one of the best baseball facilities in the region. There will be food and drink available and a chance to continue the weekend “under the lights.”
Have we convinced you to come back to Homecoming yet? We hope so. Online registration is open, and you can register here: events.hillsdale.edu/homecoming2025.
Come back to the ’Dale on September 26-27!
Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s senior director of Alumni Marketing. He enjoys connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.
Published in July 2025
