It’s Mardi Gras time in Martin!

The University of Tennessee at Martin’s 2002 Homecoming invades town Oct. 11-12 with the theme “Mardi Gras in Martin.”

All events lead up to the big Ohio Valley Conference match-up at 2 p.m., Oct. 12, between the Skyhawks and the Indians of Southeast Missouri State University in Hardy M. Graham Stadium.

This homecoming celebration focuses on tradition, as UT Martin celebrates its 75th anniversary of association with the University of Tennessee system and the dedication of the new Bob Carroll Football Building.

“We have the students emphasizing the ‘Mardi Gras’ theme creatively through floats, costumes for pyramid building and the bonfire and fireworks show,” said Jacky Gullett, director of alumni affairs at UT Martin.

“On the other side, we have the 75th anniversary and the special guests for this year will be our alumni from the UT Junior College (UTJC).

“We date our history with the UT system from the fall of 1926 and for those alumni from the UTJC era (1927-1951), homecoming will be a special time for them as it’s the first time their biennial reunion has been held in the fall.”

One of the events that help kick “Mardi Gras in Martin” weekend off is the annual Rope Pull Championship, set for 3:30 p.m Friday near the intramural fields. The women’s, mens’ and open division champions will all be determined in the mud that afternoon.

Women’s athletic teams will get their share of action over the weekend.

The soccer team is set for a 4 p.m. Friday matchup against Morehead State and the defending OVC champion volleyball team will meet Tennessee State 7 p.m. Friday.

Other events include the homecoming parade, UT Alumni Awards banquet, pep rally/pyramid building contest, letter winners breakfast and Hall of Fame awards presentation, the college open house and the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Step Show.

“Our lineup is pretty traditional this year with the game, student activities through the week and the annual banquet recognizing three top alumni.” said Gullett. “Weather permitting, it should be a great weekend for everyone, students and alumni alike, to come out and have lots of fun.”