OHIO celebrates Homecoming 2023

Bobcats from around the globe filled the brick streets and sidewalks of Athens for Homecoming 2023.

Photos by Rich-Joseph Facun, Ben Siegel, Eli Burris and Dylan Townsend | October 12, 2023

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Bobcats from around the globe filled the brick streets and sidewalks of Athens for Homecoming 2023.

Homecoming Week was held Oct. 2-7, and featured a wide array of events for all ages that provided opportunities for people all ages to connect and celebrate OHIO.

The Yell Like Hell Pep Rally on Thursday, Oct. 5, attracted a large crowd to the College Green to hear from speakers such as President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, enjoy a performance from the Marching 110 and cheer on special guests such as the football team and Rufus.

The events on Friday, Oct. 6, included Food Truck Friday and the 2023 Alumni Awards ceremony. During the ceremony, the Ohio University Alumni Association presented 12 awards to outstanding OHIO graduates, including naming Perry A. Sook, ’80, as Alumnus of the Year.

Saturday, Oct. 7, was an amazing day in Athens, beginning with the Homecoming Parade kicking off the events. The sidewalks of the parade route were filled with people of all ages enjoying the sights and sounds of the parade, as well as the candy. The Alumni Band is a staple Homecoming Weekend, and this year’s very large Alumni Band entertained the audience at the Homecoming Parade, as well as at the football game. The Marching 110 also put on a spectacular show during the parade and the football game. A large number of groups and organizations also marched in the parade.

After the parade and time for tailgating, catching up with friends and making new friends, the OHIO Football team took on Kent State University in a packed Peden Stadium and picked up a 42-17 victory.

The whole weekend was a win for Bobcats who enjoyed their time on campus celebrating all things OHIO. See below for photos from a fun and memorable Homecoming 2023.

OHIO employees install a sign on Baker Center in preparation for homecoming festivities.

OHIO employees install a sign on Baker Center in preparation for homecoming festivities.

Students pose for a photo with Rufus at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Students pose for a photo with Rufus at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Students get rowdy at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Students get rowdy at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Cheerleaders perform at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Cheerleaders perform at the Yell Like Hell pep rally.

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez greets an excited group of proud Bobcats at the pep rally at the Scripps Amphitheater.

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez greets an excited group of proud Bobcats at the pep rally at the Scripps Amphitheater.

Perry Sook accepts the Alumnus of the Year award at the Alumni Awards Gala in Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

Perry Sook accepts the Alumnus of the Year award at the Alumni Awards Gala in Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

The Sook family applauds Perry Sook as he accepts the Alumnus of the Year award.

The Sook family applauds Perry Sook as he accepts the Alumnus of the Year award.

Matt Engleka receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Alumni Awards Gala at Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

Matt Engleka receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Alumni Awards Gala at Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

The Marching 110 performs at the Homecoming Parade on Court Street.

The Marching 110 performs at the Homecoming Parade on Court Street.

A member of the Marching 110 Alumni Band is amped to be back performing at the Homecoming Parade on Court Street.

A member of the Marching 110 Alumni Band is amped to be back performing at the Homecoming Parade on Court Street.

Students cheer for the Marching 110 Alumni Band.

Students cheer for the Marching 110 Alumni Band.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band always brings such excitement to students.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band always brings such excitement to students.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band marches down Court Street during the Homecoming Parade.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band marches down Court Street during the Homecoming Parade.

Athens Asian American community members participate in the Homecoming parade.

Athens Asian American community members participate in the Homecoming parade.

The LGBTQ Community and supporters walk in the Homecoming Parade with a Pride float.

The LGBTQ Community and supporters walk in the Homecoming Parade with a Pride float.

Alumni pose for photos during Homecoming festivities on College Green.

Alumni pose for photos during Homecoming festivities on College Green.

A child poses for a caricature during Homecoming festivities on College Green.

A child poses for a caricature during Homecoming festivities on College Green.

Students are full of school spirit during the Homecoming Football Game.

Students are full of school spirit during the Homecoming Football Game.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band performs at the Homecoming Football Game.

The Marching 110 Alumni Band performs at the Homecoming Football Game.

OHIO Football players celebrate at this year’s Homecoming Game.

OHIO Football players celebrate at this year’s Homecoming Game.