It seems almost surreal to say, but Saturday night is the final Homecoming game we’ll ever see at Hughes Stadium.
The last one. Ever.
That statement comes with a large serving of irony.
On one hand, the reason this is the last Homecoming is CSU will be moving to an ultra-cool, much-needed, state-of-the-art on-campus stadium next season. Personally, I couldn’t be more excited for the change and what it will mean for CSU, the Rams and this community.
On the other hand, I’ve been going to games at Hughes for most of my life. Yes, the place is falling apart, there aren’t enough restrooms and the concourses are way too narrow, but it has charm. And history. Lots and lots of history.
49th and final time
A large portion of that history has taken place on Homecoming. This will be the 49th time the Rams have laced ‘em up for Homecoming at Hughes, and the results have been…well…mostly…good.
The Rams are 27-21 on Homecoming at Hughes, including two consecutive wins. They will look to make it three in a row at 8:15 Saturday against Utah State, which is pretty fitting. The Rams have played Utah State on Homecoming more than any other team – 18 times, including four at Hughes – since the first Homecoming game in 1922. I’m not sure why Utah State is our favorite Homecoming date, but it’s a fact.
Now, there’s no easy way to say this: Homecoming and Hughes got off to a rocky start in 1968. The Rams were crushed 31-0 by Pacific – a team that no longer even plays football – in the inaugural Homecoming game. That was part of less-than stellar opening season for the Rams, who were 0-5 at home that year.
The great streaks
Things have, however, gotten better. In particular, there have been two noteworthy Homecoming winning streaks.
The first came from 1986 to 1991 – a six-game run of success that, oddly, included exactly one winning season. The Homecoming win in 1988 – 13-7 over San Diego State – was particularly noteworthy because it was the only win in 1988. Fans were so excited to see the Rams end their 11-game losing streak they actually tore down the goal posts. True story. And, almost inexplicably, Leon Fuller – who was 25-55 in seven seasons but 5-2 on Homecoming – was fired at season’s end. Go figure.
The second notable streak came from 1993-2000 – a glorious run of eight seasons that included some of the most memorable moments in CSU football history. Sonny Lubick not only will go down as the most successful coach in school history, he really knew how to please alumni, winning seven of his first eight Homecoming games and 11 of 15. Included in that streak is a 63-0 win over Hawaii, still one of the biggest routs in 123 years of Ram football.
Embracing the future while cherishing the past
So, savor this last morsel of Hughes Homecoming history. Try not to trip on the crumbling stairways, or get smashed on the crowded concourses. Instead, embrace Hughes while embracing the future. That’s my plan, at least.
By the way, tickets are still available online, by phone (970-491-7267) or at the gate.
