Athletic fun and festivities aplenty will land in the laps of Laker fans as part of this year’s Homecoming plans. Football, volleyball and women’s soccer all host conference foes this week, with each game featuring something special in celebration of the week.

To help commemorate Grand Valley State University’s 50th anniversary, each of these teams will sport “throwback” jerseys made to resemble those worn by Laker athletes in past years.

“We’ve done throwback jerseys periodically over the years,” said GVSU Athletic Director Tim Selgo. “We wanted our alumni athletes to come back and enjoy the fact that our team is wearing the same color jerseys and same helmet emblems that they used to wear back in the day.”

Though some special-event jerseys have been auctioned off in the past, Selgo said the powder-blue uniforms the football team will adorn Saturday night will be kept for future use. Older Laker fans might remember having last seen these jerseys when the team defeated Wayne State University in 2007.

Along with a temporary jersey exchange, the Laker football squad will embark on a new tradition Saturday when they walk collectively to Lubbers Stadium. The route will take the team from the Fieldhouse, through Lot C, then along the road leading to the stadium before entering their locker room below the scoreboard.

“It’s the first time we’re ever doing the walk,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “I think that will be fun for our (players) and our fans … (Throwback jerseys and the walk) will add a little bit of differences for the game.”

Though senior quarterback Kyle McMahon said that the players appreciate the support they receive from the fans and want to aide in the festive nature of the weekend, he added that the team is focused on what is most important.

“It’s gotta be just another football game to us,” he said. “We can’t get caught up in the hype.”

The Laker gridiron gang, which has not dropped a Homecoming football game since before the Chuck Martin era began in 2004, will face Northern Michigan University for the third time on Homecoming night since 2002. The volleyball team will host Ashland University tonight and Lake Erie College Friday while wearing its own retro jerseys. Women’s soccer will do the same against Northwood University on Friday.

Despite all of the hype and extra emphasis on the athletic department this week, Selgo said that he is enjoying it all.

“It’s the 50th anniversary for Grand Valley,” Selgo said. “If you look at our school and how far we’ve come in 50 years, I think we’re one of the greatest success stories in the history of higher education.”

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