Every year, Buff alumni and fans alike gather to celebrate West Texas A&M University’s  homecoming. Events such as the Pigskin Revue and the homecoming parade are staples among the lasting traditions at WTAMU. However, all of the festivities lead up to the much anticipated homecoming football game.

This year, the Buffs hosted the Wildcats of Central Washington University at the new and improved Buffalo Stadium. There was much excitement as this was the first homecoming to take place at the stadium. 

“It’s changed so much because that new stadium is ultra technical and stuff. So technology is everywhere. We love it. We love the old stadium too,” WTAMU alumnus, Janice Richie, said. 

The tailgating experience has reached new heights as well. Students, alumni, and fans are now able to walk around tailgate spots on WTAMU’s campus. There are many vendors and live music at every tailgate to create a fun, community-oriented environment. 

“The tailgate should be a spot where you should be at homecoming…and the football game of course,” said Alex Vera, sophomore science major. 

The Buffs started off incredibly strong against the Wildcats, scoring within the first few minutes. After a failed extra point, CWU would score a field goal making the score 6-3. The Buffs wouldn’t let that stop them as running back, Jarrod Compton would make a 44-yard run to keep the Buffs on top 13-3. WT would score one more time before the end of the first quarter, dominating 20-3. 

The Buffs would continue on and score with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter after a 1-yard drive from running back, Duke Carter IV. The Wildcats would score their first touchdown with 8:22 left in the second, making the score 27-13. However, the Buffs would push on after quarterback, Nick Gerber would complete a 9-yard pass to wide receiver, Semaj Mitchell, ending the first half with a 34-10 lead. 

With 8:06 remaining in the third quarter, wide receiver, Juwan McCall would assist in scoring after completing a 9-yard pass, upping the score 41-10. The Wildcats would retaliate with a 26-yard touchdown pass. 

CWU wouldn’t stop there as they would score yet again, still trailing 41-17. The Wildcats would continue their hot streak against the Buffs after 41-yard pass completion to make the score 41-25. The Buffs would score once more still leading 48-25. The Wildcats would cut it close, scoring three more times before the end of the fourth quarter. However, the Buffs would prove victorious as they sealed their first homecoming win in Buffalo Stadium. 

We just came together as a team. The running game was working, the passing game was working. Everybody just played hard,” senior wide receiver, Juwan McCall, said.