It was chilly, rainy and overcast as MTSU students, alumni and others gathered for pregame activities Saturday, Oct. 20, for the 2018 Homecoming events.

As skies began clearing and the sun popped out, opponent University of North Carolina-Charlotte dominated in nearly all phases of the football game — except the scoreboard, where it mattered most, as the Blue Raiders prevailed 21-13 in Floyd Stadium and made for a happy homecoming ending.

Homecoming has been a tradition for decades as Blue Raider alumni, students and fans turn out for the annual chili cook-off, Golden Raiders and Distinguished Alumni celebrations, leading to a full day of Saturday events. “Raidercade,” wordplay on arcade games, served as the homecoming theme.

Senior quarterback Brent Stockstill threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Ty Lee, and the Blue Raiders’ defense added a score of its own in the victory. At 4-3 overall, the Blue Raiders remain strong in Conference USA play with a 3-1 record. They visit Old Dominion Oct. 27.

Fans of all ages turned out to watch the firetrucks, floats and Band of Blue perform during the Homecoming Parade, which began at the intersection of East Main and Maney Avenue, traveled down East Main past the President’s Lawn and the Mixer on Main Parade Watching event and turn left onto North Baird Lane.

Plenty of tailgating figured into festivities before the game.

MTSU’s 2018-19 MTSU Distinguished Alumni are, from left, Mark Hall, Frank Michello, Whit Turnbow, Nic Dugger, Casey Pash and Martha and Tom Boyd. (MTSU photo by Eric Sutton)

On Friday, Oct. 19, MTSU recognized this year’s Golden Raiders — the Class of 1968, observing the 50th anniversary of their graduations:

MTSU also recognized the 2018-19 Distinguished Alumni in separate events in the MT Center in the Sam Ingram Building.

Honorees included:

• Nic Dugger of Nashville, recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
• Casey Pash of Columbia, South Carolina, recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award.
• Frank Michello of Murfreesboro, who received the Achievement in Education Award presented to MTSU faculty members; and Mark Hall of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recipient of the Achievement in Education Award for non-MTSU educators.
• Tom and Martha Boyd of Lebanon, Tennessee, recipients of the Service to the University Award.
• Whit Turnbow of Murfreesboro, who received the Service to Community Award.

The university also announced winners Friday in the “Paint the Departments Blue” contest: first place went to University College, second place to Housing and Residential Life and third place to Judicial Affairs.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

New inductees are honored at the 2018 Golden Raider Reunion, an event that celebrates alumni who graduated 50 years ago or longer outside the Sam Ingram Building. This year’s inductees were primarily from the graduating class of 1968. (MTSU photo by Kimi Conro)

Children happily accept treats from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee during the annual Homecoming Parade Oct. 20. (MTSU photo by Eric Sutton)

MTSU’s mascot, Lightning, jokes with children along the parade route during the university’s 2018 Homecoming Parade Saturday, Oct. 20. (MTSU photo by Kimi Conro)

Students, faculty and alumni tailgate in Walnut Grove Oct. 20 during MTSU’s annual homecoming activities. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee adjusts the tiara on homecoming queen Georgette Redmond, a speech-language pathology and audiology major from Memphis, Tenn., during 2018 homecoming activities in Floyd Stadium Oct. 20. Rakeem Murphy, a computer information systems major from Murfreesboro, was crowned homecoming king. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill looks for running room as his blockers create a hole in the Charlotte 49ers defense during the 21-13 victory in Floyd Stadium. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)