By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

MONTEVALLO — Most schools celebrate homecoming with a giant football game that alumni come and watch from a seat.

The University of Montevallo, however, allows alumni to participate in games of their own while getting a chance to take in the school’s sports teams as well.

As part of Montevallo’s “Coming Home” weekend Oct. 17-19, the school is hosting its Olympics Day the same weekend as a joint effort between Alumni Affairs and the UM Athletic Department.

“Olympics Day has been a tradition,” said Tracy Payne-Rocko, Director of Alumni Affairs. “Traditionally it’s the first Saturday in August. This year, athletics wanted to have a “Coming Home,” and asked us if we’d be interested in partnering with them.”

Instead of taking place all on one day this year, Payne-Rocko said the events would be spread out over three days.

Midnight Madness at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 will serve as an introduction to the men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as serve as the unveiling of the new Freddie the Falcon mascot.

The following day, the alumni golf tournament starts at noon at the Montevallo Golf Club and will conclude with a dinner at 5:30 p.m. On Oct. 19, the Hope Bryant Smith Memorial Scholarship 5K will start at 8 a.m. with the tennis tournament, racquetball tournament, corn hole tournament and disc golf tournament all taking place at various spots on campus starting at 9 a.m.

Following the Olympics Day activities, the UM Athletic Department’s Hall of Fame reception will be hosted at the Student Activity Center at 12:30 p.m. After the reception, the Falcons’ volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer teams will each host a match.

Payne-Rocko said while moving Olympics Day was a change, it was well received.

“We’re very excited,” she said. “We’ve gotten a tremendous amount of positive feedback.”

For more information, or to register for any of the competitions, visit Montevallo.edu/alumni.