Homecoming

"I played in the band all four years [I was] here," recent University of Massachusetts graduate Joshua Banks said. "So this was something I had to make the trip [from Maine] for. He was a special guy, and someone who will obviously be missed."

Banks speaks of UMass marching band leader George N. Parks, who died on September 16th on his way to perform with his band during UMass' game versus Michigan in "The Big House." Banks smiles, but speaks with a hint of seriousness and sadness while describing the kind of person Parks was, and what Parks meant to him.

"It's hard to put into words," Banks said. "I think I speak for a lot of people who knew him when I say he made me a better person."

16,421 people were in attendance for the UMass football team's homecoming game against Richmond on Saturday, and current students, alumni, and others celebrated the life of the UMass band leader as the band performed a special tribute to Parks at halftime.

Before the game, there was a more extended tribute to Parks in the Mullins Center, which also spread all over most of the campus. This event contributed to a larger than normal crowd for a UMass football game, as some atendees came mainly for the memorial.

"I came mostly for the tribute," Banks said. "But I wouldn't mind seeing UMass top it off with a win."

Richmond quarterback Montel White hit Tre Gray for a 15-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left to beat in UMass 11-10 in the game at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday, but the disappointing end to the game did not spoil what was a special day at the UMass campus.

The McGuirk Stadium parking lots and their surroundings were filled with cars and people tailgating by 11 a.m., with people travelling from other states to be a part of a very important homecoming. One could hardly hear someone talking directly next to them with the strong winds and loud music, but that didn't stop the masses from enjoying the homecoming festivities.

Those making long trips for the day included UMass alumnus Richard Williams who now lives in Philidelphia, Penn.

"My daughter goes here now so [my wife and I] made the trip partly to see her. When we heard about Parks we figured this was a good time."

"We're a UMass family," he added.

And those travelling for the day were not disappointed by the scene that was provided for them that day.

"We usually come for homecoming every year," UMass alumnus George Manchester said, who travelled from New Hampshire with his family. "But this year is special. It's definitely a little more emotional than usual."

Although Richmond prevented UMass from a win, there were more important themes to Saturday as a whole, and nothing could have prevented the feelings and emotions of those who were a part of it.