For members of the Class of 1998, Homecoming is not just another social event, but a rite of passage - an initiation of sorts.
Over the past month, the incoming class has acted as a cluster of individuals rather than an entity.
Freshmen see Homecoming as the first opportunity they have to bond as a class.
Julia Mueller '98 said she hopes to see the Class of '98 "become more of a class rather than a group of students."
According to the "'Shmen Guide to 'Shmen," Homecoming is "the prime event of the fall" when "the entire town comes alive in support for the College."
With all the hype it has received, Bobby Spillane '98 said he is "looking forward to seeing if the event can meet the expectations put forth by upperclassmen."
Jo Weingarten '98 also said she is looking forward to this weekend.
She said the event should be "the ultimate freshman experience,"one in which she cannot wait to witness and participate.
Tanner Morris '98 emphasized school spirit rather than a particular freshman experience. She said she expects "a lot of alumni and school spirit."
Like many of her fellow classmates, Morris also expressed an eager attitude towards the construction of the bonfire.
"I am psyched to see it. I mean a bonfire that rises forty feet into the air with a huge '98 on top - who wouldn't be excited," she said.
Other freshmen said they thought running around the bonfire would be the most significant event of Dartmouth Night.
Dan Goren '98 said when he witnessed the event last October while visiting the College, he "thought that all the Dartmouth students needed to be put in an institution."
But his friend Hank Brier '98 said he had been told people run around the bonfire so many times "that many of their shoelaces burn off."
In addition to constructing the bonfire and running around it 98 times, the majority of freshman said they intend to participate in the freshman sweep and rushing the field.
Weingarten said although there has been damage in the past, she hopes her class will refrain from vandalizing this year.
"Ripping down signs and tearing up the town isn't necessary for a good time, so hopefully we can do without that this year," she said.
Many freshman expressed a lax attitude about rushing the field.
Brier said he does not "have any reservations about rushing the field and the school should lighten up on the punishment of those who do."
Jessica Schefter '98 said a good friend of hers who decided to rush the field a few weeks ago was subjected to excessive fines.
Some students were more wary of rushing the field.
Elisa Freeman '98 said calling her parents from jail was not her idea of a good time.
But despite the warnings, most freshman say they plan to carry on the traditon to demonstrate their school spirit.
Freshmen eagerly await the parties on Homecoming weekend.
"With freshman not being able to go into the fraternities, this is the first weekend they will be given a chance to experience what college partying is all about," Spillane said.
Freshmen confessed they have not considered the formal being held in Collis on Saturday night.
"I think the idea of a formal is really cool, but I haven't thought that far ahead yet. However, if we win the game against Yale, it would be a great way to celebrate," Nicole Ostrowski '98 said
Similarly, Morris said "this weekend is just like every other weekend in the sense that I won't know my plans are until late that afternoon."
