The gang’s all here for School of Mines homecoming

The crowd was led in song: “I’m a ramblin’ wreck from Golden Tech, a helluva engineer. Hail, hail, the gang’s all here!”

But they’re not just a helluva engineer. They’re a helluva football team.

The home-side stands of the new Marv Kay Stadium were filled with people in blue and silver or Colorado School of Mines sweatshirts or jackets.

It was a bit chilly outside –; overcast with a breeze and barely 55 degrees –; but people were excited to be there. It was homecoming weekend, and all alumni were being honored. Babies wrapped in warm blankets and people who graduated from the School of Mines 50 years ago were there to cheer on their Orediggers.

The large crowd was to be expected. Students have really become supportive of Mines athletics with the new stadium this year, said electrical engineering student Alyssa Boll.

“It’s cool to feel the spirit,” she said.

And the Orediggers did not disappoint. They dominated the entire game –; finishing with a 51-6 win over the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys.

With each touchdown, Blaster the donkey would run across the field to get the crowd excited. But Blaster seemed to be getting a little tired after having to run across the field so many times. By the third quarter, his pace was not as fast as it was in the first quarter, despite the encouragement of the people running with him.

At halftime, with the score 31-0, the miner mascot danced with the Mines dance team. People got up and wandered around to buy a blaster dog or some nachos. They’d return to their seats, though, before the players were back on the field.

Football games are fun, said Ashley Hutson. They’re something the computer science student didn’t get to experience in high school.

“It’s good to get to do something other than homework,” she said.

Because she is an employee of Mines, and wants to show support, Katt Trask tries to go to every School of Mines game.

“Everybody should come out and support them,” she said. “They’re great kids.”

The Orediggers are off to a 5-0 start this season.

They are something to be proud of, Trask said.

“M-I-N-E-S,” the crowd sang along with the marching band, performing in red and black flannel shirts, jeans and a hard hat.

Go Orediggers!

Golden Transcript – Latest Stories