While Homecoming celebrants watch the game, drink alcohol and chat with friends, some Western staff members will take in the spectacle from behind the scenes with mops, tables and trash bags in hand.

Homecoming is busy because that’s when several sports seasons mesh, said Judy Craft, a building services assistant supervisor.

Homecoming, along with commencement, is one of Western’s biggest events for the workers who set up for and clean up after events, Special Events Supervisor Tommy Long said.

About 10 staff workers set up about 200 tables and 1,200 chairs for the various tents and receptions that will pepper Western’s campus.

“There won’t be much sleep from about Wednesday to Sunday,” said Jeff Younglove, director of campus and community events.

About 15 staff members will work with Long on Saturday from about 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. setting up.

James McCoy, assistant supervisor of special events who will also prepare for Homecoming, said setting up is satisfying.

“It is a big crowd, and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves, having a good time,” McCoy said. “Most college students, they look forward to this.”

There are 17 building service assistants who maintain the step show and football game. Four will be stationed at the football game at Smith Stadium and will jet over to the others at Diddle Arena to help clean.

They may work as late as 4 a.m., Craft said.

BSAs will clean restrooms, pick up trash and mop.

“It’s the same things we do every day, just in a different location,” BSA Supervisor Judy Blankenship said.

Staff members work on a voluntary basis unless there aren’t enough people signed up. In that case, names are drawn from a hat.

But the long hours work for most BSAs because homecoming is on a weekend. And BSAs who are responsible for cleanup can get overtime pay, Craft said.

BSAs can also take a day off after homecoming.

“We try not to overwork our people,” Craft said. “We give them as much of a break as possible.”

Reach Corey Paul
at news@wkuherald.com.