Austin High School students will own the night this upcoming week.

Next Friday is Homecoming, the day when alumni and high schooler alike come back to celebrate their roots.

“It’s the best week in the whole entire school year,” said Katelyn Joseph, member of the homecoming court.

The old Austin High School traditions are scheduled and students are looking forward to proving their school spirit. The Powder Puff football game this Sunday, the Homecoming Coronation on Wednesday, and the ever-popular Battle of the Connects on Thursday.

“No mercy,” said Olivia Grev, homecoming court candidate and senior student council president, with a grin as she talked about looking forward to competing against younger classes.

Yet homecoming means more to students than a few simple activities.

“It’s cool to see the whole school come together,” Taylor Pedersen, homecoming court candidate, said.

“I think we’re really happy to be so close together as a school,” Grev added.

If nothing else, the memories they make this week will last.

“When you look back on your days in school, this will be one of the highlights,” AHS Principal Brad Bergstrom told the court Friday after they were announced to the school.

2011 Austin High School Homecoming Court:

Queen Candidates:

Babaye Oja

Olivia Grev

Emily Bachmeier

Taylor Pedersen

Katelyn Joseph

Taylor Hackensmith

King Candidates:

Ryan Larson

Nathan Schwab

Jacob Crosby

Zach Vierkandt

Dylan Kaercher

Matt Lunning

2011 Homecoming Week schedule:

Sunday, Sept. 18

Powder Puff Football — 5 p.m. at Wescott Field

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Homecoming Coronation — 2 p.m. in Knowlton Auditorium

Thursday, Sept. 22

Distinguished Alumni Assembly

Battle of the Connects — noon at AHS

Bonfire — 8:30 p.m. at Marcussen Park

Friday, Sept. 23

Pep Fest — 2:30 p.m. at Knowlton Auditorium

Parade — 3:30 p.m. from AHS through downtown to Wescott Field

Football Game vs. Mankato East Cougars — 7 p.m. at Haas Stadium