Miami University is set to celebrate its Homecoming 2024 with a unique tribute, as the RedHawks football team will sport special edition uniforms honoring the legacy of the Western College for Women. This distinctive blue, white, and red jersey will be worn during their game on September 28th at Yager Stadium, serving as a centerpiece for the Homecoming festivities.
The special jersey features a striking dark blue base, contrasted with white numbers outlined in red. Across the chest, “Western College” is proudly displayed, while the upper right corner features a Miami logo patch. This patch is interactive, allowing fans to tap it with their phones to access a dedicated website. This website is designed to promote this year’s Homecoming theme: “Celebrating the Spirit of Western: A Homecoming for Love, Honor, and Legacy.” In addition to the jersey, a special video has been created to further commemorate the heritage of Western College.
Fans attending the Homecoming game will also receive Miami patches along with instructions on how to access the special website. The RedHawks will face off against the University of Massachusetts at 3:30 p.m., providing a thrilling backdrop for the day’s celebrations.
This special uniform design is a deliberate nod to the 1970s era, incorporating throwback elements like shoulder stripes and sleeve numbers. This design choice is particularly significant as this year marks the 50th anniversary of Western College’s final graduating class in 1974. The jersey’s color palette cleverly merges Western’s blue and white with Miami’s traditional red and white, symbolizing the union of Miami University and Western College. Completing the uniform combination, the RedHawks will wear their standard white pants with a red stripe, and their signature white helmets featuring the Beveled-M logo on each side. The Homecoming game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
“It is truly inspiring to witness the Miami RedHawks embracing the ‘Spirit of Western’ and paying homage to the enduring legacy and alumnae of Western College,” commented President Gregory Crawford. “I am eagerly anticipating seeing the RedHawks take the field in these distinctive blue Western uniforms as we celebrate Western College’s profound contributions to both Miami University and the wider landscape of higher education. It is a wonderful opportunity to honor the Western alumnae who hold such a special place in our hearts.”
Western College for Women, originally founded in 1853 as the Western Female Seminary and renamed in 1904, was renowned for its progressive approach to education, particularly in international and multicultural studies. Despite its closure in 1974, Western College’s campus became an integral part of Miami University, housing the School of Interdisciplinary Studies/Western College Program, Miami’s oldest residential learning community.
This Homecoming also marks a significant milestone as the Miami University Alumni Association officially welcomes the Western College Alumnae Association as a valued affinity group.
Miami Director of Athletics David Sayler added, “We are thrilled to celebrate the rich legacy and traditions of Western College. As our football team takes the field for Homecoming, these unique jerseys will undoubtedly amplify the special atmosphere at Yager Stadium and serve as a visual representation of the lasting bond between Miami and Western.”
