Baseball predated football in the early history of Roanoke Rapids High School, according to Phil Hux, president of the alumni and friends association.
That's why this year's homecoming is dedicated to the school's past baseball and softball players.
"Baseball was the first athletic team that was organized at Roanoke Rapids High School," Hux said Monday. "It was even before football because we didn't have a football field. So, history runs deep with baseball."
The association will also have a booth set up to continue sales for the Castle Brick fundraising effort.
As of this report, more than 200 engraved bricks have been sold. The bricks, which honor alumni, faculty, and classes, are part of the association's efforts to raise funds for improvements to the school.
The ones that have been sold thus far will be on the sidewalk in front of the school. "The city has agreed to lay them on the sidewalk, so it won't be on school property," Hux said. "You can walk up there and see them anytime you want and you don't have to report to the school office."
He said the next project the association is tackling is purchasing new rigging for the auditorium lights and eventually putting in new stage curtains.
Thus far, the association has raised roughly a quarter of a million dollars through its efforts for improvements to the school that the school system doesn't have to pay for. "Some of the things we've done are lighting for the front of the school, new carpet in the auditorium, the doors have been remodeled at the front of the school, and we put new curtains in the school."
There is a new sound system and wiring in the auditorium thanks to the efforts.
Hux said the city has agreed to play the school song on the chimes of the Centennial Park clock throughout the week.
Homecoming, Hux said, "is a chance for us all to get back together and see friends and family."
Other events
Due to technical issues, there will be no fireworks after the homecoming game, Hux said.
The school system said that on Thursday, the annual homecoming parade will start at approximately 2:55 p.m. It will come down Hamilton Street to the school. The public may stand on the sidewalk across the street from the school but will not be allowed on campus during school hours. Seventh and Ninth streets will be closed from approximately 2:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m.
The baseball and softball alumni recognition reception will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the RRHS Media Center. Following the reception, alumni will line up on the field at 6:30 p.m.
To RSVP for the alumni reception, call or text:
Patty Little – 252-532-3800
Lynn Little – 252-532-1800
Kick-off for the football game against Hertford County is Friday at 7 p.m., and gates will open at 5:30 p.m. There will be two lines for security checks. The visitor gate will be used for people with no bags, purses, or stadium chairs. The home gate will be used for all guests, including those with small bags, purses, and stadium chairs. Admission will be $10 cash.
Commemorative homecoming T-shirts are available through Wrenn Sports Graphics. To order by email, use
Short-sleeve shirts are $20
Long-sleeve shirts are $25
