A remote broadcast with ESPN Cleveland, a campus street festival and recognition of distinguished alumni are just a few of many events planned for 2012's Lobo Palooza, featuring the John Carroll football team's Homecoming game on Saturday against Marietta College.

The athletic weekend begins Thursday night, October 4th at 9:00 p.m. with a Blue & Gold Pep Rally on the steps outside the Rec Plex Atrium. The JCU Pep Band, Cheerleading Squad, Dance Team, and of course, Blue Streak mascot Lobo, will be there to fire up the student body.

Saturday, October 6th will constitute "DeCarlo Day," in recognition of former JCU coach and athletic director Tony DeCarlo.  Click here for more information about DeCarlo, whose 24-year coaching career at John Carroll included 16 individual national champions and the 1975 NCAA Championship in wrestling, and 12 consecutive winning seasons as the Blue Streaks' head football coach. 

"DeCarlo Day" will begin with an Alumni Softball Game at 9:00 a.m. at Bracken Field.  Former JCU softball players are invited to grab their gloves and head over to the field to play in a game full of fun and nostalgia.  The current Blue Streak team, who will be on hand to meet and enjoy the game with the alumni, won the 2012 OAC Tournament and participated in the program's first-ever NCAA Softball Tournament.

At noon, Aaron Goldhammer of ESPN 850's "The Really Big Show" will broadcast live from South Belvior Road on campus, headlining the football pregame tailgate.  The ESPN Cleveland Street Team will be on hand, giving away prizes and autographed memorabilia.  

Meanwhile, the tennis courts will become a German style bier garden, where alumni, parents, and fans can enjoy food and drinks while playing cornhole and other outdoor games.  $10 will get you a gameday pass that includes a "Blue Streak Brat," snacks, fresh lemonade, and a reserved ticket for the football game.

Kickoff will be 2:00 p.m., where the Blue Streaks will do battle with the Pioneers.  JCU is coming off a 37-10 road win over Capital University, and are 2-2 (1-2 OAC) heading into Saturday.

Following the game, a Lobo Palooza Block Party will break out!  An abundance of live music, food, games, inflatables, contests and more will be available along South Belvior Road.  The outdoor party is slated to last until 7:00 p.m., when it will head inside for the Carroll Casino in the LSC Conference Room and Murphy Room.  No money is required to participate and win prizes at the casino, which will last until approximately 9:00 p.m.

A Homecoming and family mass and brunch will take place on Sunday morning, and a JV football game vs. Heidelberg at 2:00 p.m. will wrap up Lobo Palooza. 

For full details about the weekend, visit the official 2012 Homecoming web page.

Lobo and friends can't wait to see you there!