DEL NORTE — School has been back in session for almost a month and with that comes the annual homecoming celebrations. The Upper Rio Grande School District (URGSD) is ready to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the start of another school year and all that comes along with it.

“We had a great start to the school year so far. I think everyone was ready to come back and I keep hearing students and teachers say how much they were looking forward to the school year,” said URGSD Superintendent Aaron Horrocks.

Horrocks continued to state that the year feels refreshing and exciting in a lot of ways, one being the new Athletic Director Gilbert Sanchez. Sanchez has been with the school for six years as a science teacher and when the position of athletic director came open this fall, he jumped on the opportunity.

Sanchez is a Del Norte native having grown up here and only left for about eight years to pursue education and family.

“We were at a place in our life when we decided we wanted to raise our family in a small-town setting and so we came home, and we have been very happy with everything ever since. It was great to come back, and I am excited to be the new athletic director for this fantastic school,” said Sanchez.

One thing Sanchez plans to focus on is bringing the community into the school.

“It is so important for these students to feel support from their community, and we invite everyone to get involved in some way with their local sports. Come see a game and cheer these wonderful students on,” said Sanchez. “I want to create that atmosphere and make the community feel welcome.”

Another exciting piece of news from the district is that this year, for the first time in two years, the school will be bringing back their tradition of Tiger Rags.

“We haven’t been able to host it for two years because of COVID and we really are excited to be able to bring it back for this homecoming,” said Horrocks.

Tiger Rags is a program started by Mike Marchilton several years ago and has become something the students, teachers, staff and community look forward to every year.

“Since it was started, which is literally time out of mind, Mike has only ever missed two shows and we really want to thank him for his inspiration and dedication to this school over the years,” explained Horrocks.

Tiger Rags is a talent show put on by students during Homecoming Week.

“It is really fun and builds school spirit and community strength. We just can’t say enough how fun this year is going to be. Come out and join in on the fun,” finished Horrocks.

The remaining schedule of events for Del Norte Homecoming Week:

Thursday, Sept 22

Dress up Day: Orange/Black Tiger Gear

Report to First Hour and then Competitions

Tiger Pep Rally: Gym 11:30-12:35 p.m.

Float Building 1:20-2:40 p.m.

Homecoming Parade 3 p.m.

Tiger Rag: 7 p.m.

Bonfire following Tiger Rag    

Friday, Sept 23

Community Tailgate, 2 to 5 p.m., Tiger Field Parking Lot

Del Norte volleyball vs Pagosa, Tiger Gym, 4 p.m.

Del Norte football vs Salida, Tiger Field, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept 24

Homecoming Dance, high school students only, 8 to 11 p.m.