blog posts Breaking down who truly started the long-held tradition of homecoming Oct 16, 2024 4:30 pm by ESPNIllinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images ESPN (Oct. 16) In early 1910, two Illinois students sat on the steps of what was then the school’s YMCA. It’s there, the story goes, that they first discussed the idea for an event to bring alumni back to campus. Share on Facebook Tweet Email