FAYETTEVILLE -- Homecoming week at Arkansas isn't all about the football game or the newly crowned queen anymore -- at least not for former Arkansas band members.

About 70 band alumni -- some in their mid 1970s and 80s -- played at Saturday's game with the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, participating in this week's homecoming activities.

The alumni band played on the field before Saturday's game and then sat in the northeast corner of the stadium playing pep songs.

Mostly all the alumni members arrived in Fayetteville on Friday and practiced with the current band Saturday morning before Arkansas' game against Florida International, said Timothy Gunter, Arkansas' band director.

"Some of them are a little rusty, but that was to be expected," Gunter said. "But having them back is great. They all love coming back and playing with us. It's just a great way to cap off the week."

David Cozart, a trumpet player who graduated in '83, said it didn't take him very long to remember how to play the songs.

"This was my third year to do this, so I kind of had a good handle on everything," said Cozart, who is from Fayetteville.

Sandy Wilhite ('83) and Leslie Cheatham ('85) both twirled flags on Saturday as part of the alumni band colorguard.

"It was just great being back out here," Cheatham said. "It's a great opportunity to see old friends and just be a part of the Razorbacks again."

Diehard Fans

Jonathan and Jeffrey Garcia, both brothers, were extremely proud to be wearing the Florida International blue and gold on Saturday.

Both Jonathan and Jeffrey, who are Miami natives and boosters of the FIU athletic program, flew up with the team on Friday to attend Saturday's game.

"So what, we've got the nation's longest losing streak, but I still love the Panthers," said Jonathan, 35. "I think we're going to be able to bring this program back."

Graham White, who's a captain in the Army and is based in Fort Larson, Col., is a brother-in-law of FIU coach Mario Cristobal and said he's hoping the Panthers can be successful again.

"When I tell a lot of guys I'm a fan of Florida International, they're like, 'Who is that,'" White said. "I think Mario is going to be a great coach for this program."

Cherico Honored

Former Razorback Tony Cherico was Arkansas' honorary captain on Saturday.

Cherico, who was a four-year letterman for the Razorbacks from 1984-87, was an All-American in 1987 at noseguard.

Cherico, who is now the defensive line coach for the Bentonville Tigers, ended his Razorback career with 258 tackles and 26 tackles for loss.

Cherico said being back on the field was a neat experience.

"It's been so long since I've been on the field, since my playing days," Cherico said. "I was shocked when (Arkansas) asked me to be the captain. It's a true honor and it was nice seing a bunch of my old teammates."

During Cherico's four-year career, Arkansas went 35-13-1.

Recruits At The Game

Only a handful of prep athletes attended Arkansas' game against Florida International on Saturday.

The most notable recruit was Anthony Oden (6-foot-8, 280 pounds), a tight end and defensive end from Indianapolis. Oden is the brother of Greg Oden, who's a former Ohio State Buckeye and now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Other athletes included quarterback Tanner Marsh (6-3, 185, Lewisville, Texas), offensive lineman Colby Berna (6-4, 275, Fayetteville) and defensive end Brooks Reimer (6-5, 225, Springdale Har-Ber).