Successful Homecoming Offered Something for Everyone

Homecoming Weekend ran from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning and with many new activities and events for all tastes brought in the largest crowd seen in years.

For full photo highlights visit our Homecoming photo album on Facebook!

The weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with games for all students, including kickball, dodgeball, three-point basketball, and a new and very popular game for participants and spectators—bubble soccer.

That evening, everyone enjoyed the Homecoming Festival at the Pavilion with food and more games. The crowd then moved to the Restall Sports Center to watch a basketball game between students and faculty and staff. The game was even until the last seconds when the students took the lead and won 48-46 in overtime.

The evening concluded with a bonfire and the crowd cheering on the soccer and football team members. Once again, Paint Shop took home the trophy for winning the day’s events.

Homecoming Day started bright and early with several past SkillsUSA state champions competing in a masonry competition in Brick Shop to see who could lay the most block in 30 minutes on a straight wall. John Lang 1W0 came in first, second was Eric Shreiber 1W3, and third was Mike Wagner 0W7.

The varsity soccer team defeated the alumni team after a back and forth game that showed the “old timers” had not lost it. The game ended with a 3-3 tie and after a scoreless overtime was decided on penalty kicks.

One of the highlights of the morning was the dedication of the new Student Lounge, a gift of the Classes of 1W5 and 1W6, Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Clemens, and The 25th Century Foundation. Words were given by President Michael Rounds; Tim Burbage, advisor for both classes; Joe Portz, representing the Class of 1W5; Jared Pendleton, representing the Class of 1W6; and Wayne Watson 4W8, board chairman. The dedication closed with a prayer by Mark Specht 7W7, chaplain.

Other events of the morning included a Reunion Classes Tailgate at the Pavilion and a Family Fun Zone with pony rides, face painting, moonbounce, and snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy provided by Richard Rothe. The academic faculty held their annual Faculty Reception, there were shop open houses, and a nice historical display in the George Heckler 4W2 Archives. Many took advantage of the College Store selling items featuring the school’s new name and the Ladies Auxiliary Refreshment Table.

About 200 young men and their families attended an Admissions Talk and campus tour to learn more about Williamson.

After lunch in the dining room, the football game attracted a very large crowd despite the slightly cold temperatures to watch the Mechanics take on the DC Metro Wolves. Williamson not only won the game 20-14, but guaranteed its first winning season since 1996. During halftime the new scoreboard, a gift of the Alumni Association, was dedicated. Stacy Starr 6W8, Association president, handed President Michael Rounds, a large facsimile of a check for $12,500, the cost of the gift. Also on hand from the Association were Bob Abbot 8W1, past president; Phil Lock 6W9, treasurer; Russ Harvey 5W0, long-time member; Ed Hatchigian 6W0, secretary; John Brown 8W5, financial secretary, and Bill Goodworth 8W2, 1st vice president. The game concluded with President Rounds and Greg Lindemuth, executive vice president, the entire football team and all the students, leading the crowd in the singing of the alma mater.

That evening a reunion was held for the Classes of 5W5, 6W0, 6W5, 7W0, 7W5, 8W0, 8W5, 9W0, 9W5, 0W0, 0W5, and 1W0 at Barnaby’s in Aston. Along with good food, old friends enjoyed reconnecting.

On a chilly Sunday morning, the Alumni Association put on their annual 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk. John Ashton 8W1 took first place with second and third going to Bob Duncan 7W9 and Eric Johnson. For complete race results, visit http://www.eliteracemanagement.com/