Successful Homecoming Held With Something for All Tastes!

The successful Homecoming on Oct. 11-12, included a Friday afternoon of games for students, closing with a bonfire, and a full Saturday that included soccer, lacrosse, football, events for all ages and interests, and was highlighted by the dedication of the Betty and Russ 5W0 Harvey Field. The day closed with reunions.

Friday’s games included students competing by shop and year in volleyball, kickball, Futsal, European handball, Ga-ga, and Foursquare. The games were organized by Peter Bowersox, director of student engagement, and run by faculty and staff.

That evening, students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the Homecoming Block Party at the Pavilion with several games and food prepared by Tim Burbage, director of food services. Then, at the Restall Sports Center, Machine Shop won the shop dodgeball competition and then took on a team of staff and faculty in a fast game of dodgeball, with the machinists winning.

The winner of the day’s games was Horticulture, who get to proudly display the winner’s very large trophy for the year. The evening ended with a large bonfire with birch beer and Dilly Bars.

Homecoming Day started early with a hard-fought varsity vs. alumni soccer game with the varsity team rallying to take down the alumni team 6-4. (To read more about the game, click here.) Then, a small, but talented alumni lacrosse team, defeated the varsity squad 7-5. (To read more about the game, click here.)

One of the morning’s highlights was a talk on the famous Victorian era architect Frank Furness, who designed many of Williamson’s buildings, with James Tevebaugh, founder of Tevebaugh Architecture and an expert on Furness. It was followed by a chapel service.

Also in the morning, expert pumpkin carver Chuck Feld, horticulture instructor, carved a large pumpkin while guests painted their own pumpkins. Other morning events were the Family Fun Zone, which included several children’s rides, such as a slide and moonbounce. The academic faculty held their annual Faculty Reception with refreshments and mingling, there were shop open houses, and an interesting historical display in the George Heckler 4W2 Archives put together by archivist Lesley Carey. Many bought Williamson souvenirs at the College Store and the Auxiliary’s refreshment table, which also featured the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a beautiful quilt made by Lori Schirk, wife of Eric 8W5.

Three food trucks, the Plum Pit, the Munchy Machine, and Tyler’s Water Ice, offered an extended selection of food for those who were hungry.

Early in the day, a large group of young men and their families attended an Admissions Talk and campus tour to learn more about Williamson. Hopefully, many of them will return next fall as freshmen.

After an excellent luncheon in the dining room the newly completed Betty and Russ 5W0 Harvey Field, the school’s new artificial turf multi-sport athletic field, was dedicated with President Michael Rounds and Board Chairman William Bonenberger 7W9, honoring the Harvey’s daughter Lisa, and her husband Brian with a Williamson keepsake box containing the coin used in the game’s coin toss. Lisa was wearing one of her father’s favorite Williamson sweatshirts in his honor.

The football game attracted a large crowd watching the Mechanics defeat a tough Coppin State University team, 21-7.  (Go to this link to read more details about the game, click here.)

The game concluded with the football team, joined by the entire student body and President Rounds, singing the alma mater.

Reunions were held that evening for the Classes of 5W4, 5W9, 6W4, 6W9, 7W4, 7W9, 8W4, 8W9, 9W4, 9W9, 0W4, 0W9, and 1W4 at Duffer’s Mill in Garnet Valley. The crowd enjoyed good food, old friends, and making new friends.