Homecoming, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, included a Friday afternoon of games for students and a full Saturday for alumni and friends that included soccer, lacrosse, football, Shop Open House, an Archives display, the Alumni Homecoming Celebration, and a dedication ceremony for our newest dormitory, the Howley Dormitory.
Friday’s games included students competing by shop in volleyball, gaga, handball, basketball, flickerball, fraz, futsal, and tug of war. The games were organized by Jeremy Knechel, director of student engagement, and each game had faculty and staff officiating. Several alumni mentors and members of the 7W7 50-Year Affiliate Committee were also on hand to help referee the competitions.
That evening, after a delicious buffet in the Rowan Hall dining room offered by Tim Burbage, director of food services, all the students went to the exterior of the Wesley Student Center for the awarding of the Game Day Trophy. First place went to the very excited masonry students. All of the students enjoyed ice cream sundaes prepared by Mary Nell Rounds and Rich Graham, drafting instructor.
Homecoming Day, on Saturday, began early with 18 soccer alumni taking on the varsity squad. In a hard-fought contest, the alumni won 2-1. Then, 11 lacrosse alumni competed against the varsity squad. The varsity team won 9-4.
At 11:30 a.m., a dedication ceremony was held for the new Howley Dormitory to honor Nick and Lorie Howley, and trustees of The Howley Foundation, which provided the lead gift for the construction. Other funders honored were: an anonymous donor, Armstrong Foundation, Mr. Daniel L. Baker, Baker Construction Enterprises, Crystal Trust, and The McLean Contributionship. Wendy McLean was in attendance representing The McLean Contributionship.
This was followed by the Williamson Association of Alumni’s Alumni Homecoming Celebration in the upper level of the Wesley Student Center. This event gave alumni plenty of time to get reacquainted with old friends, make some new ones, and catch up with former faculty members. Alumni also received an exclusive Alumni Homecoming Giveaway. Live music was provided by alumnus Perry Greto 8W0.
At 1 PM, the Mechanics took on a tough Showtime Prep football team. They held their own most of the game, but lost steam at the end, losing 50-28.
