Whitney Gulden
Reporter
Homecoming is a time for our school to unleash its red and black spirit, show its true colors and come together as a school. Even though most students are getting ready for the big football game many other teams are playing over the weekend along with football including girls soccer, field hockey, swimming and diving, volleyball.
These five teams will be playing Friday October 23rd, and Saturday October 24th, right after being pumped up by a week of spirit. Athletes hope that the our school spirit will bring victory to all of the teams in both home and away games.
Varsity girls’ field hockey is home, at Dunning Stadium, on Friday the 23rd against Fairfield Warde at 4pm. So far the team has an undefeated season, and they scored a 2-0 win against Warde last year. “Personally I try to go into every game with the same kind of intensity, but it helps that you have everyone’s support,” Senior Tri-captain Maggie Burke said.
Varsity girls’ soccer is away at Brien McMahon on the 23rd at 7pm. In the 2008 season the team won against McMahon 4-0. Given that the team was recently named 3rd in the state, a win is a distinct possibility. When asked about how she thinks the hype of the pep rally and homecoming will affect the morale and game of the team, Senior Freddie Kemp said, “[We have to] get really into it, perform at the pep rally, get excited and get pumped up for the game.”
Varsity girls’ volleyball is away on the 23rd at Brien McMahon at 4pm. The Brien McMahon game was one of the strongest last season for the varsity girls volleyball with a 3-0 set win. Varsity Coach Katie Campbell says, “Homecoming week our girls will be pumped, hot off red and black day, they will be ready to go from the first whistle and ready to take the game.” As for being affected by all the hype, Campbell says, “[The team/player] will be in a positive way. We have a very excitable team. All the excitement will make them focus and play better in their game.”
Girls swimming and diving is away in Greenwich at 3:30pm. The team did not compete against Greenwich last season. According to Coach Fine the meet was added to the schedule “For more competition and to face challenges,” He said of the athletes. “ I think they’ll be excited to face that challenge. Greenwhich is the best team in the state.”
The varsity boys’ football game is 2pm on Saturday the 23rd, at Dunning Stadium against St. Joe’s. The team has an undefeated season and hopes to win a fourth state championship title. Coach Marinelli said, “I’d like to do it all over again if I could. It was fun but it’s hard… Our game this year is a tough game we’re going to have to play hard to win.” Senior Captain Cole Duncan said, “I think it’s going to be a good game. Both teams are 2-0. They [St. Joe’s] are definitely known as a strong program.” According to Ms. Anne Tomaselli, the halftime show will include a presentation for Peter Demmerle, a former alumnus of the class of 1971 who passed away several years ago and was inducted into the NCHS football hall of fame in 2000.
Homecoming clearly isn’t all about the football game; it’s about all of the teams playing with unusual enthusiasm and intensity because they know that their whole school is behind them cheering them on.
