Bridgewater, Va. – The ringing of the Memorial Bell was heard across Bridgewater College’s campus as the football team celebrated their homecoming game victory. The climatic win was preceded by a weekend full of homecoming festivities for current students and alumni. The BC community was brought together for the customary bonfire, festival, tailgating and football game to celebrate their school pride and lifelong connections. 

Homecoming weekend kicked off on Friday evening with the traditional bonfire that celebrates school spirit for the athletic teams. The event showcased fireworks and concluded with a foam party. Students wore their brand new BC homecoming t-shirts to the event and celebrated with Shirley’s popcorn and hot chocolate. 

“It felt great to be a part of homecoming again, and as a senior it made it even more sentimental and memorable,” said senior Jalissa White-Jones.

The homecoming festival took place Saturday morning on the campus mall and hosted numerous activities, such as a bounce house and inflatable axe throwing, as well as an inflatable selfie chair. Attendees were given the opportunity to play with three alpacas, courtesy of Meadowgate Alpacas. 

“I really enjoyed catching up with the people I had made connections with before they graduated,” said senior Brooke Locascio. “And the alpacas!” 

Other activities included an academic department social and tours of the John Kenny Forrer Learning Commons. Refreshments were provided, such as pretzels, apple cider, donuts and caramel apples, as well as kettle corn made on site by Lucky Duck Kettle Korn of Waynesboro, Virginia. 

“The Homecoming festival is a wonderful tradition at BC and it felt even more special after the last year and a half. Campus is beautiful in the fall and it was relaxing to just catch up with people while drinking cider and petting alpacas,” said senior Destiny Shoemaker. 

The festival was followed by a tailgate party on Mapp field and the homecoming football game where BC played against the Newport News Apprentice School with a full stadium of students, alumni and families. The Eagles defeated the builders 27-7. 

“It was really exciting to watch the team make the win,” said senior Katy Mattox. “This was actually my first football game here, and it really made me wish I had seen more of them. The energy was awesome, the team did great and the marching band was incredible.” 

The game featured music from the Screamin’ Eagles Pep Band, which welcomed back a handful of alumni to play with them. The halftime show saw the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band perform two medleys of modern music arranged by Assistant Professor of Music and Choral Director Ryan Keebaugh.