BRIDGEWATER, Va. – On Oct. 10, the annual Bonfire and Fireworks event recognized every athletic team, the marching band, the cheerleading team and the dance club with performances, shoutouts and breakaway banners.
Athletes ran through paper banners, taking a “glory moment” with their teams, Sam Huyard, Director of Leadership and Belonging, said.
“It’s so energetic,” football player Ian “Stinky” Lane said. “Just the feeling of running through something, then you have people cheering for you.”
Huyard said that all athletic teams are included in the night’s celebrations, even those not in season.
“We want to make sure that every team feels celebrated and seen,” Huyard said.
Men’s tennis player Corey Beshoar said that he felt that the bonfire brought awareness to his team in the off-season. He said he hopes that people set an intention to check the team out in the spring.
Angelina Yann, a women’s basketball player, felt that the bonfire helped her team get “pumped up” for their upcoming season.
President David Bushman said that the bonfire tradition helps students feel connected to one another.
“Traditions are important that way because they remind people that they’re part of something bigger than themselves,” Bushman said.
“It’s really nice to see the community around, supporting you,” women’s volleyball player Vivi Liquorie said. “It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just your team.”
For the first time, the bonfire highlighted the new men’s volleyball team.
“It feels great to know, as a new program, that we are welcome and invited and cheered upon, even though they’ve never even seen us play,” men’s volleyball player Nic Verdi said.
The bonfire included performances by BC’s Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band, the cheerleading team and the dance club. The band performed pep tunes on the lawn, while the dance club and cheerleaders performed on stage.
Abigail “Fergie” Ferguson, executive officer of the Screamin’ Eagles, said that the band loves being recognized.
“Everyone’s focused on us,” Abigail “Fergie” Ferguson, Executive Officer of the Screamin’ Eagles, said. “It’s super fun, it’s loud, everyone’s dancing.”
Ferguson said that when the crowd is energetic, the band uses the energy and plays better.
Cheerleading captain Kate Griffin said that the bonfire was different from typical cheer performances in that they are closer to the crowd than at football games.
“It’s easy to get on more of a personal level with everybody,” she said.
The bonfire ushered in a weekend of events like reunions for the class of 1975, Connections Festival, tailgating, and a football game against Roanoke.
