Homecoming 2015 Honors Traditions Old and New

 

After a three-year absence, the Homecoming Bonfire made its triumphant return on Thursday evening. Students gathered in the junior parking lot near Nonesuch Field for pizza, music, and an awe-inspiring bonfire. Fall team captains encouraged everyone to make it out to their games, while the Red Wing mascot made its way through the crowd hyping things up.

Click here to watch a highlight video from Homecoming 2015.

Friday morning’s Homecoming Pep Rally featured a surprise appearance by the Boston College Cheer Squad. These Eagles helped hype up the Red Wings in the crowd, which set the tone for what would be a memorable weekend of Fan Zone support.

 

The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams kicked things off with their races at Elm Bank in Wellesley. The girls took five of the first six places in their race, led by Caroline Phelps ’18 in first place and Chloe Smith ’17 in second. Rayna Hata ’19, Caroline Magnan ’18, and Caroline Grape ’18 finished fourth, fifth, and sixth to help lift the Red Wings to wins over Southfield School, Worcester Academy, and Marianapolis Prep. On the boys’ side, Nic Stathos ’18 led the way with a fifth-place finish while James Brennan ’17 finished in 10th.

 

The Friday nightcap featured the varsity field hockey team as it took on Groton under the lights on Waterman Field. A flurry of early goals gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead at the break and a 3-2 lead late in the second half, however a late Groton goal forced an overtime period. Captain Ellie Branka ’16 scored the game-winning goal by tipping in a shot from Kaitlin Wood ’17, lifting Rivers to a 4-3 win.

 

Saturday kicked off with a full slate of junior varsity games at 2:00 p.m. before making way for their varsity counterparts at 4:00 p.m. The varsity girls’ soccer team avenged its 2014 NEPSAC Class B semifinal loss to Groton with a 5-1 victory while the varsity boys’ soccer team fell to the Zebras 2-1.

 

All of this led to the varsity football team’s annual game under the lights on Waterman Field, an event that carried a bit more emotion with the passing of Mr. Frank Waterman ’41, a life trustee and school benefactor for whom the field is named. The alumni connection continued at halftime, when Director of Athletics Jim McNally welcomed back and honored five members of the 2005 NEPSAC Class C girls’ soccer champions for their 10-year anniversary.

 

The football game against St. Mark’s was an action-packed contest that saw the Red Wings build a 26-8 lead at halftime behind four touchdowns by Azar Swain ’17. However, St. Mark’s overcame the deficit with a strong second half to win the game, 35-26.

Thank you to all of the parent volunteers, as well as members of the Advancement, Alumni Relations, Athletic, Dining and Facilities departments for their contributions to making this weekend possible. And a very special thanks to all of the Rivers students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends who came out to support the Red Wings!

Click here for a full photo gallery from Homecoming weekend!