Sierra Coleman, a junior at Virginia Wesleyan University, stated that this year’s homecoming was better than her high school homecoming due to the amount of people that attended and wanted to dance. “My whole basketball team went. There were even alumni there, because it was alumni weekend.” Current and former students of Virginia Wesleyan came together on the dance floor to enjoy the carefree atmosphere.
Homecoming Court member Chelsea Goldrin, a freshman at Virginia Wesleyan, was accompanied on the court by her best friend, Jay Johnson. Goldrin’s expectations of dancing, good music and students having a good time at homecoming were met this year. “My favorite part was the music and seeing everyone come together and just having fun,” Goldrin said.
Although many students attended the dance, not many students were aware of the nominees or the events going on throughout the week. Goldrin said, “Next year there needs to be more advertising for homecoming. I feel as if it was announced once.” Goldrin says that many students were unsure of where to vote. In order to vote for the homecoming court, students had to physically vote in the Student Activities office rather than in previous years when voting was done online. This year’s homecoming involved good music, dancing and an inclusive environment where students could be with their friends and get to know each other.
Family Weekend at Virginia Wesleyan University encouraged current and former students to come together and enjoy the Marlin atmosphere on campus. Field hockey, women’s soccer and men’s soccer all competed at home on Saturday, Oct. 5. Women’s soccer routed Hollins to a 6-1 victory. With a late goal from Scott Signorelli, men’s soccer was able to pull out a victory against Randolph College. Field hockey lost a close one to Bridgewater College. Volleyball went on the road to Marymount to split a two-game set. They lost the first matchup to Marymount and then won against DeSales.
Alumni and current spring sports athletes competed against each other in the alumni games. Baseball, softball and men’s and women’s lacrosse went head-to-head against former athletes in order to celebrate the players that came before them. Alumni games brought these athletes together to exemplify their Marlin pride.
Another event that took place was the Homecoming FinFest, an annual event that involved entertainment, food and good times. FinFest took place on Marlin Way across from Birdsong Field on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students were able to use their meal plan swipes to enjoy the Dining Services food tent from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Devil Dog Pride food truck was also available. FinFest included events such as cornhole, a chili cook off and entertainment by Astro DJ. Stephen Riegler, the Coordinator of Advancement Events at Virginia Wesleyan University, stated that “FinFest is all about bringing everyone together.”
Homecoming weekend at Virginia Wesleyan University creates an environment where students and alumni can come together and support their school. Homecoming gets people involved and allows them to express their Marlin pride.
Karleigh Warren
kawarren1@vwu.edu
