Every year, the leaves turn yellow and orange, and EA Day is top of mind for the school community. Those on varsity teams, who have been working hard since the beginning of August in preparation, are ready for the season-defining games of EA Day.
Haverford alumni note the significance of not only the games that are played on EA Day but the sense of community and camaraderie that EA Day provides the school community.
“Friday was when we all came together as a school and truly began to get excited for the following day. Dr. Nagl would always speak and everyone would get really hyped up. Those Fridays were some of my fondest Haverford memories,” Augie Aliaga ’21 said.
Aliaga also stressed the importance of attending the games earlier in the day.
“The water polo games are usually pretty early . . . but in such a small space like the surrounding areas of the pool; it would get so loud,” said Aliaga. “I would recommend everyone to be there and fill it up.”
Fresh off the naming of M&J Spencer Stadium, alumnus Jake Spencer ’20 spoke of his experiences as a wide receiver on the football team in his years as Ford.
“I loved looking into the EA home stands and seeing way more maroon and gold than blue and white. Didn’t matter where we played, we made it our home field.”
Jake Spencer ’20
“I loved looking into the EA home stands and seeing way more maroon and gold than blue and white. Didn’t matter where we played, we made it our home field,” Spencer said.
EA Day also presents a psychological struggle for the seniors, many of whom are playing their last game as a Ford.
“EA Day is always our last game of the season, so the practice becomes a little bitter-sweet, knowing our season is coming to an end, no matter the outcome of Saturday,” Spencer said.
Dante Perri ’20 underlined the importance of classmates’ support displayed throughout the game. Both alumni can still vividly recall the adrenaline rush that playing on EA Day brought them.
“Running around on that field and scoring touchdowns with my brothers shouting and screaming from the stands was one of the most exhilarating and heartfelt moments of my life,” Spencer said.
Perri echoed these sentiments.
“That first touchdown we scored, being able to hear the crowd roar was one of the most amazing feelings,” Perri said.
He also stressed the necessity of stepping back and taking in the moment, not getting caught up in the hysteria that EA Day presents.
“Between the EA week festivities and the anticipation of the game, there is almost nothing quite like that week.”
Dante Perri ’20
“I personally got ready for EA day by stepping back and taking in the moment,” Perri said. Between the EA week festivities and the anticipation of the game, there is almost nothing quite like that week.”
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