For over a century, the rivalry between Episcopal Academy and The Haverford School has been at the forefront of both schools’ cultures. Every year, this rivalry culminates in EA/Haverford Day, a showdown in the five primary fall sports: football, soccer, cross country, golf, and water polo.
This year, EA Day will take place on Saturday, November 9th.
Over the past few years, Haverford has grown accustomed to a certain schedule: golf on Friday, and the rest of the sports on Saturday. However, there is a major change this year. Golf will now be played on Saturday.
“The move to golf on Saturday was EA’s call,” Director of Athletics Mr. Michael Murphy said. “They are the home team and get to decide when contests are played.”
The primary reason for this shift was to put more focus on the girls’ competitions between Agnes Irwin and EA. They compete on Friday, and Haverford, EA, and Agnes Irwin believe it is fairer for that exhibition to get equally focused attention.
The rivalry with EA is fundamental for school culture in many ways.
“EA wants, deservedly, the attention of their community on the girls’ competitions,” said Mr. Murphy. “We respect that decision.”
Golf will kick off EA Day at 10 a.m. Those matches will take place at Waynesborough Country Club. From there, the rest of the competitions will take place at EA’s campus in Newtown Square.
Cross country will start at 12:30 p.m., water polo will start at 1 p.m., soccer will start at 2 p.m., and football will start at 4 p.m. With golf being on Saturday, competitions will go on until later in the day.
“As a result of golf being played in the morning, we decided to back up the start times of other events, so community members who want to can attend the golf match,” Mr. Murphy said. “EA has lights, so playing some of the contests later in the day is not an issue.”
In addition to the competitions, the Haverford School Parents’ Association (HSPA) will host a pancake breakfast beforehand. It will be in Haverford’s Dining Hall at 8 a.m.
The rivalry with EA is fundamental for school culture in many ways.
“EA Day is about rallying two school communities around a storied rivalry and engaging in competition grounded in mutual respect,” Head of Upper School Mr. Mark Fifer said. “It is a fantastic rally point that brings the community together in meaningful ways.”
“The rivalry with EA helps make everyone feel truly at home in the school.”
Fifth Former Ranvir Gill
“The rivalry,” Mr. Murphy said, “respects and honors the tradition of two storied institutions competing as they have done for a very long time. It is one of the oldest rivalries in the state.”
“Having a week where we all unite to show that we are better than another talented school is nice,” Fifth Former James Friel said. “It helps make Haverford great.”
“The rivalry with EA helps make everyone feel truly at home in the school,” Fifth Former Ranvir Gill said. “We all come together to support the guys on the field, and attending the events is something I look forward to every year.”
“The great thing about every rivalry is no matter what social circle or clique you run in, you can relate to others,” said Fourth Former Anantivir Othie. “It is always fun to go to the games with my friends, but it is also great to make new connections with other people.”
“My favorite part of EA Day is the lead-up to it.”
Mr. Mark Fifer
Many community members look forward to EA week.
“My favorite part begins on Friday evening with an alumni event that we hold here on campus,” Mr. Murphy said. “So many alumni return to campus to talk about the upcoming contests, revel in stories and memories from the past, and get a chance to catch up and reunite.”
“My favorite part of EA Day is the lead-up to it,” Mr. Fifer said. “I love the energy and enthusiasm that comes from the various form-level competitions.”
“This is my first year on a team playing during EA Day,” Friel said. “It is something I am very excited about, and I can already feel the support from the community.”
“For me, every part about EA week is exciting,” Gill said. “We get dress-down days for the entire week and have an opportunity to spend quality time with friends in the student sections during the games.”
“Going to EA Day is always fun, enjoyable, and relaxing,” Othie said. “It is great to see guys I know give their all on the field, and it is even better to see them win. For guys who have never been to EA Day before, I always recommend for them to go to the games.”
