EA Day stands as the pinnacle of Haverford School athletics, a celebration that epitomizes the school’s fierce historic rivalry with Episcopal Academy. This day of intense competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year, highlighting school pride and unity. One of the best parts of Inter-Ac competitions are the student fan sections, and EA Day is no exception. For this one day, and in the weeks leading up to it, the entire Haverford community has a shared purpose.
This raises the question: What does EA Day truly mean to the Haverford community?
For many students, EA Day represents a chance to exhibit Haverford’s finest virtues.
“It is a day at Haverford to show our greatness to the community,” Fourth Former Christian Case said.
Sixth Former Elijah Leader echoed this belief, emphasizing EA Day’s importance and impact. “It’s definitely a very historic rivalry, and with that comes passion. It makes me excited to carry it on and cheer for the Fords,” Leader said.
Does EA Day showcase the school’s honor, virtues, and brotherhood, or is it simply an expression of a deeply ingrained rivalry?
“EA Day is truly a day of brotherhood, we can unite in a friendly competition as one body and truly feel what it means to be connected under one goal,” Fifth Former Jack Ford said. “As a runner myself, I always love feeling the support of Haverford during EA Day, knowing my brothers have my back.”
Sixth Former Zac Fuscaldo thinks EA Day means something special to Haverford’s “lifers” – students who have been at the school for 13 or 14 years. “It’s my last one,” he said. “It’s a time where all 14 grades of Haverford come together.”
“There’s no week like the week preceding EA Day—the team spirit, the buzz cuts—everything contributes to a sense of belonging,” Sixth Former Michael Laux said. “Nothing encapsulates the Haverford experience like EA Day, and I’m so excited for it.”
“For me, it’s been the most fun day of the entire school year for the last seven years,” Fifth Former Jack Chisholm said.
To me, EA Day is the Haverford community at its best
Caleb siever ’26
“To me, EA Day is the Haverford community at its best,” Fifth Former Caleb Siever said. “Seeing everyone showing out for their brothers is truly what it means to be a Haverford school student.”
Meanwhile, Fifth Former Joseph Kahana reflected on his unique experience as an Orthodox Jew. “I’ve been at Haverford for twelve years, but I’ve never been able to go to EA Day because of the Jewish Sabbath. I would go if I could, especially since I’ve qualified to run on EA Day.”
It is one of my favorite days of the year. I love the wacky haircuts, the brotherhood, and the way we come together
Alex Dardarian ’25
Sixth Form cross-country captain Alex Dardarian cherishes the atmosphere of EA Day. “It is one of my favorite days of the year. I love the wacky haircuts, the brotherhood, and the way we come together,” Dardarian said. “A lot of the sports normally don’t get much recognition, but on EA Day, every sport gets their largest student section.”
But what does EA Day mean to faculty and other members of the community?
“I obviously don’t have the same feelings about EA Day as many of the students, but I enjoy the energy and camaraderie that the day and the whole week bring,” Dean of Students Mr. Luqman Kolade said. “I appreciate how everyone comes together around a singular idea, and while on the surface that idea is beating EA, it’s actually about being and working together.”
“It’s a real show of how strong our community is. The entire school comes out and supports every event, not just football. Being there to see it from the field is a thing of beauty,” Student Body President Joshua Williams ’25 said. “It is a time to take hold and captivate the audience around me. Lastly, it is a time for me as an individual to show myself on a grand stage in front of my brothers and uphold my school reputation.”
