John Bishop ‘22
EA/Haverford/AIS weekend will happen this year even if it looks drastically different than it has in years past. Although there will be a football game, EA will miss the crowds of cheering spectators, alumni walking the grounds, concession stands selling food and EA gear, and certainly students rushing the football field if EA wins the sweater.
SWEATER WEATHER: The EA/Haverford Sweater rests in Episcopal’s Athletic Center after Episcopal’s victory over Haverford last year, where it will most likely be staying this year.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Kennedy
Regarding EA’s four decade-long athletic tradition, Todd Fairlie, Athletic Director and Varsity Football Head Coach, states, “We will not have a traditional day this year. I don’t see us including the sweater or the banner.” He continues, “Our main concern was the crowds. There is no safe way to control social distancing given the number of people in the crowds.” When asked about the possibility of having the event later in the school year, Fairlie says, “Right now, we are focused on the fall to see that we can have a full sports season without any problems.”
In addition to a lack of fans in the stands, the absence of EA/Haverford/AIS weekend is hurting the EA community. Fairlie shares the community’s sentiments, stating, “It’s heartbreaking and disappointing for our athletes and our community as a whole.” Malcolm Folk ‘21 discusses what it means to him and the football team to be missing out on EA/Haverford/AIS weekend, saying that “obviously, it is heartbreaking that we are not having the traditional EA/Haverford/AIS weekend this fall. For seniors, this would’ve been our last EA/Haverford day, but we are grateful that we have the opportunity to play 4 more games for Episcopal [during this abbreviated fall season].” As for the student spectators, many are extremely disappointed that they will not be able to see all of their teams play Haverford and AIS in-person, or be able to rush the fields to celebrate with them. Nevertheless, many students still feel lucky to at least be able to play and have a fall season under these unusual circumstances. Cross country runner Kristin Jorgensen ‘22 says that “taking part in EA/Haverford/AIS day is the perfect culmination of the fall athletic season because there is so much spirit and adrenaline. It is a shame that we are unable to do it this year, but at least we can practice with our teams.”
In addition to affecting the current students and faculty at EA, the cancellation of the tradition is also tough on alumni who look forward to coming back to EA, watching games, and catching up with old friends. However, although alumni cannot watch the games in-person this year, William Keffer ‘84, who looks forward to the weekend anyways, says, “No fans? No problem. … I will wear my EA gear on Friday and Saturday; I will put my ‘Beat Haverford and AIS’ yard sign out in my yard; I will pester and taunt my relatives and friends that went to Haverford; I will cheer for all those who are participating this year…and hope for an EA win in all events!”
Even though the entire EA community cannot attend the games, students can still expect to have Spirit Week this year. Michael Letts, Head of Upper School, shares that “Spirit Week will happen during the week leading up to the EA vs Haverford football game. There will be an event each day. We should be able to have jeopardy, possibly a relay race, and there is hope we can also do our traditional pep rally video.” By still having Spirit Week, the administration’s hope is to create some sense of a normalcy in this hectic year. However, some traditional events such as tug-of-war and dodgeball must be canceled due to the inability to socially distance. Letts shares, “We are trying to do as much as possible for every student-athlete and we are doing anything we can to bring fun and get things back to normal.”